The Detroit Lions are off to their strongest start in 70 years, thanks partly to Jared Goff’s play.
However, their latest win came despite Goff’s struggles.
Goff threw a career-high five interceptions, leading to a 16-point deficit that Detroit overcame to beat AFC South-leading Houston. After the comeback, Goff walked midfield with coach Dan Campbell and shared a thought.
B“He said, ‘We’re just different,’ and I agreed,” Campbell recalled. “That’s how we’re built.”
The Lions became the first team since 1970 to win after trailing by at least 15 points and throwing five interceptions.
“There are a lot of good teams, but few have endured what this core group has,” Goff said.
Detroit (8-1) has won seven straight, marking its best start since 1954. A win over Jacksonville (2-8) would secure their first 9-1 start since 1934.
Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence will miss his second straight game due to a left shoulder injury. Mac Jones is expected to start again, with Jacksonville hoping Lawrence can return after their bye.
Pederson’s future in doubt
The Jaguars have lost 13 of 16 games dating back to last season’s slump, putting coach Doug Pederson on the hot seat.
Owner Shad Khan, who called this roster his most talented in 12 years, has seen underwhelming results. Jacksonville is 1-6 in one-score games, with the league’s worst defense and a 25th-ranked offense.
Pederson led the team to a 9-8 record and a playoff win two seasons ago, but another loss guarantees a losing season. His career record stands at 62-61-1 in the regular season and 5-3 in the playoffs, including a Super Bowl win in 2018.
St. Brown shines
Detroit’s offense stumbled early as All-Pro receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown was kept out of the end zone. Since then, St. Brown has scored in seven consecutive games, setting a franchise record while energizing one of the NFL’s top offenses.
Jaguars’ offensive struggles
Jacksonville has totaled 358 yards in two recent losses to Green Bay and Minnesota.
“We ride together, we die together,” tight end Evan Engram said. “That’s the mindset I’m sticking with.”
Smith’s Lions debut
Za’Darius Smith is set to play his first game for Detroit after being traded from Cleveland.
The Lions gave Smith time off to address hurricane damage at his bFlorida home and enjoy an unofficial bye week.
“This team is special,” Smith said. “Great culture, coaching staff, and leadership. It’s all about winning here.”
Bates’ rise
Two years ago, Jake Bates was selling bricks in Houston. Now, he’s a two-time NFC Special Teams Player of the Week.
Bates made history with a 52-yard game-winner and a 58-yard tying kick in the same fourth quarter against Houston. Signed in June, Bates is 14-for-14 on field goals this season, including a clutch 44-yarder to beat Minnesota last month.
