DETROIT — Jared Goff showcased an impressive performance, throwing four touchdown passes, with two of those finding Amon-Ra St. Brown. Additionally, running backs David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs contributed significantly by combining for three rushing touchdowns, leading the Detroit Lions to a commanding 52-6 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.
As the current leaders of the NFC with a record of 9-1, the Lions have now achieved eight consecutive wins and nine victories out of their first ten games, marking their best start since 1934.
The 46-point victory marks the largest margin of victory in the history of the franchise, while simultaneously representing Jacksonville’s most significant loss ever. The Lions also set a new franchise benchmark for total yardage, racking up an impressive 644 yards during the game.
In a season that has become challenging for the Jaguars (2-9), this marks the second time they have faced four consecutive losses. They have now dropped 14 of their last 17 games since the previous year, resulting in mounting pressure on head coach Doug Pederson.
Kicking off the game positively for Jacksonville, rookie Cam Little successfully converted a career-high 59-yard field goal during the opening drive and added another field goal at the end of the first half. However, in the meantime, the Lions dominated the scoreboard, scoring four touchdowns to take a substantial 28-3 lead before the halftime break.
The Detroit onslaught began with Montgomery’s 2-yard rushing touchdown, followed by a 1-yard touchdown run from Gibbs in the second quarter. Montgomery added another touchdown on a 6-yard run, and Goff connected with St. Brown for a 27-yard touchdown pass, extending St. Brown’s franchise record to eight consecutive games with a touchdown catch.
The Lions continued their offensive explosion into the second half, reaching a staggering 49-6 lead early in the fourth quarter. Goff completed a 64-yard touchdown pass to Jameson Williams, followed by a 5-yard pass to Brock Wright and a 9-yard strike to St. Brown, solidifying their dominance.
Goff finished the game with a remarkable 24 completions on 29 attempts for a total of 412 yards, marking an outstanding performance that included a perfect passer rating. This comes just a week after a difficult game where he threw five interceptions but managed to lead a comeback against the AFC South-leading Houston team.
Both St. Brown, with 161 receiving yards, and Williams, who garnered 124 yards, set personal bests in the game. Meanwhile, Montgomery and Gibbs collectively amassed 218 yards of offensive production.
Midway through the fourth quarter, backup quarterback Hendon Hooker replaced Goff and orchestrated a drive that resulted in a 54-yard field goal by Jake Bates. The Lions then bled the clock down in the closing moments of the game, choosing not to score again out of sportsmanship.
The Lions’ defense was further bolstered by the addition of defensive end Za’Darius Smith, who celebrated his debut with the team by recording a sack.
For the Jaguars, quarterback Mac Jones struggled in his second consecutive start due to Trevor Lawrence’s shoulder injury. He completed 17 of 29 passes for 138 yards, with a critical interception thrown late in the third quarter when his pass was intercepted by Kerby Joseph, his seventh of the season.
In terms of injuries, the Jaguars dealt with multiple setbacks, as Lawrence missed his second consecutive game and running back Tank Bigsby was sidelined due to an ankle injury. Additionally, cornerback Tyson Campbell, center Mitch Morse, and wide receiver Gabe Davis sustained injuries during the match.
On the Lions’ side, linebacker Alex Anzalone exited the game with a forearm injury while cornerback Carlton Davis played limited snaps due to a hand injury from earlier in the week. Tight end Sam LaPorta was also inactive due to a shoulder issue.
Looking ahead, the Jaguars will have a bye week before returning to host the Houston Texans on December 1, during which the future of coach Doug Pederson remains uncertain. The Lions are set to face off against the Indianapolis Colts next Sunday.