Week 5 · 2026
Jahmyr Gibbs Sparks Lions’ 45-21 Charge in Arizona
Detroit Lions 45 at Arizona Cardinals 21
Arizona Strikes First
Arizona’s first drive looked like the start of a tough afternoon for Detroit. Jacoby Brissett moved the Cardinals down the field with short, careful throws. Near the goal line, Michael Wilson threw a pass to Brissett, and Brissett then found Teagan Quitoriano for a 2-yard touchdown. Arizona led 7-0. Detroit’s first two drives ended without points after sacks and punts, but Jahmyr Gibbs soon gave the Lions a way forward. Sam LaPorta made a catch to bring Detroit close, and Gibbs burst 16 yards to the Arizona 4-yard line. Two plays later, Gibbs ran in from 1 yard out, tying the game at 7-7.
The Lions Find Their Speed
That run changed the pace of the game. Amon-Ra St. Brown returned a punt 31 yards, and Detroit recovered the ball after he lost it. Jared Goff used the chance well, connecting with LaPorta on an 11-yard gain and then a 38-yard touchdown pass. The Lions had their first lead, 14-7. Gibbs kept pushing Arizona backward on Detroit’s next scoring drive. He caught a 23-yard pass and followed it with an 18-yard run. Goff then threw an 8-yard touchdown pass to Jameson Williams. A field goal and an interception by safety Abney in the final seconds helped Detroit reach halftime ahead 24-7. The Lions had built momentum, meaning the energy and success that can carry a team forward.
Gibbs Finishes the Charge
Arizona had a chance to answer after halftime, but a 53-yard field-goal try missed. Detroit made that miss matter right away. Goff hit Williams for a 39-yard touchdown, and Williams raced past the defense for his second score. Detroit’s lead grew to 31-7. Brissett and the Cardinals kept fighting. He led a 72-yard drive and threw a 13-yard touchdown pass to Quitoriano, cutting the lead to 31-14. Yet Gibbs helped end Arizona’s hopes again, sprinting 22 yards to the 2-yard line before Goff scored on a short run. Gibbs then added a 3-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. Gibbs finished with 151 rushing yards and two touchdowns as Detroit won 45-21. Goff threw for 271 yards and three scores, while the Lions gained 412 yards. Detroit scored on all four trips inside Arizona’s 20-yard line, an area called the red zone. The win moved the Lions to 3-2, while Arizona fell to 1-4 despite a persistent effort from players such as Trey McBride, who caught nine passes for 66 yards and a late touchdown.