The NFL Week 4 concluded with an exciting Monday night doubleheader, featuring the Detroit Lions taking on the Seattle Seahawks and the Tennessee Titans facing the Miami Dolphins. While the Sunday games offered plenty of drama and surprise finishes, Monday’s matchups highlighted remarkable performances and historical milestones.
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff delivered a historic performance in the Lions’ 42-29 victory over the Seattle Seahawks. Goff completed all 18 of his pass attempts for 292 yards, including a stunning 70-yard touchdown throw to Jameson Williams. This achievement made him the first quarterback in NFL history to attempt over ten passes in a game without a single incompletion, according to NFL statistics.
Post-game, Goff expressed his surprise at his perfect performance, stating, “Awesome. Yeah, really cool,” while emphasizing that winning the game was his priority. The night got even sweeter for him when he caught a touchdown pass from wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, marking his first career touchdown reception on a trick play.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell admitted he felt “awful” for not recognizing Goff’s flawless game earlier. “I knew he played a heck of a game. I did not realize he was perfect,” he remarked. Campbell praised Goff’s poise and rhythm throughout the game, which was essential for their success against a confident Seahawks team.
Seattle’s Geno Smith attempted to keep pace, throwing for 395 yards and one touchdown, but his efforts fell short as the Lions maintained control throughout. Running back Kenneth Walker III contributed with three rushing touchdowns, but Detroit’s early lead proved insurmountable. With this win, the Lions improved to 3-1, while the Seahawks matched that record with their loss.
In another crucial matchup, the Tennessee Titans earned their first victory of the season, defeating the Miami Dolphins 31-12. However, the game was marred by an injury to starting quarterback Will Levis, who exited in the first quarter with a shoulder injury after a hard-fought run for a first down. Levis will undergo an MRI to assess the injury, which is suspected to be an acromioclavicular joint issue.
Despite Levis’s early exit, backup quarterback Mason Rudolph stepped in and managed to lead the team to victory. Although Rudolph’s passing statistics were modest—9 completions on 17 attempts for 85 yards—he effectively directed seven scoring drives. Head coach Bill Callahan emphasized that Levis remains the starting quarterback when healthy.
Titans kicker Nick Folk had a standout performance, successfully converting all five field goal attempts along with two extra points. The Titans’ offensive push included rushing touchdowns from Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears, who combined for 127 yards on the ground.
On the Dolphins’ side, the absence of starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa due to a concussion was felt. Tyler Huntley started in his place but struggled, finishing with 96 yards on 14 completions. Miami’s only score came from Huntley’s rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter. With this loss, the Dolphins became the first team since the 2017 Cleveland Browns to fail to hold a lead through their first four games of the season.
Both the Lions and the Titans have critical lessons to take into the rest of the season. The Lions showcased their potential, with Goff’s historic night boosting team morale as they look to build on their 3-1 record. The Titans, while grappling with injuries, displayed resilience and determination in finally securing a win, putting them at 1-3.
As teams prepare for the upcoming week, all eyes will be on how they address their challenges and capitalize on their strengths moving forward. The NFL continues to deliver excitement and unexpected turns as the season progresses.