Jared Goff seemed unstoppable for a stretch Sunday, dissecting the Arizona Cardinals’ defense for two first-half touchdowns.
The offense stalled after halftime, shifting the focus to Detroit’s defense.
Goff threw two touchdowns, David Montgomery rushed for 106 yards and a TD, and the Lions held off the Cardinals 20-13.
“That’s what makes you feel good — we can play different styles,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said. “We can win with special teams, defense, or offense. Every week is different, and we just need to find ways to win.”
Detroit continued its dominance over Arizona, moving to 5-0-1 in the series since 2017. The Lions’ defense shut out Kyler Murray and Arizona in the second half, allowing just one field goal.
Aidan Hutchinson recorded another sack, bringing his season total to 6.5 through three games.
Goff completed his first 14 passes before an incompletion in the third quarter, marking his longest perfect streak to start a game in his nine-year career. He finished 18 of 23 for 196 yards.
Detroit (2-1) extended its lead to 20-7 before halftime with a hook-and-ladder play. Goff threw to Amon-Ra St. Brown, who lateraled to Jahmyr Gibbs for a 20-yard touchdown.
“We’ve been practicing that play for a while,” Goff said. “It felt like the right time to call it.”
The Lions got lucky earlier in the drive when Goff nearly threw a pick-6, but officials ruled the play dead just before the snap due to the two-minute warning.
Detroit led 20-10 at halftime after Arizona’s Matt Prater hit a 42-yard field goal as time expired. Goff was 12 of 12 for 137 yards and two touchdowns in the first half.
Prater added a 45-yard field goal to cut the Lions’ lead to 20-13 with 3:52 left, but Detroit ran out the clock. Goff’s 8-yard scramble on third down sealed the win.
Arizona had multiple chances in the third quarter but failed to capitalize on key plays.
The Cardinals (1-2) were driving when Murray’s deep pass to Marvin Harrison Jr. was intercepted by Kerby Joseph in the end zone, marking Murray’s first interception of the season.
“We had chances to win, but they made more plays,” Murray said. “I’m excited for the road ahead.”
Minutes after Murray’s interception, Arizona’s Dennis Gardeck picked off Goff, setting up great field position at Detroit’s 33-yard line. But the Lions’ defense came up with a fourth-down stop, tackling Murray just short of a first down.
“The second half was all about those stops,” Campbell said. “Stop after stop after stop.”
Murray finished 21 of 34 for 205 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Harrison had five catches for 64 yards.
The Lions opened with a 7-0 lead, driving 70 yards on nine plays. Montgomery capped it with a 1-yard TD run.
Arizona answered quickly, with Murray gaining yards on the ground before hitting Harrison for a 10-yard touchdown. It was Harrison’s third TD in two games.
St. Brown caught a 5-yard touchdown from Goff in the second quarter, putting Detroit up 13-7.
“We didn’t make enough plays in all phases,” Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon said. “But we fought, and if we clean up mistakes, we’ll be back on track.”
Injuries
Lions: S Ifeatu Melifonwu (ankle) and CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (hamstring) were among six inactives. LB Derrick Barnes (knee) left in the first half and didn’t return. TE Sam LaPorta limped off multiple times with ice on his right ankle.
Cardinals: RT Kelvin Beachum (hamstring) missed the game after not practicing Friday. Jackson Barton started at right tackle, the third starter in three games, but left in the fourth quarter with a toe injury, replaced by Charlie Heck. DL Justin Jones (triceps) left in the second half. TE Trey McBride was evaluated for a concussion.
