NFL

NFL Fans React To New-Look Detroit Lions, ‘Perfect’ Jared Goff Outdueling Geno Smith, Seattle Seahawks At Ford Field

By
Jeff Hawkins
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Jeff Hawkins Sports Editor

Jeff Hawkins is an award-winning sportswriter with more than four decades in the industry, in both print and digital media. He joined the Sportscasting team in 2021 following a decade of freelancing. He spent his early career as a reporter for various newspapers in Illinois, New York, Florida, North Carolina, and Michigan, with a particular emphasis as a beat reporter for the Chicago Blackhawks. Jeff earned his bachelor's degree in journalism from Oakland University. Over the course of his career he earned several sports writing awards, including two national awards from the Associated Press Sports Editors for column writing and news reporting. One of the five prized columns included a commentary on NASCAR's increasing corporate influences, particularly in northern racetracks — commentary which you might find Jeff building on as part of the Motorsports writing team at Sportscasting now.  

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Published01 Oct 2024

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jared goff perfect on mnf vs seahawks (1)

Quarterback Jared Goff opened with four interceptions during the Detroit Lions’ opening three games, drawing criticism from around the NFL. 

On Monday Night Football, Goff played a “perfect” game, completing all 18 passes for 292 yards and three touchdown passes, leading the Lions to a 42-29 victory over the Seattle Seahawks at Ford Field.  

Goff, who finished with a 158.3 passer rating, outdueled Seahawks signal-caller Geno Smith, who established career highs in completions (38) and yards (395).

Goff silenced some of his critics — for now.

X (Twitter) users responded to Lions coach Dan Campbell eying a championship season  … 

The QBs did plenty of talking on the field, too … 

The Lions introduced their new black-and-blue look … 

The Seahawks placed weakside linebacker Jerome Baker (hamstring) on the inactive list about 90 minutes before kickoff, joining outside linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (knee), linebacker Boye Mafe (knee), defensive linemen Leonard Williams (ribs) and rookie first-round draft choice Byron Murphy II (hamstring). Lions safety Brian Branch was the Lions’ top inactive starter … 

The Lions, behind 58 rushing yards, opened the scoring on their second possession. Running back David Montgomery capped the 12-play, 93-yard drive on a 1-yard, second-effort run. The Lions running back broke the tackle of Tyrel Dodson … 

With Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf fighting for extra yardage, Lions linebacker Jack Campbell forced a fumble, which was recovered by Carlton Davis III, who returned it 49 yards … 

Three plays later, Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs scored on a 3-yard run, giving the Lions a 14-0, second-quarter lead … 

The Seahawks responded on the next drive, highlighted by running back Kenneth Walker III’s second-effort TD run … 

Gibbs collected his second TD run with 5:11 remaining in the first half, giving the Lions a 21-7 advantage … 

After opening the season 0-for-18 on third-and-long situations, the Seahawks schemed a third-and-16 play into a highlight clip. They ended up punting three plays later, however … 

With over 100 former players in attendance, the Lions honored Hall of Famer Calvin Johnson at halftime … 

The Seahawks opened the second with ex-Michigan tight end AJ Barner scoring on a nine-yard pass, run and dive. It was the rookie’s  first career touchdown …. 

It’s not a miss-print. Yes, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown threw a touchdown pass to Goff for his first TD reception, “ever,” he told ESPN after the game … 

The Seahawks responded quickly. Walker, who played at Michigan State, scored his second TD on a 1-yard run. The Seahawks attempted a 2-point conversion, but Smith overthrew Jake Bobo … 

The Lions answered the Seahawks with a one-play drive, Goff hitting wide receiver Jameson Williams on a 70-yard catch and run. All five of Williams’ career TDs have come on passes of at least 30 yards … 

Walker notched a hat trick at 14:48 of the fourth quarter. The Seahawks scored on their opening three second-half possessions against the Lions’ developing defense. The starting unit’s average age is 25.4 years old, the youngest in the league … 

The Lions kept attempting to pull away. Goff, who completed his 18th straight pass, connected with St. Brown with 5:23 remaining … 

Getting a bit greedy with their play-calling, Goff was sacked for a safety instead of running out the clock, but they held on to improve to 3-1. The Seahawks fell to 3-1 … 

Final score: Lions 42, Seahawks 29 …