Lions 20-13 Cardinals (September 22, 2024) Match Report

GLENDALE, Ariz. — It looked like Jared Goff wouldn’t throw an incomplete pass for a while on Sunday, but he tore apart the Arizona Cardinals’ defense in the first half, scoring two touchdowns.

After the break, the offensive tap was suddenly closed. Then it was time for Detroit’s defense to catch up.

Goff threw two touchdown passes, David Montgomery ran 106 yards and scored a touchdown, and the Lions held on until the end, beating the Cardinals 20-13.

“That’s what makes you feel good – I feel like we can play different types of games,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said. “We can do whatever we need to with special teams, defense and offense. We just have to find a way to win every week. They can be different every time.”

The Lions continued their recent dominance in the series, improving their record against the Cardinals to 5-0-1 since 2017. Detroit’s defense kept Kyler Murray and Arizona out of the end zone in the second half, allowing just one field goal.

Aidan Hutchinson recorded another sack, bringing his season total to 6 1/2 after three games.

Goff completed his first 14 passes before throwing an incomplete pass in the third quarter. It was his longest streak without an incomplete pass to start a game in his nine-year career, and he finished the game 18 of 23 passing for 196 yards.

Detroit (2-1) took a 20-7 lead shortly before half-time with a successful hook-and-ladder game. Goff threw short to Amon-Ra St. Brown, who immediately passed the ball laterally to Jahmyr Gibbs, who ran 20 yards for the touchdown.

“We’ve been working on this for a while,” Goff said. “I thought this would be a good time to do it.”

The Lions got lucky early in the drive when Goff appeared to throw a pick-6, but the referees ruled the play was called just before the snap, giving the two-minute warning.

Detroit settled for a 20-10 lead at halftime after Arizona’s Matt Prater made a 42-yard field goal as time expired. Goff completed 12 of 12 passes for 137 yards and two touchdowns in the first half.

Prater kicked a 45-yard field goal to cut Detroit’s lead to 20-13 with 3:52 left, but the Lions were able to run down the clock on the ensuing drive. Goff managed an 8-yard gain on the first down that sealed the victory.

Arizona had several chances to reduce Detroit’s lead in the third quarter, but was unable to capitalize on the decisive plays.

The Cardinals (1-2) were on the rise early in the third quarter when Murray attempted a deep pass to Marvin Harrison Jr., but the pass fell short and was intercepted by Kerby Joseph in the end zone. It was Murray’s first interception of the season.

“We had a lot of opportunities to make a difference and win the game,” Murray said. “They made more plays than we did. That’s how it goes. But I’m excited about the road ahead.”

A few minutes after Murray’s interception, Arizona’s Dennis Gardeck intercepted a pass from Goff, giving the Cardinals excellent field position at Detroit’s 33-yard line. But the Lions’ defense responded with a fourth-down stop and tackled Murray just before the first down.

“The second half, man, those stops,” Campbell said. “Stop after stop after stop.”

Murray finished the game completing 21 of 34 passes for 205 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Harrison caught five passes for 64 yards.

The Lions took a 7-0 lead on their first offensive play, systematically driving 70 yards in nine plays. Montgomery ran for a 1-yard touchdown, fought his way through the line, and then fell backwards into the end zone.

Arizona responded immediately. Murray made some great strides with his legs before hitting Harrison for a 10-yard touchdown. It was the rookie’s third touchdown catch in the last two games.

St. Brown caught a 5-yard touchdown from Goff early in the second quarter, giving the Lions a 13-7 lead.

“We didn’t make enough plays in all three periods, that’s what it came down to,” Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon said. “I think we fought. We were resilient after halftime. If we keep playing like that and iron out some mistakes, we’ll be back on track.”

Injuries

Lions: S Ifeatu Melifonwu (ankle) and CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (hamstring) were among the six inactives. … LB Derrick Barnes (knee) left the game in the first half and did not return. … TE Sam LaPorta limped and had to leave the game several times. He had ice on his right ankle.

Cardinals: RT Kelvin Beachum (hamstring) did not play because he did not practice Friday. The Cardinals started Jackson Barton at right tackle, the team’s third starter at the position in three games. Barton (toe) left the field in the fourth quarter and was replaced by Charlie Heck … DL Justin Jones (triceps) left the field early in the second half and did not return. … TE Trey McBride was evaluated for a concussion.

Next

Lions: Host the Seahawks on Monday, September 30th.

Cardinals: Host Commanders next Sunday.

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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL