The Detroit Lions used the 2023 NFL season opener to send a big message to the rest of the league — that they're a force to be reckoned with.
The Lions marched into GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Thursday Night Football and rallied to defeat the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, 21-20. Jared Goff completed 22-of-35 passes for 253 yards and one touchdown to lead the Lions to victory.
The signature moment came with the Chiefs trailing 20-14 with 10:46 remaining in the game on a crucial 3rd & 12 possession, when Goff floated a dangerous pass through traffic that Josh Reynolds was able to haul in for an 18-yard gain.
A couple of plays later, and Goff and Reynolds were able to connect for another 33 yards to get into the red zone.
Running back David Montgomery would punch in an eight-yard touchdown to cap the dazzling nine-play, 75-yard drive to give the Lions a 21-20 edge, which stood.
Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs had two more chances to regain the lead and win the game, but were denied each time — once unable to convert on a 3rd & 1 possession and the next turning the ball over on downs.
Mahomes finished with 226 passing yards and two touchdowns, while throwing one interception, as he sorely missed star tight end Travis Kelce who was out with a knee injury.
Montgomery, who rushed for 74 yards on 21 carries, would ice the game on a late 3rd & 2 possession, rushing for a first down and forcing the Chiefs to use their final timeout with 1:42 remaining, before the Lions ran the clock out for a significant season-opening win.
Here's how the entire Chiefs-Lions game went.