Lions Win 19-9 as Bates Boot Four Field Goals
Detroit's offense struggled against Miami's pressure but held on for its fourth consecutive victory.
By Renata Mehta ·
Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates converted four field goals to secure a 19-9 victory over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. The win marks the fourth straight triumph for Detroit, which finished with 271 total yards despite entering the game as the top-ranked offense averaging 29 points and 395.4 yards per game.
The Lions have built this recent streak on consistent offensive output. Their high average made the 271-yard total a lower mark than usual. Quarterback Jared Goff completed 17 of 25 passes for 170 yards while absorbing three sacks. Rookie cornerback Chris Johnson intercepted a tipped pass from Goff in the first quarter, marking the second interception of the season for the Detroit signal caller.
Running back Jahmyr Gibbs carried the ball 20 times for 74 yards. He averaged 3.7 yards per carry and scored on an 8-yard rush in the fourth quarter. That touchdown extended the Lions' lead to 16-6. All-Pro tight end Amon-Ra St. Brown added 86 receiving yards. The Lions entered the contest with a 9-6 lead and four minutes remaining in the third quarter before Goff connected with Jameson Williams on a 31-yard pass. That play set up Gibbs' score on fourth down, his 11th scrimmage touchdown of the season.
The Dolphins responded with a 34-yard field goal by Zane Gonzalez following a successful fake punt. The play gained Miami possession at the Detroit 18. Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis completed 13 of 25 passes for 128 yards and threw one interception. Miami's offense went 0 for 3 in the red zone and failed to reach 100 rushing yards for the second straight game. The team also committed 11 penalties and missed a field goal attempt.
Detroit players wore No. 46 jerseys in tribute to linebacker Jack Campbell. Campbell was placed on injured reserve this week after a neck injury sustained during last week's win over Minnesota. His jersey hung in the locker room, and fans held signs reading "Campbell Strong." Both teams executed fake punts during the game. Dolphins punter Bradley Pinion threw a 46-yard completion to Kaytron Allen in the fourth quarter. In the second quarter, Jack Fox threw an 11-yard pass to Tay Martin to give Detroit the ball at the 41, though Miami's defense forced a punt on the next series.
Injury reports list Dolphins tight end Will Kacmarek with a quad injury sustained after a low hit in the third quarter. He walked to the sideline unassisted after remaining on the field for a few minutes. The Lions travel to Germany next Sunday to face the New England Patriots in Munich. The Dolphins host the Indianapolis Colts at home next Sunday.
