The 49ers notched their first win at Candlestick Park this season with a 31-13 romp of the Detroit Lions.
With 4:25 remaining, Joe Nedney chipped in a 25-yard field goal to put the 49ers up 31-13. The field goal was set up by a Detroit onside kick attempt, which Arnaz Battle fielded and returned 28 yards to the 12-yardline.
Detroit's next drive crossed into 49ers territory but defensive end Justin Smith put an end to the Lions chance for another score with a one-handed interception.
Detroit had trimmed the 49ers to a 28-13 lead with 6:57 remaining on a 34-yard pass play from Jon Kitna to Rudi Johnson. Johnson's touchdown capped off a 9-play, 78-yard scoring drive.
On the previous series, return specialist Allen Rossum scored a 1-yard touchdown on a gutsy 4th and 1 end around, putting the 49ers ahead 28-6 over the Lions. Head coach Mike Nolan initially sent on his field goal unit after Frank Gore was stopped on a 3rd and inches back at the 1. Nolan took a timeout and then sent the offense back on the field for the score, which capped off a 12-play, 77-yard scoring drive that ended with just over nine minutes to go in the game.
Detroit's kicker Jason Hanson drilled a 51-yard field goal to end a 5-play, 29-yard scoring drive in the third quarter. Rudi Johnson's 27-yard explosive run play helped set up the Lions in 49ers territory.
With just under two minutes to go in the third quarter, the 49ers still lead 21-6.
The 49ers enjoyed a 21-3 cushion over the visiting Lions at the half, marking their first halftime lead of the year.
The 49ers needed only three plays to get into the end zone on a 24-yard touchdown throw from JT O'Sullivan to tight end Delanie Walker. O'Sullivan was three for three on the drive with a 25-yard completion to Bryant Johnson to start the drive, followed by an 18-yard strike to rookie Josh Morgan. The 3-play drive covered 72 yards and ended with 5:48 to go in the second quarter.
Detroit got their first points of the board with 7:23 left in the first half on a 44-yard field goal by Jason Hanson. The long field goal capped off an 11-play, 44-yard scoring drive. Rudi Johnson helped move the Lions into 49ers territory with a 17-yard run. Linebacker Takeo Spikes forced a fumble at the end of the play, but the ball took a favorable bounce for the Lions, setting them up at the 49ers 41-yardline.
Frank Gore's 4-yard touchdown run finished off a 6-play, 53-yard scoring drive that started near the end of the first quarter. Tight end Vernon Davis accounted for the longest play on the drive with a 17-yard reception.
The 49ers had taken a touchdown lead with a 6-yard J.T. O'Sullivan pass to Isaac Bruce that wrapped up a 6-play, 49-yard scoring drive. Gore's explosive 33-yard run helped set up the offense inside the 10.
The score occurred on the 49ers second offensive series of the ball game. Credit the defense for helping create a short field with Justin Smith's sack and forced fumble. Although the Lions recovered at their own 2, Detroit had to punt from deep in their own end zone.
