Lions Hold Off Saints 31-30 in Overtime After Bold 2-Point Decision.
DETROIT — The Detroit Lions watched a three-touchdown lead disappear Sunday, survived a late New Orleans comeback and ultimately escaped with a 31-30 overtime victory when Saints coach Kellen Moore opted to go for two and the win instead of extending the game.
With the Saints finally reaching the end zone in overtime, Tyler Shough found Noah Fant on an 8-yard touchdown pass to bring New Orleans within a point. Moore immediately made the decision to finish the game rather than kick the extra point. Shough's pass on the 2-point try fell incomplete, allowing Detroit to celebrate a wild victory. Moore said the decision was influenced by the Lions' offense and the limited time he would have left them if New Orleans had tied the game. “The Lions have a great offense, and I didn’t want to give them 1:34 to try to make a play and beat us,” Moore said. Detroit appeared to be in control early, building a 21-0 advantage before New Orleans gradually worked its way back into the contest. The Saints scored twice late in the third quarter, getting an 8-yard touchdown run from Kendre Miller before Shough connected with Devaughn Vele on a 1-yard scoring pass. The two scores cut Detroit's advantage to seven. New Orleans eventually completed the comeback in the fourth quarter. With 1:07 remaining, Shough found Juwan Johnson for a 9-yard touchdown that pulled the Saints even at 24-24. Detroit went three-and-out on its next possession, giving New Orleans an opportunity to win in regulation. Ryan Wright, however, missed a 62-yard field-goal attempt as time expired. The Lions then had to withstand another dramatic sequence in overtime.
Gibbs Leads Detroit's Offense
Detroit's biggest offensive weapon throughout the afternoon was running back Jahmyr Gibbs. Gibbs carried 29 times for a career-high 156 yards and scored twice. He also contributed five receptions for 30 yards as the Lions repeatedly turned to him to keep their offense moving. “That guy is our hot hand,” Detroit coach Dan Campbell said. Jared Goff provided a steady performance under center, completing 26 of 39 passes for 206 yards and two touchdowns without committing a turnover. His ability to protect the football became especially important as the Saints mounted their comeback. Shough's afternoon was much more eventful. The New Orleans quarterback finished 35 of 56 for 410 yards and three touchdowns, but he also threw two interceptions and lost a fumble. Despite those mistakes, Shough helped put the Saints in position to steal the game late. Trailing by seven, New Orleans converted a crucial fourth-and-12 when Shough hit rookie receiver Bryce Lance for 15 yards from the Saints' 23-yard line. Three plays later, Shough connected with Chris Olave on a 43-yard completion that set up Johnson's tying touchdown. Detroit nearly ended the game before regulation. The Lions reached the New Orleans 1-yard line late in the fourth quarter, but a holding penalty moved them backward. They settled for a field goal that gave Detroit a 24-17 lead with 2:32 remaining.
Controversial Review Changes Momentum
Another major turning point came early in the second quarter. Saints defensive end Chase Young appeared to sack Goff and force a fumble that was recovered for a defensive touchdown. However, the play was overturned following video review. Officials determined Goff had begun his throwing motion, making the play an incomplete pass rather than a fumble. “I’ll be the first to say, I thought we lost that one,” Campbell said. Goff admitted he was unsure how the ruling would turn out. “I was trying to figure it out on the fly,” Goff said.
Moore acknowledged the ruling was difficult for New Orleans but said the decision followed the rule governing a quarterback's forward throwing motion. “Once the arm starts forward it doesn’t matter where the ball ends up,” Moore said.
Injury Updates
The Saints entered the game without running back Alvin Kamara, who was sidelined with a knee injury, and defensive end Cameron Jordan, who was inactive because of an ankle issue.
Detroit lost starting offensive guard Christian Mahogany early after he injured his right knee and was taken from the field on a cart.
What's Next
The Saints will travel to Baltimore to face the Ravens on Sept. 20.
The Lions have a quick turnaround and will visit Buffalo on Sept. 17.
