Kyle Shanahan recently sat down with Greg Papa on NBC Sports Bay Area’s “49ers Game Plan” to analyze the San Francisco 49ers’ upcoming Monday night clash with the Detroit Lions.

This matchup presents a daunting challenge for the 49ers, as they must contend with Detroit’s high-powered offense under the spotlight of “Monday Night Football” at Levi’s Stadium.

Shanahan, known for his expertise as an offensive strategist, acknowledged the significant task ahead for San Francisco’s defense.

During the interview, he outlined the key factors that make the Lions’ offense so formidable. He emphasized that it all starts with their offensive line, which he described as “special.”

“They’ve got I don’t know how many first-round picks on that line, but they all play like it,” Shanahan said. “I’d guess they’ll have four Pro Bowlers this year. That line has been solid for a while now.”

Detroit indeed boasts four first-round draft picks on its offensive line, which provides a sturdy foundation for its offense.

This exceptional unit creates opportunities for their dynamic skill players and quarterback Jared Goff to shine.

Shanahan elaborated on how the Lions’ offensive line allows them to execute their game plan effectively. “The way they come off the ball, their stoutness—it lets them do whatever they want.

Add a back like Jahmyr Gibbs, who has speed and toughness, to that system, and you’ve got a dangerous combination,” he explained.

Shanahan also praised the Lions’ blocking tight ends and noted that Jared Goff thrives behind such a dominant line. “Goff is as accurate as anyone in this league,” Shanahan added.

Goff, the former No. 1 overall draft pick, spent the first five years of his career with the Los Angeles Rams and is no stranger to Shanahan’s schemes. Shanahan highlighted the difficulties of defending Goff, especially with Detroit’s talented supporting cast.

“If you don’t get him off his spot or disrupt his rhythm, he’ll pick you apart,” Shanahan said. “He’s been doing that for a long time.”

The Lions’ offensive arsenal includes standout wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, who Shanahan described as “tough,” and Jameson Williams, whose speed makes him a game-changer.

Detroit also features a versatile and effective tight end, rounding out an offense with threats at every position.

“They have it all, which lets them stay balanced and unpredictable,” Shanahan noted.

Under offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, Detroit has assembled the NFL’s highest-scoring offense in 2024, averaging an impressive 32.8 points per game.

The Lions have racked up 6,129 total yards over 15 games—an average of 408.6 yards per game—despite battling significant injuries on defense.

Their dominance has translated to a 13-2 record, solidifying their status as one of the league’s elite teams.

Although the 49ers are out of playoff contention for the 2024 season, they still have plenty at stake in this rematch of last year’s NFC Championship Game.

San Francisco will need a stellar defensive performance to slow down Detroit’s juggernaut offense. Shanahan acknowledged the difficulty of the task but remains focused on the game plan.

Stopping the Lions’ offensive attack will require the 49ers to disrupt Goff’s timing and neutralize Detroit’s multiple playmakers.

Shanahan’s detailed breakdown reflects the respect he has for Detroit’s offense and underscores the challenge facing San Francisco’s defense as they prepare for this critical matchup.