The Colts continuously shot themselves in the foot, and the Lions took advantage in a 24-6 win on Sunday in Indianapolis. Detroit (10-1) has now won 10 games in back-to-back seasons for the first time in franchise history.
It marked their ninth straight win and a 10-1 start to the season which ties the 1934 Lions for best start in franchise history.
The records fall like dominos each week.
While praise has been heaped on Jared Goff and the offense from the get-go the defense continues to shine. The Lions have allowed just 12 points — four field goals — in their last 10 quarters.
“We asked a lot of our defense today and they did a great job,’’ coach Dan Campbell said.
The Lions took a 14-6 lead at the half and added another touchdown in the third quarter followed by a 56-yard field goal by Jake Bates.
Campbell once they were able to get the lead they were able to keep the Colts at arm’s length which was the goal.
The Lions once again elevated their road warrior status, earning a perfect 6-0 road record this season. In 2022, Campbell’s second season, the Lions were 0-11-1 on the road with him as coach. Since then they are 16-5. “If you can win on the road you’re normally a pretty darn good team,’’ Campbell said.
Five reasons why Lions won:
ONE: The Colts moved the ball downfield on their first two possessions, but the Lions red zone defense is tough and forced the Colts to settle for field goals. Campbell said typically good red zone teams can run the ball. “We’re really good at shutting down the run,’’ Campbell said. The Colts were 0-for-2 in the red zone, while the Lions were a solid 3-of-4. QB Anthony Richardson started off solidly and was effective running the ball, but he had seven straight incompletions in the second half.
TWO: Running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery once again powered the offense combining for 172 scrimmage yards. Gibbs (21 carries, 90 yards) scored a pair of rushing touchdowns while Montgomery (8 carries, 37 yards) had one. Both are a double threat. Montgomery had three catches for 36 yards while Gibbs had three catches for 9 yards. Montgomery went out late with a shoulder injury “We have two bell cows and it’s rare,’’ Goff said. “We do, we have two guys you can hand the ball to a ton. One goes down for a little bit, the other guy steps up. It will happen both ways throughout the year. We’re lucky to have both of them and they do a helluva job.’’ They are the first running back duo in NFL history to each rush for 10-plus TDs in consecutive seasons.
THREE: Jared Goff was Jared Goff. He completed 26 of 36 passes for 269 yards with zero touchdowns or interceptions. Sacked three times, Goff remained patient and threw the ball away when he had to.
FOUR: Remember the old days – prior to Campbell’s arrival – when the Lions would often kill themselves with penalties and lost so many games because of it. The Colts hurt themselves with 10 penalties for 75 yards, several of the whistles negated plays that had gained good yardage. Again, credit the Lions defense.
FIVE: The Lions defense adjusted following the loss of Alex Anzalone and cornerback Terrion Arnold. The Colts targeted Kindle Vildor, who filled in for Arnole, often. He struggled a bit but the defense was able to handle business. “It’s honestly just the next man in and no excuses, we have a great room and guys who push each other every day,’’ said Jack Campbell who called the plays in Anzalone’s absence. Arnold was questionable for the game so he may be ready to play on Thursday.
INJURIES: Dan Campbell didn’t have specifics on injuries to Carlton Davis (knee), Montgomery (shoulder), Kalif Raymond (foot) and Taylor Decker (knee and ankle). Decker was able to return to the game but was pulled out again. They have only four days to heal until Thanksgiving.
UP NEXT: Chicago Bears (4-7) at Lions (10-1) at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday at Ford Field.
Lions Lowdown 