While the Madden version of the Detroit Lions had no problem disposing of the St. Louis Rams in Week 1, the real-life version needed some heroics from quarterback Matthew Stafford. How will the Lions fare against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 2? Here is a simulation of Sunday's matchup.
Defense ruled the day in the first quarter. The Lions and 49ers' running games were going nowhere until after midway through the quarter, running back Kevin Smith scampered into the end zone from 11 yards out to give the Lions a 7-0 lead.
However, the troubles began in the second quarter. Deep in their own territory, an under-pressure Stafford couldn't get a pass away and fumbled the ball inside the 5-yard line, and a 49ers defender scooped it up and walked into the end zone to tie the game 7-7. On the next drive, the Lions' offense stalled just past midfield, and coach Jim Schwartz decided a fake punt would do the trick. The 49ers sniffed it out and stopped them just short of the first-down marker, forcing a turnover on downs. With great starting field position, the 49ers kicked a field goal to take a 10-7 lead at halftime.
The woes continued for the Lions as Stafford tossed an interception on the first play in the third quarter. The 49ers capitalized with a 1-yard TD rush by Frank Gore, whose running game picked up greatly in the second half.
The Lions were able to march down the field twice in this 15-minute frame, but could only chip away at the lead with two Jason Hanson field goals. Heading into the 4th quarter, the 49ers led the Lions 17-13.
After forcing a punt early, the Lions had plenty of time to move down the field and take the lead. It was looking great until Stafford threw a bomb to Calvin Johnson deep in 49ers territory, which was picked off. With a powerful rushing attack led by Gore, the 49ers' offense moved with ease and quarterback Alex Smith connected with Michael Crabtree on a 6-yard TD pass.
With under 6 minutes to go, the Lions refused to give in. After turning the ball over on downs and forcing a 49ers punt, Johnson hauled in a 13-yard pass from Stafford for a much-needed score. Titus Young caught the 2-point conversion to pull the Lions within 3 points, 24-21. But with under a minute remaining, the Lions couldn't recover the onside kick, and the 49ers ran out the clock to secure the victory.
The handshake went smoothly.
Madden record: 1-1
Real record: 1-0
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