Detroit Lions Stay Perfect on the Road, Beat Colts 24-6: A Recap
Lions extend win streak to nine games with dominant road performance over Colts.
An Unstoppable Force on the Road
The Detroit Lions are on a roll. With a hard-fought 24-6 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, the Lions extended their win streak to nine games, improving to 10-1 on the season. The win also kept their perfect road record intact, as they remain unbeaten at 6-0.
Detroit’s offense was once again fueled by the impressive running back duo of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. The pair each ran for a touchdown, helping the Lions score three rushing touchdowns in the game. But the true standout was the defense. Despite being shorthanded, the Lions’ defense stepped up in a big way, holding the Colts to just 268 total yards and denying them a touchdown throughout the entire game.
History in the Making
Montgomery and Gibbs achieved a significant milestone during the game. They became the first running back tandem in NFL history to each run for 10 or more touchdowns in consecutive seasons. This feat highlighted not only their consistency but also the Lions’ offensive power this season.
Additionally, the Lions’ defense was stellar in key situations, limiting the Colts to a 3-for-12 conversion rate on third downs and a dismal 0-for-2 showing in the red zone. It was clear that the Colts struggled to capitalize on their opportunities.
Key Moments in the Game
The Colts took an early 3-0 lead with a 27-yard field goal on the opening drive. However, Detroit responded quickly. Early in the second quarter, Gibbs rushed for a 1-yard touchdown to give the Lions their first lead of the game at 7-3. This touchdown was also a special moment for Gibbs, as it marked his 10th scrimmage touchdown of the season, joining franchise legends Barry Sanders and Billy Sims as the only players to reach this milestone in their first two seasons.
Indianapolis managed to close the gap to 7-6 with another field goal midway through the second quarter, but the Lions struck again. Late in the second quarter, Montgomery powered through Colts defenders for a 6-yard touchdown, extending the Lions’ lead to 14-6. This was Montgomery’s 50th career rushing touchdown, and it came just 25 games into his career with the Lions.
A Strong Finish
Detroit didn’t slow down. Gibbs scored again late in the third quarter, this time from five yards out, making it 21-6. Jake Bates added a huge 56-yard field goal with just over six minutes remaining, pushing the Lions’ lead to 24-6. The defense finished strong, forcing a turnover on downs in the final moments to seal the victory.
Quarterback Showdown
Lions quarterback Jared Goff had a solid outing, completing 26 of 36 passes for 269 yards. He didn’t throw any touchdowns but maintained a 93.4 passer rating without any interceptions. Colts QB Anthony Richardson, on the other hand, struggled, completing only 11 of 28 passes for 172 yards. While Richardson led the Colts in rushing with 61 yards on 10 carries, he couldn’t find a way to break through Detroit’s defense.
Turning Point
A pivotal moment came in the third quarter. Goff fumbled the ball after a hit while attempting a pass, but Montgomery recovered it at the Lions’ 45-yard line. This could have been a game-changer had the Colts recovered, but instead, Detroit kept the momentum and later scored their third touchdown, extending their lead to two scores.
Red Zone Dominance
A major factor in Detroit’s victory was their red zone efficiency. The Lions were 3-for-4 in scoring touchdowns within the red zone, with their only miss being a failed 4th-and-1 run by Montgomery. Meanwhile, the Colts struggled in the red zone, being forced to settle for field goals on both of their trips inside the Lions’ 10-yard line.
Injury Update
Despite the win, the Lions faced some injury concerns. Wide receiver and kick returner Kalif Raymond suffered a foot injury after a punt return in the third quarter and did not return. Left tackle Taylor Decker left the game with a knee injury but returned later. Montgomery also left the game with a shoulder injury in the fourth quarter and did not return. Cornerback Carlton Davis III left the game with a knee injury as well and was also ruled out.
Looking Ahead
With their Thanksgiving Day game against the Chicago Bears on the horizon, the Lions will look to extend their streak even further. Detroit’s strong showing on the road continues to impress, and with a perfect record away from home, they’ll be looking to add another victory to their impressive campaign.
The Detroit Lions’ road dominance and balanced team performance were on full display in their 24-6 win over the Indianapolis Colts. With key contributions from their dynamic running back duo and a defense that stepped up when it mattered most, the Lions continue to prove they are a force to be reckoned with this season.
