Jared Goff throws 2 TD passes, Lions defense slows Kyler Murray in 20-13 win over Cardinals
GLENDALE, Arizona — For a while, Jared Goff seemed unable to throw an incomplete pass Sunday, tearing apart the Arizona Cardinals’ defense for a pair of first-half touchdowns.
The offensive spigot stopped quickly after the break, and it was time for Detroit’s defense to step up.
Goff threw two touchdown passes, David Montgomery ran for 106 yards and a touchdown and the Lions held on to beat the Cardinals 20-13.
“That’s what makes me feel pretty good — I feel like we can play different types of games,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said. “We can do whatever we need to do with special teams, defense and offense. We just have to find a way to win every week. They can be different every week.”
The Lions continued their recent dominance in the series, improving to 5-0-1 against the Cardinals 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 had another sack, bringing his season total to 6 1/2 in three games.
Goff completed his first 14 passes before an incomplete pass in the third quarter, his longest streak without an incomplete pass as a starter in his nine-year career, and he finished 18 of 23 for 196 yards.
Detroit (2-1) took a 20-7 lead just before halftime on a well executed hook and ladder play. Goff threw short to Amon-Ra St. Brown, who immediately lateraled to Jahmyr Gibbs, who ran 20 yards for the touchdown.
“We’ve been working on this for a while,” Goff said. “I thought it was a good time to call him.”
The Lions got a break earlier in the drive when Goff appeared to throw a pick-6, but officials ruled the play was whistled dead just before the snap for the two-minute warning.
Detroit had to settle for a 20-10 lead at halftime after Arizona’s Matt Prater kicked a 42-yard field goal at the end of regulation. 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 out the clock on the ensuing drive. Goff ran for an 8-yard gain for the first down that sealed the victory.
Arizona had several chances to cut Detroit’s lead in the third quarter, but failed to convert critical plays.
The Cardinals (1-2) were leading in the top of the third when Murray tried to throw deep to Marvin Harrison Jr., but the pass was short and 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 something happen and win this game,” Murray said. “They made more plays than we did. That’s the way it goes. But I’m excited about the road ahead.”
Minutes after Murray’s interception, Arizona’s Dennis Gardeck intercepted a Goff pass to give the Cardinals great field position at the Detroit 33-yard line. But the Lions’ defense responded with a fourth-down stop on the ensuing drive, tackling Murray just short of first down.
“The second half, man, there were stops,” Campbell said. “Stop after stop after stop.”
Murray finished 21 of 34 passing for 205 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Harrison caught five passes for 64 yards.
The Lions took a 7-0 lead on the opening offensive drive, methodically driving 70 yards in nine plays. Montgomery ran for the one-yard touchdown, weaving through the line before falling back in the end zone.
Arizona responded immediately, with Murray making a couple of big gains with his legs before connecting with Harrison for a 10-yard touchdown. It was the rookie’s third touchdown reception in the last two games.
St. Brown caught a 5-yard touchdown from Goff early in the second quarter to give the Lions a 13-7 lead.
“We didn’t make enough plays in all three phases, that’s what happened,” Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon said. “I think we battled, we fought. Coming out of halftime, we were resilient. If we keep playing like that, correcting some mistakes, we’ll be back on track.”
Lions: S Ifeatu Melifonwu (ankle) and CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (hamstring) were among the six inactives. … LB Derrick Barnes (knee) left the field in the first half and did not return. … TE Sam LaPorta was seen limping and came out of the game multiple times. He had ice on his right ankle.
Cardinals: Starting RT Kelvin Beachum (hamstring) was out after not practicing 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.
Lions: Host the Seahawks on Monday, September 30.
Cardinals: Welcome the Commanders next Sunday.
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