Detroit Lions running back Jamaal Williams (30) scores a touchdown as Minnesota Vikings cornerback Patrick Peterson (7) goes to make the tackle during the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Lions' high-octane offense sets NFL record in loss to Vikings

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 9/26/22

Last season, the Detroit Lions were fortunate to score two touchdowns per game.

Through three games this year, however, Detroit’s offense has been producing at a record-setting pace.

As running back Jamaal Williams broke off a 13-yard rushing touchdown with 2:08 to go in the third quarter of Sunday’s 28-24 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, the 27-year-old made history as the Lions had scored a touchdown in 11 straight quarters to open the season — a new NFL record.

By scoring a TD in each of the first 3 quarters today, the @Lions have opened the 2022 season with a TD in all 11 quarters played.

This establishes a new @NFL record for the most consecutive quarters with a TD scored to begin a season in League history.#OnePride pic.twitter.com/RaBNmeaKOT
— Detroit Lions PR (@LionsPR) September 25, 2022

Detroit was held scoreless in the fourth quarter, however, snapping its streak of 16 straight quarters with a touchdown dating back to last season, and falling just shy of the NFL’s all-time record of 19 consecutive quarters with a touchdown.

Williams also made a bit of history of his own by becoming the first Lions running back to rush for multiple scores against the Vikings on the road since Barry Sanders on Nov. 24, 1991. He’s also the fourth player in team history with two games of two or more rushing touchdowns through the first three games of the year.

Another 2️⃣ touchdown day for @jswaggdaddy!#DETvsMIN | FOX pic.twitter.com/UgLvKo7MmD
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) September 25, 2022

Through three games, the Lions are averaging 31.7 points per game with 12 total touchdowns. They trail only the Baltimore Ravens in both points per game (33) and total touchdowns scored (13).

For comparison, Detroit averaged just 19.1 points per game and didn’t score its 12th touchdown until the final two minutes of Week 6 last year.

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