In a closely contested matchup, the Detroit Lions edged out the Arizona Cardinals 20-13, showcasing their ability to adapt and win in various game scenarios. Jared Goff started strong, throwing two touchdown passes in the first half while David Montgomery contributed significantly with 106 rushing yards and a touchdown. Despite a strong start, the Lions’ offense faltered in the second half, leading to a reliance on their defense to maintain their lead.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell expressed confidence in his team’s versatility, emphasizing their capability to succeed through special teams, defense, and offense. Detroit’s victory marked their continued dominance over the Cardinals, extending their record to 5-0-1 against Arizona since 2017. The Lions’ defense proved pivotal, shutting out the Cardinals in the second half and allowing only a field goal.
Goff was exceptional, completing his first 14 passes and finishing the game with an 18-of-23 performance for 196 yards. His first-half performance was particularly impressive, as he went 12-of-12 for 137 yards and two touchdowns, including a creative hook-and-ladder play that resulted in a touchdown just before halftime.
The Lions initially led 20-7 after a well-executed offensive play, but the Cardinals managed to trim the lead to 20-10 with a 42-yard field goal from Matt Prater just before halftime. In the second half, the Cardinals, led by Kyler Murray, struggled to capitalize on their opportunities. Murray, despite showing flashes of brilliance, was intercepted by Kerby Joseph in the end zone on a deep throw intended for Marvin Harrison Jr.
The Cardinals had another chance to gain momentum when they intercepted a Goff pass, setting up a drive at the Lions’ 33-yard line. However, the Lions’ defense held firm, making a crucial stop on fourth down to deny Arizona a scoring opportunity.
Murray finished the game with 205 passing yards, one touchdown, and one interception, while Harrison had five receptions for 64 yards. Despite their loss, Murray expressed optimism about the team’s potential for improvement, noting that they had several chances to win the game but ultimately fell short in critical moments.
The Lions had established an early 7-0 lead with a strong opening drive, culminating in a 1-yard touchdown run by Montgomery. The Cardinals quickly responded with a touchdown pass from Murray to Harrison, showcasing the rookie’s growing impact on the offense. The back-and-forth continued as Goff connected with Amon-Ra St. Brown for a touchdown, pushing the Lions ahead 13-7.
In the end, Detroit’s defense played a crucial role, consistently making stops that allowed the Lions to secure the win. Coach Campbell highlighted the importance of those defensive efforts, which were critical to maintaining their lead in a game that could have swung in either direction.
Despite the setback, Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon acknowledged his team’s fight and resilience, asserting that with better execution and fewer mistakes, they could quickly find themselves back on track. Overall, the game highlighted the Lions’ defensive strength and Goff’s effectiveness, while also pointing to areas for improvement for the Cardinals as they look to build on their performances moving forward.
