Jared Goff’s historic perfection
Detroit’s quarterback achieved NFL immortality by completing all 18 passes for 292 yards and 2 touchdowns—the first QB in league history with 10+ attempts and zero incompletions. His performance included catching a 7-yard touchdown on a trick play from Amon-Ra St. Brown, making them the fifth duo ever to throw and catch touchdowns from each other in the same game. Goff’s night featured surgical efficiency: 12.4 yards per attempt, a 155.8 passer rating, and zero turnovers despite being sacked for a late safety.
Geno Smith’s record-breaking resilience
Despite the loss, Seattle’s quarterback delivered career highs: 38 completions on 56 attempts for 395 yards and 1 TD. He spread targets to 10 receivers and nearly engineered a fourth-quarter comeback, though a crucial end-zone interception to Kerby Joseph sealed the outcome. Smith’s performance highlighted his underrated mobility and accuracy under pressure, though his efforts were undermined by key turnovers.
Backfield Brilliance
Lions’ two-headed rushing monster
- Jahmyr Gibbs: 14 carries, 78 yards, 2 TDs
- David Montgomery: 80+ scrimmage yards, 1 TD, including a miraculous 40-yard reception where he broke multiple tackles.
Their combined 3 rushing touchdowns in the first half exploited Seattle’s injury-ravaged defense, with Gibbs and Montgomery tying a franchise record for most games as a duo with multiple rushing TDs.
Kenneth Walker III’s triumphant return
After missing two games with injury, Seattle’s RB1 dominated with 80 yards on just 12 carries (6.7 YPC) and a career-high 3 touchdowns. His explosive 21-yard TD in the third quarter featured multiple broken tackles, showcasing the burst Seattle lacked in his absence.
Receiver Showdown
| Player | Team | Receptions | Yards | TDs | Notable Plays |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amon-Ra St. Brown | DET | 6 | 65 | 1 rec, 1 pass | 8-yard toe-tap TD; 7-yard pass TD to Goff |
| Jameson Williams | DET | 2 | 80 | 1 | 70-yard breakaway TD |
| DK Metcalf | SEA | 7 | 104 | 0 | Costly fumble; third straight 100-yard game |
| Jaxon Smith-Njigba | SEA | 7+ | N/A | 0 | 12 targets; key fourth-down involvement |
St. Brown’s versatility shone as he joined rare company with both passing and receiving touchdowns. Metcalf became the first Seahawk with three consecutive 100-yard games but his fumble at Detroit’s 37-yard line led directly to a Lions TD, extending his NFL-leading 7 lost fumbles since 2019.
Defensive Deciders
Seattle’s injury crisis
Missing five defensive starters (Nwosu, Mafe, Williams, Murphy, Baker), the Seahawks lost DB Julian Love mid-game. This depleted unit allowed 516 total yards and 6.6 yards per play, struggling most in red-zone defense (Detroit converted 5/5 opportunities).
Detroit’s timely plays
- Kerby Joseph: Game-sealing interception at Detroit’s 20-yard line with 1:00 remaining.
- Tariq Dodson: Team-high 10 tackles anchoring the linebacker corps.
- Dre’Mont Jones: Critical third-down sack disrupting Seattle’s rhythm.
Though outgained by Seattle, Detroit forced two turnovers (Metcalf fumble, Joseph INT) while committing none—the ultimate statistical separator.
Game-Changing Moments
- Metcalf’s fumble (Q1, 1:43): With Seattle driving to tie, his turnover became a 49-yard return and immediate Lions TD (14-0).
- Goff’s TD catch (Q3, 8:25): Trick-play touchdown restored Detroit’s 14-point lead after Seattle’s scoring surge.
- Fourth-down failures: Two failed Seattle fourth-down conversions in Detroit territory, including a controversial pick-play penalty and a goal-line incompletion series.
Historical Context
Detroit’s victory snapped a five-game regular-season losing streak against Seattle dating to 2012, achieved during a homecoming celebration featuring 100 former Lions players and Calvin Johnson’s “Pride of the Lions” induction. The Lions now trail the all-time series 6-13 but showcased playoff-caliber resilience against the previously unbeaten Seahawks.
Injury Impact
- Seattle: Already missing four defensive starters, Julian Love’s thigh injury further depleted their secondary.
- Detroit: Overcame Pro Bowl C Frank Ragnow’s pectoral injury, with Graham Glasgow excelling at center.
Statistical Epilogue
- Total Yards: DET 516, SEA 389
- Red Zone: DET 5/5, SEA 3/4
- Turnovers: SEA 2, DET 0
- Time of Possession: DET 34:04, SEA 25:56
This offensive masterpiece revealed both teams’ postseason potential, with Detroit’s precision (zero incomplete passes) overcoming Seattle’s volume (17 more first downs). As these NFC contenders evolve, this game may be remembered as Goff’s perfection benchmark and the night Walker announced his elite RB1 status.