Glendale, Ariz. — Jared Goff appeared unstoppable in the first half on Sunday, expertly dismantling the Arizona Cardinals’ defense with two touchdown passes. However, the second half saw a dramatic shift, necessitating a strong performance from Detroit’s defense.
The Lions secured a 20-13 victory as Goff connected on two touchdown throws, David Montgomery rushed for 106 yards and a touchdown, and the defense tightened up late in the game.
“That’s what makes you feel good — we can adapt to different styles of play,” said Lions coach Dan Campbell. “Whether it’s special teams, defense, or offense, we just need to find a way to win every week, even if each game looks different.”
With this win, the Lions improved their record against the Cardinals to 5-0-1 since 2017. Detroit’s defense held Kyler Murray and Arizona scoreless in the second half, allowing only a field goal.
Aidan Hutchinson added to his impressive season with another sack, bringing his total to 6.5 through just three games.
Goff began the game with an impressive streak, completing his first 14 passes before finally throwing an incompletion in the third quarter. He finished with 18 completions on 23 attempts for 196 yards.
The Lions took a 20-7 lead just before halftime with a perfectly executed hook-and-ladder play. Goff delivered a short pass to Amon-Ra St. Brown, who lateraled to Jahmyr Gibbs, who sprinted 20 yards for the touchdown.
“We’ve been practicing that play for a while,” Goff explained. “I felt it was the right moment to call it.”
Earlier in the drive, the Lions caught a break when Goff appeared to throw a pick-six, but officials ruled the play dead just before the snap for the two-minute warning.
At halftime, the Lions led 20-10 after Matt Prater hit a 42-yard field goal for Arizona as time expired. In the first half, Goff was a perfect 12 of 12 for 137 yards and two touchdowns.
In the fourth quarter, Prater added a 45-yard field goal, narrowing Detroit’s lead to 20-13 with 3:52 left. However, the Lions effectively ran out the clock on their final drive, with Goff securing a crucial first down with an 8-yard scramble.
Arizona had opportunities to close the gap in the third quarter but couldn’t capitalize on key plays. Early on, Murray’s deep pass intended for Marvin Harrison Jr. was intercepted by Kerby Joseph in the end zone, marking Murray’s first pick of the season.
“We had plenty of chances to win that game,” Murray said. “They just made more plays than we did. But I’m optimistic about what lies ahead.”
A short time later, Arizona’s Dennis Gardeck intercepted a pass from Goff, giving the Cardinals excellent field position at the Lions’ 33-yard line. Yet, Detroit’s defense rose to the occasion, stopping Murray just short on a fourth-down attempt.
“The second half was all about those stops,” Campbell noted. “One after another.”
Murray finished the game with 21 completions on 34 attempts for 205 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Harrison caught five passes for 64 yards.
Detroit struck first, taking a 7-0 lead with a 70-yard, nine-play drive capped off by a 1-yard touchdown run from Montgomery. The Cardinals quickly answered, with Murray using his legs to create big plays before hitting Harrison for a 10-yard touchdown, marking the rookie’s third touchdown catch in two games.
St. Brown added a 5-yard touchdown reception from Goff early in the second quarter, putting the Lions ahead 13-7.
“We didn’t make enough plays in all three phases, and that’s what it came down to,” said Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon. “I thought we fought hard and showed resilience after halftime. If we can clean up our mistakes, we’ll be back on track.”
Up Next:
Lions: Plays the Seahawks on Monday, Sept. 30 at home.
Cardinals: Plays Commanders next Sunday at home.
