The Detroit Lions stomped on gas early Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals and they never looked back.
It was Arizona that got into Ford Field and had everything to play for - leading the NFC West and positioning the playoffs - while Detroit was relegated to the spoiler role for the rest of the year.
But it was Detroit who came to play on Sunday, controlling every aspect of Sunday's competition en route to a 30-12 victory.
The victory improves Detroit's record to 2-11-1 on the year, and they are now 2-2-1 over their last five contests.
Quarterback Jared Goff was on standby throughout the afternoon, throwing three touchdown passes and completing 80 percent of his throws. Running Back Craig Reynolds made his first fast 100-yard (112-yard) performance in only his second game for Detroit.
Defense harassed Cardinals quarterback Keeler Murray throughout the afternoon and bagged him for most of the game.
Special teams were also strong with player Riley Patterson making his three field goal attempts and three extra point attempts. Still perfect in general.
Detroit opened the game with a 10-0 lead, scoring in their first possession of the game, first on a 37-yard field goal by Riley Patterson and then 37 yards off Gauff to rookie receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.
The Detroit attacking Cardinals' strong defense kept the three-folded on their first two possessions and continued to play well throughout the competition. They took a big lead late in the first half, foiling a 4 and a goal for the Arizona Lions' 3-yard streak as AJ Parker's pass unraveled. Cornerback Amani Oruwariye had a great pass in the end zone of play before finishing third.
Gauff and offense took control of their 3-yard streak, drove them down the field 97 yards (aided by two passing penalty kicks) and capped the drive with a 22-yard pass to wide receiver Josh Reynolds only 19 seconds left in the first half to give Detroit a 17-0 lead in The end of the first half.
Early in the second half with the Lions advancing 17-3 and driving into the Arizona area, the Lions flopped back who were backing Godwin Igweboike, and were recaptured by the Arizona. But Oruwariye came to the rescue with a diving interception for Murray and returned 50 yards to the 5-yard line in Arizona. Detroit advanced 24-3 in the next play with a 6-yard pass from Gauff to linebacker Jason Cabinda.
This was a black dagger.
Arizona scored its first touchdown of the game less than five minutes before the end of a 26-yard pass from Murray to wide receiver Christian Kirk as the Lions advanced.
