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 Jared Goff throws perfect game to set NFL record in Lions' win

 Jared Goff throws perfect game to set NFL record in Lions' win

DETROIT -- Dan Campbell felt a tinge of regret Monday night after realizing he missed recognizing a piece of NFL history.


Quarterback Jared Goff delivered a flawless performance, setting an NFL record by completing all 18 of his passes, helping the Detroit Lions defeat the Seattle Seahawks 42-29 for their first win against Seattle since 2012.

    
By the time Campbell understood the magnitude of Goff's achievement, it was too late — he had already given game balls to wide receiver Jameson Williams and safety Kerby Joseph in the locker room.


"I feel awful," Campbell admitted. "I knew he played a heck of a game. I didn’t realize he was literally 18-for-18. You could feel it though, he really found his rhythm early."


The previous record for consecutive completions without an incompletion was held by Kurt Warner, who went 10-for-10 in 2005.


Goff, who threw for 292 yards and two touchdowns, couldn't recall ever finishing a game without an incomplete pass.


"I don’t think I’ve ever done that," Goff said. "I knew about it in the third quarter, but then I threw one out of bounds that got called for offensive pass interference, so I wasn’t sure if that would count. But yeah, it was a good day."


Goff's day was made even more special when he caught the first receiving touchdown of his career on a short pass from Amon-Ra St. Brown. The Lions became the first team since 1933 to have multiple players throw passes and finish with a 100% completion rate in a game, according to ESPN Research.


The play, called "Alcatraz" by offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, had been practiced multiple times, but this was the first time they found the right moment to use it.


"It wasn’t too hard of a route, just a little wheel route," St. Brown said. "For that, I’ll give him a 7 out of 10."


Despite missing Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow due to a partially torn pectoral muscle, Detroit’s offensive line stepped up, with Graham Glasgow shifting to center and Kayode Awosika starting at left guard. Goff had plenty of time in the pocket, completing 14-of-14 passes for 270 yards and both of his touchdowns while facing minimal pressure.


One of those passes was a 70-yard touchdown to Williams in the third quarter, giving the Lions a 35-20 lead.


Running back Jahmyr Gibbs, who rushed for 78 yards and two touchdowns, said he didn’t notice Goff’s perfect game until after it was over.


"I was like, 'I haven’t seen the ball hit the ground yet,' and that’s when I realized," Gibbs said. "It’s crazy, and I’m happy for him."


Though Goff didn’t receive a game ball, he was in high spirits as the Lions improved to 3-1 heading into their bye week.


"That’s OK," Goff joked. "Maybe he’ll make it up, but I’m just happy we got the win."