Green, Holmes Make Lions’ Road Even Harder

Trent Green was perfect. In their own sad and historic way, so were the Detroit Lions.

Becoming just the second quarterback this season with a perfect quarterback rating of 158.3, Green threw three touchdown passes in a 45-17 victory that clinched Kansas City’s first AFC West title since 1997.

The Lions (4-10), despite their first 100-yard rushing game in more than a year, did what they’ve done without fail for almost three full seasons, losing on the road. Their 23rd consecutive road loss tied the record set by the Houston Oilers in the early 1980s.

With a trip to Carolina awaiting, they’re on the brink of setting the NFL’s all-time away-from-home futility record.

“It’s hard, and we’re one of a handful of teams that hasn’t had any luck on the road this year,” said Coach Steve Mariucci.

The Chiefs (12-2) set a team record with their 12th consecutive home victory and got three more touchdowns rushing from Priest Holmes. Seeming to move the ball at will, they scored on seven of their first eight possessions, failing only when Morten Andersen was short on a 48-yard field goal attempt at the end of the half.

“We’ve had days where we were good for a time, then dropped off and then picked it back up,” said Green, who was 20 of 25 passing for 341 yards and joined Indianapolis’ Peyton Manning as the NFL’s only quarterbacks to have a perfect rating this season.

Holmes’ touchdown runs of 14, nine and three yards put his season total at 22, three short of the NFL record for rushing touchdowns held by Emmitt Smith. He needs four touchdowns rushing or receiving in his last two games to tie the record for touchdowns from scrimmage held by Marshall Faulk.