Thanks to a fortuitous Lions penalty, 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo avoided going from G.O.A.T. to goat in the minds of some on Sunday.
Garoppolo seemed to throw an inexcusable interception with 3:21 left that appeared to put Detroit in position to overcome a 17-point deficit and stun San Francisco.
Then came relief in the form of a yellow flag. Away from the play, a holding penalty was called on Quandre Diggs. Gone was Tracy Walker’s stunning interception and subsequent return to the 49ers 7-yard line. Back was the inevitable 49ers victory, which the defense then provided by stopping the Lions’ last-minute drive.