History was made on Monday Night Football, as we saw a Lions team clicking on all cylinders on offense. Every pass was completed, communication was on point, and the lead running back was feasting on a Seahawks defense that was in total confusion all game. Lions broke their losing streak to the Seahawks, slamming the door on any hope the Seahawks would keep their current undefeated streak alive. Two things happened on Monday night: The Lions came in with the perfect game plan to dismantle the Seahawks, and it looks like they have finally found their groove offensively. The defense showed up with some big plays to keep the Lions' score out of reach, but this night was for the offense, Jared Goff.
Goff's Resurgence
What a night for Jared Goff. I wouldn't be surprised if he wins offensive player of the week this week, even when Dan Campbell didn't give him the game ball, a decision he stated he regretted. 18/18 passing which sets a new NFL record previously held by Hall of Famer Kurt Warner, who went 10/10 against the Houston Texans back in 2005. Not only that, Goff caught his first career touchdown pass from wide receiver Amon Ra St. Brown in a trick play. Goff went 18/18 with 292 passing yards, and 3 total touchdowns, in what was the perfect game, literally and figuratively, to squash any doubts that he is the right QB1 for the Lions. This game proved that the mega contract extension he signed over the offseason did not affect how he would play his game. He only needed to get the rust off and communicate with his offense. Goff's newfound prowess has given Lions fans a resurged hope in their team that they can get back on track to the winning ways that they had seen at the backend of the 2023 season.
Montgomery and Gibbs: The Two-Headed Lion
Montgomery and Gibbs deserve their flowers for this game as well. These two backs are the most dangerous rushing combo in the NFL, besides probably Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry. Montgomery was a one-man wrecking ball, evading and pushing through tackles while Gibbs used his speed and elusiveness that have the Seattle defense on skates. Montgomery even had a 40-yard reception, bouncing off the defense like a pinball machine. Montgomery produced 40 yards rushing on the ground with one touchdown while Gibbs had more carries with 78 yards rushing and two touchdowns. On top of that, Montgomery has rushed for a TD in each of the first four games of the season. The only other time a Lions player to do that was Billy Simms in 1981. Montgomery is in an elite company.
Defensive Recovery
Where do I start on defense? Sure Aidan Hutchinson's sack streak is over but the Lions didn't need to rely on him this time. In probably a stolen highlight of a play, Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf saw himself on the other end of it. Not a place he is usually in. In the 1st quarter, Metcalf caught was breaking tackles for extra yards, but disaster hit for the Seahawks when Lions linebacker Jack Campbell punched the ball out and forced the turnover, allowing the Lions to march down the field to score and widen the lead.
Can I also mention that Kerby Joseph got his 3rd interception of the season? It seems like this defense will get at least one turnover per game at this rate. They did give up points, but the defense did not have to work as hard to keep the lead. Geno Smith did throw for over 300 yards, but it came with 56 passing attempts. The only plan the Seahawks offense could rely on was running back Kenneth Walker III who produced three touchdowns after coming back from injury. The defense went out there and did the job they were supposed to do, which was to make sure the team was leading on the scoreboard.
What's Next
Lions have their bye week this week. I am not sure how I feel about a bye week so early into the season, especially after coming off of a win like this. This could stall any momentum gained from this game and could lead the Lions back to square one, the way they looked in the first game of the season. I would've preferred their bye at the halfway point, but I did not make the schedule. I guess we will have to wait and see what happens in Week 6, when the Lions face the Cowboys in Dallas on October 13th.
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