The Detroit Lions secured a much-needed victory in Arizona on Sunday, upending the Cardinals 45-21 at State Farm Stadium.
Following a disappointing loss to Carolina in primetime, Dan Campbell's team responded with its most complete performance of the season. Heading into the bye week, the Lions sit at 3-2 but are yet to win a game against a team over .500.
Detroit scored on seven consecutive possessions after a lethargic first quarter. The defense also rose to the occasion with five sacks. Kelvin Sheppard's unit forced five straight three-and-outs in the first half. Jahmyr Gibbs eclipsed 200 yards from scrimmage and was again the primary engine for the Lions' attack while Jameson Williams provided explosive plays Detroit needed to break the game
open. Williams hauled in two of Jared Goff's three touchdowns.
The win should serve as a confidence boost before Detroit takes on Green Bay to kick off divisional play. Here are the biggest winners and losers from Sunday's win:
Winners
Jared Goff
Goff pulled off something only one other quarterback in NFL history has done, joining Russell Wilson as the only quarterbacks to throw at least 12 touchdown passes without an interception through the first five games of the season. His ability to protect the ball while leading one of the league's most aggressive scoring attacks keeps Detroit in the playoff mix despite their struggles on defense. Goff has completed 67% of his passes and notched a 111.3 passer ratting -- his 1,485 passing yards lead the league.
DJ Wonnum, the defensive front
Detroit's pass rush completely overwhelmed Jacoby Brissett, sacking the Cardinals quarterback five times. Two of those sacks were credited to DJ Wonnum. The seventh-year defensive end out of South Carolina has flourished with the Lions after an injury-plagued stint with the Panthers. The Lions have amassed a franchise record 20 sacks through the first five outings. If the Lions now have a formidable force on the edge opposite Aidan Hutchinson, it could change the way Sheppard is able to call games.
Losers
Linebacking corp
Devin White suffered a broken forearm and is expected to undergo surgery. The loss deals another blow to Detroit's defensive depth. White's absence creates additional pressure on a linebacking rotation that is already stretched thin.
First-quarter offense
The game ultimately ended in a rout, but the Lions again got off to a slow start. Detroit managed -9 yards on its first three possessions. The Lions went three-and-out each time and fell behind 7-0 before finding their rhythm on offense. That will get it done against a 1-3 team like the Cardinals, but when the Lions face playoff-caliber competition, the game could get out of hand early behind sluggish starts.
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This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Detroit Lions' winners, losers from Arizona Cardinals romp
