By George B. Eichorn
Like a shootout at the OK Corral, the Detroit Lions defeated the Seattle Seahawks on Monday Night Football. Next comes a trip to Arlington, Texas to face the Dallas Cowboys.
The Lions offense was brilliant most the game yet the Seahawks had their way also on offense. Detroit’s 42-29 win moved the team to a 3-1 record – good fore second place in the NFC North as the Minnesota Vikings remain unbeaten.
Lions quarterback Jarod Goff was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his impressive performance. He was 18-for-18 for 292 yards with two passing touchdowns and one receiving TD. His 18 completions were the most in NFL history for a player who concluded with a 100% completion percentage. Kurt Warner had the record on his 10-for-10 game in 2005.
Goff’s day included a trick play designed by Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. He took the snap and handed off to Pro Bowl receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown who lobbed a 7 yard pass to his quarterback who scampered into the end zone. St. Brown scored a touchdown himself later in the game. They are only the 8th passing/receiver combination to pass and score in the same NFL game. Me and we
Goff racked up 292 yards passing. His only blemishes were a safety in his own end zone late in the game and an incomplete pass to tight end Sam Laporta that was called back due to a Lions penalty. He and the offense looked much better equipped to defeat the Seahawks than they did in the last home game against Tampa Bay which the Lions lost, 20-16.
The Lions also witnessed – once again – the explosiveness of wide receiver Jameson Williams. Goff hit him late in the third quarter for a 70-yard passing touchdown. Jameson’s excitement and celebration resulted in a fine as the Lions second-year pro spiked the ball over the goalpost which is not allowed in the league.
The Seahawks played with a depleted defense. Several key injuries hurt Seattle’s chance to try and contain Goff and the bevy weapons he has. Running backs Jahmyr Gibbs (14 carries, 78 yards, 2 TD) and David Montgomery (12 carries, 40 yards, 1 TD) are like a two-headed monster in Detroit’s backfield. And then you have St. Brown, LaPorta, Jameson, Kalif Raymond, Tim Patrick and Brock Wright as receiving threats )along with Gibbs and Montgomery).
The Lions defense obviously wasn’t playing its “A” game. Missed tackles, penalties, blown coverage and other miscues allowed Seattle QB Geno Smith to have a field day yet even the numbers he and the Seahawks put up were not enough for the Lions juggernaut. Smith was 38-for-56, 395 yards, 1 touchdown and 1 interception. Former Michigan State Spartan Kenneth Walker III was excellent with 12 carries, 80 yards and 3 touchdowns.
The hyped-up Lions sold-out crowd was also excited for Hall of Fame wide receiver Calvin Johnson. Owner Sheila Hamp gathered Johnson, his family and many of his Lions teammates at halftime to add Johnson to the Pride of the Lions in a short yet moving ceremony. Just a few years back the Lions and Johnson were at odds with each other following a decision to make him pay back bonus money on his contract.
Johnson was greeted by Barry Sanders, Lomas Brown, Eric Hipple, Jason Hanson, Eddie Murray and so many other players. It was a very proud moment for the franchise and their loyal fans.
Reach George Eichorn at geichorn@yahoo.com or @Sandgsports99 on X (formerly Twitter). Order his book:
Detroit’s Sports Broadcasters: On the Air: Eichorn, George B, Introduction Harwell, Ernie
