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          Detroit Lions' Godwin Igwebuike, Jermar Jefferson run through Steelers for long TDs

          • Eric Woodyard, ESPNNov 14, 2021, 08:07 PM
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              Eric Woodyard covers the Detroit Lions for ESPN. He joined ESPN in September 2019 as an NBA reporter dedicated to the Midwest region before switching to his current role in April 2021. The Flint, Mich. native is a graduate of Western Michigan University and has authored/co-authored three books: "Wasted, Ethan's Talent Search" and "All In: The Kelvin Torbert Story". He is a proud parent of one son, Ethan. You can follow him on Twitter: @E_Woodyard

          PITTSBURGH -- Detroit Lions running back Godwin Igwebuike broke off a 42-yard touchdown with 12:09 left in the third quarter Sunday to give the Lions a 16-10 lead over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

          It was Igwebuike's first career touchdown, but Ryan Santoso missed the extra point.

          It was the Lions' longest rushing touchdown since Week 5 of 2011, when Jahvid Best went 88 yards against the Chicago Bears, and it was the Lions' longest rushing touchdown on the road since Barry Sanders scored from 51 yards out in Week 11 of 1997 against Washington.

          Detroit, looking for its first victory, had its ground game clicking. Igwebuike's run gave the Lions 199 rushing yards on the game, and Detroit would soon eclipse 200 yards.

          That was important for Detroit considering Jared Goff was struggling to generate yards. Goff had just 11 passing yards in the first half, a career low for a half.

          Lions running back Jermar Jefferson also scored on a 28-yard rush in the first half before being carted off the field with an ankle injury.

          This was the first time a team had multiple rushing touchdowns of 20-plus yards against the Steelers since the 2004 AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots, according to ESPN Stats & Information. The last regular-season instance was in Week 13 of the 2000 season against the Cincinnati Bengals.