Lions 52-14 Titans (Oct. 27, 2024) Game Recap

DETROIT – Jared Goff threw three touchdown passes but was far from the star for the Detroit Lions in one of the highest-scoring games in franchise history.

David Montgomery was the first of five Lions to score in the first half on Sunday as they beat the Tennessee Titans 52-14, 52-14.

The Lions were efficient on offense, converting on all five opportunities in the red zone, and were dominant in the other two periods. Detroit's defense forced four turnovers and its special teams scored a touchdown on one of three returns for a total of 162 yards.

“We play with three units and if a couple of them cook at the right time, it can save one of your units,” coach Dan Campbell said.

The NFC North-leading Lions (6-1) have the conference's best record, having won five straight games, averaging over 40 points in their last four, and the franchise's best seven-game record since 1956.

Detroit's point total fell just short of the franchise record of 55 points against Chicago in 1997.

The Lions were doing well without big-play receiver Jameson Williams, who was serving the first of a two-game suspension for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances.

“We didn’t miss anything,” Campbell said.

Detroit had a boost with Goff's help, but had more points (42) than pass yards (28) early in the third quarter. He finished 12 of 15 for 85 yards, taking advantage of defense takeaways that allowed him short fields.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been involved in anything like this,” Goff, 30, said.

As in most games, the Lions also managed a trick play – this time a touchdown pass from running back Montgomery took a pitch from Goff and found Sam LaPorta from three yards out gave the Lions a 35-14 lead and their highest-scoring half since 1970.

Jahmyr Gibbs had a 70-yard touchdown run late in the first quarter and finished the season with 127 yards rushing. Khalil Dorsey had a 72-yard kickoff return to set up Goff's 8-yard TD pass to Brock Wright early in the second.

Caliph Raymonds 90-yard kickoff return At the start of the third period, Detroit had a 42-14 lead.

The Titans (1-6) suffered a lopsided loss for the second straight week and have already signaled this is a rebuilding year by trading veteran receiver DeAndre Hopkins and starting linebacker Ernest Jones Jr.

“Any team in the league will blow you away if you pass the ball four times,” Titans coach Brian Callahan said. “We just don’t complement each other at all. Right now our special teams are giving up yards, our defense isn't getting a stop and we're doing nothing on offense and turning everything over. Everything has to get better.”

The Titans extended their streak of throwing an interception in every game when Mason Rudolph was picked off by linebacker Trevor Nowaske in the first quarter. Rudolph later ran a pass that Kerby Joseph intercepted.

Rudolph rushed for his first touchdown, an 11-yarder that fooled Detroit's defense and tied the game late in the first quarter.

Rudolph, starting for the injured Will Levis, was 22 of 38 for 266 yards with a 5-yard touchdown pass to Nick Westbrook-Ikhine early in the second quarter and two interceptions.

“I have to protect the ball better and put our defense in a better situation,” Rudolph said. “I thought we did good things in the first half, moving the ball and taking possession, but none of that matters when you're getting your butt kicked.”

Ridley hit a career-high 10 receptions for a season-high 143 yards. Tony Pollard ran for a season-high 95 yards on 20 carries.

Injuries

Titans: Levis (shoulder) was out for the second straight week and CB L'Jarius Sneed (quadriceps) was also inactive.

Lions: LB Malcom Rodriguez (ankle) was out in the first half and Campbell said he didn't think it was a season-ending injury. DE Josh Paschal (illness) was inactive.

Next

Titans: Host New England next Sunday.

Lions: Next Sunday at Green Bay.

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