Week 4 of the NFL season concluded with a Monday night double-header, featuring one game between high-performing teams and another between two squads searching for their first real momentum. While Sunday’s matchups were filled with dramatic finishes and individual brilliance, Monday’s games brought historic achievements and intriguing narratives, even though they lacked the last-minute thrill.
Jared Goff of the Detroit Lions delivered a flawless performance in a 42-29 victory over the Seattle Seahawks. Goff completed 18 out of 18 passes for 292 yards and two touchdowns, including a 70-yard bomb to Jameson Williams. This remarkable achievement made him the first quarterback in NFL history to attempt more than 10 passes in a game without an incompletion, a stat that even surprised Goff himself after the game.
Beyond his passing, Goff’s night included another memorable moment when he caught his first-ever touchdown pass on a trick play. Lions coach Dan Campbell, who initially gave the game ball to Williams, expressed regret for not acknowledging Goff’s perfection sooner. Campbell praised Goff’s poise and control throughout the game, noting how his quarterback found his rhythm early and made crucial plays that contributed to the win.
The Seahawks, though competitive, couldn’t match Detroit’s pace despite an admirable effort from quarterback Geno Smith. Smith threw for 395 yards with a touchdown and an interception, while Kenneth Walker III contributed three rushing touchdowns. Seattle fell to 3-1, tied with Detroit, as coach Mike Macdonald stressed that the team needs to improve, recognizing the challenge of facing a strong opponent like the Lions.
In the other game, the Tennessee Titans finally secured their first win of the season, beating the Miami Dolphins 31-12. However, the win was marred by an early injury to starting quarterback Will Levis, who suffered a shoulder injury in the first quarter. Levis, who had already thrown an interception, was ruled out for the remainder of the game, and head coach Bill Callahan revealed the quarterback would undergo an MRI to assess the severity of the injury.
Backup quarterback Mason Rudolph stepped in for Tennessee and, while not overly impressive, managed the game well enough to lead the Titans to victory. Rudolph threw for 85 yards, completing 9 of 17 passes, and guided the team on seven scoring drives. Titans kicker Nick Folk was perfect on the night, making all five field goal attempts and both extra points, while running backs Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears combined for 127 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
The Dolphins, still without starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa due to a concussion, struggled again on offense. Tyler Huntley, filling in as the starter, had an inconsistent performance, completing just 14 of 22 passes for 96 yards, though he did rush for the Dolphins’ only touchdown late in the game. Miami’s ongoing issues were highlighted by a unique and troubling stat: they became the first team since the 2017 Cleveland Browns to not hold a lead through their first four games of the season.
Both games on Monday highlighted contrasting team trajectories. Detroit’s victory reinforced their strong start to the season, improving their record to 3-1, while Seattle must regroup after suffering their first loss. Tennessee’s win, despite injuries, provided a much-needed morale boost after a poor start, while Miami continues to grapple with offensive inconsistency without their star quarterback.
As Week 4 wrapped up, the outcomes of these games left clear storylines heading into Week 5. Detroit looks like a team to watch, while Seattle will focus on ironing out their weaknesses. Meanwhile, Tennessee hopes to build on their first win despite ongoing injury concerns, and Miami must find a way to reignite their offense as they await Tagovailoa’s return. The NFL season is heating up, and each team will be looking to address these challenges as the season progresses.
