The Detroit Lions, led by Head Coach Dan Campbell, are working through both positives and negatives after a frustrating home loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Jared Goff and the Lions are seeking a much-needed win after last week’s disappointing defeat to Tampa Bay.
In recent matchups, the Arizona Cardinals have often been the team to provide that opportunity.
The Lions (1-1) will play their first road game of the season against the Cardinals (1-1) on Sunday. Detroit has a 4-0-1 record against Arizona since 2017, and Goff boasts an 8-1 record against the team, dating back to his time with the Rams.
Detroit has not suffered consecutive losses since early in the 2022 season, and Goff attributes that to the team’s resilience.
“I believe it’s part of our identity and who we are,” Goff said. “It starts with Coach Dan Campbell and trickles down to the leaders and captains, but we respond well.”
This Cardinals team, however, could present a challenge. Arizona is coming off one of its best performances, defeating the Rams 41-10. Kyler Murray threw for 266 yards and three touchdowns, with rookie receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. catching two of them.
“They’re strong up front, and they play well together,” Campbell said. “This will be a big test for us, and they’re playing good football right now.”
Arizona’s dominant win has them in an unfamiliar position — success.
The Cardinals excelled in every phase of the game, with no major weaknesses. James Conner rushed for 122 yards, Dennis Gardeck recorded three sacks, and Matt Prater nailed a 57-yard field goal.
A solid effort for a team that went 4-13 in the last two seasons.
“You can’t get complacent after a big win,” Murray said. “In this league, every Sunday is a new challenge, and we understand that. It’s all about how we respond.”
Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon believes his team won’t rest on its laurels.
“We’ve got mature guys in the locker room,” Gannon said. “It’s easy to turn the page when they watch Detroit on film. They know it’s a week-to-week league.”
Sack leader?
Detroit’s defensive end Aidan Hutchinson had three sacks in the first quarter of last week’s game against Tampa Bay, finishing with 4 1/2 total sacks, bringing his season total to 5 1/2. Hutchinson has his eye on breaking the NFL single-season sack record of 22 1/2, set by Michael Strahan and matched by T.J. Watt.
“I’ve always aimed to break that record,” said Hutchinson, a former Michigan standout and the No. 2 overall pick in 2022. “If I get the chance this year, great.”
Success on third down
The Cardinals offense leads the NFL in third-down conversions, going 14 for 24 (58%). They were even more effective against the Rams, converting 7 of 11.
“It’s about preparation and execution,” Murray said. “Our coaching helps us understand defensive schemes, and my ability to create plays with my legs helps us keep drives alive. That can demoralize defenses.”
Red zone struggles
The Lions outgained the Buccaneers 463 to 216 yards, with Goff passing for 307 yards and Jahmyr Gibbs rushing for 84. However, Detroit faltered in critical moments, finishing just 1 for 7 in the red zone.
“We moved the ball efficiently between the 20-yard lines,” Campbell said.
Veteran boost
Cardinals right tackle Kelvin Beachum made his 150th NFL start during Sunday’s win against the Rams, filling in for the injured Jonah Williams. The 35-year-old veteran is in his fifth season with Arizona and has also played for the Jets, Jaguars, and Steelers since 2012.
“Pretty amazing,” Gannon said. “I’m not sure I’ve seen someone with 150 starts. He played well.”
Beachum will be relied upon for at least the next three weeks, as Williams is on injured reserve with a knee injury.
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