Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, right, runs in front of Detroit Lions defensive back Tracy Walker on Sunday in Glendale, Ariz. The Lions won 26-23. (AP photo)

ALLEN PARK — Even though Detroit Lions coach Matt Patricia had to wait 11 months to experience the thrill of victory, he insisted relief didn’t describe his feelings.

“I don’t ride the roller coaster,” Patricia said Monday, a day after ending an 11-game losing streak at Arizona. “I just have to stay consistent. I think it’s hard to lead if you ride the roller coaster.

“I think it’s hard to exist in this world of competitive football if you ride that roller coaster because I think when you do that, you just hope it stops when you’re at the high point and not the down point.”

The Lions looked like they might be headed for rock bottom after an 0-2 start. They prepared for their road game against the Kyler Murray-led Cardinals amid questions about how much longer Patricia would keep his job.

Detroit, though, scored first as it has in each game this season and finished strong for a change.

Detroit Lions offensive tackle Tyrell Crosby, right, blocks Arizona Cardinals linebacker Chandler Jones on Sunday in Glendale, Ariz. The Lions won 26-23. (AP photo)

Matthew Stafford led the Lions to victory for the 35th time in his career when were they tied or behind in the fourth quarter or overtime. Matt Prater’s field goal as time expired gave Detroit a 26-23 win.

“It felt really, really good,” defensive end Romeo Okwara acknowledged. “It has been way too long since we got a win.”

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WHAT’S WORKING

Adrian Peterson. The 35-year-old gained 27 yards on his first carry and finished with 22 rushes for 75 yards along with a catch for 10 yards.

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WHAT NEEDS HELP

Red zone offense. The Lions have scored six touchdowns in 13 drives in the red zone.

“We settled for field goals in the red zone too often,” tight end Jesse James said. “We got to find a way to get it in.”

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STOCK UP

James suddenly became part of the passing game, making three catches for 28 yards and a touchdown against Arizona. James did not have a reception in the first two games this year and averaged one catch per game in 2019 in a scoreless first season with the team.

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STOCK DOWN

Detroit signed