Brief

Lions’ fourth‑down conversions fuel 45‑21 win over Cardinals

Detroit coach Dan Campbell credited two clutch fourth‑down conversions for the Lions’ dominant win over Arizona.

By Felo News Desk · Published Tue, 13 Oct 2026 07:39:27 GMT

Detroit Lions defeated the Arizona Cardinals 45‑21 on Monday, Oct. 12, 2026, after a first‑quarter deficit, according to the Associated Press.

What happened

The Lions opened the game with three three‑and‑out drives, ending the first quarter trailing 7‑0 and posting a net loss of eight yards. Quarterback Jared Goff was sacked three times and completed only two of four passes for seven yards. In the second quarter, after a punt return to the Lions’ 46‑yard line, the team faced a fourth‑and‑3. Coach Dan Campbell elected to stay on the field, and Goff connected on a 12‑yard pass to tight end Sam LaPorta, followed by a 15‑yard unnecessary‑roughness penalty that gave Detroit a first down at the Arizona 20. The Lions then scored a touchdown, tying the game at 7‑7. Later, facing third‑and‑12 at the Cardinals’ 49, Goff again found LaPorta, who broke a tackle and fell inches short of the first‑down marker. Detroit went for it on fourth down, and LaPorta caught a 38‑yard pass for a go‑ahead touchdown. The Lions led 24‑7 at halftime and extended the lead to 45‑14 before the Cardinals scored a late, inconsequential touchdown.

What the reports add

The AP story highlights that the Lions’ turnaround hinged on two successful fourth‑down attempts, both involving LaPorta’s receptions. It also notes that the Lions’ running back Jahmyr Gibbs handled the ball 30 times for 207 yards and two touchdowns, underscoring the ground game’s role in the victory.

What was said

Coach Dan Campbell told reporters, “It really started with the fourth‑and‑3… We took a shot on fourth down and we ended up with 27 yards off of it, and then he did it again on the next drive.” The Lions’ coach also said, “He makes the catch on third‑and‑long and gets us a fourth‑and‑1… and then he gets the next catch and takes it to the house.”

How it came about

Detroit entered the game after a defensive slog, having allowed over 400 yards in three of its first four contests, as noted in a recent Felo News piece on the Lions’ defensive issues. The win also followed a tribute to broadcaster Dan Miller’s late wife, Cindy Miller, where Campbell presented Miller with a game ball after the victory.

Key facts

Detroit Lions beat Arizona Cardinals 45‑21 on Oct. 12, 2026 (winnipegfreepress.com)
Two successful fourth‑down conversions involving Sam LaPorta sparked the comeback (winnipegfreepress.com)
Jahmyr Gibbs recorded 30 touches for 207 yards and two touchdowns (winnipegfreepress.com)
Coach Dan Campbell credited the fourth‑down plays as the turning point (winnipegfreepress.com)