The Detroit Lions delivered a dominant performance on Sunday night, securing a crucial 31-9 victory over the Minnesota Vikings. In front of a raucous home crowd, the Lions showcased their explosive offense and relentless defense, saying that they are still the best tea in the NFC, regardless of injuries. Jahmyr Gibbs was the go-to player for the Lions, being the lead scorer in the game, while the defense stifled the Vikings' offense, forcing turnovers and keeping Minnesota and Sam Darnold from finding any rhythm. With the win, the Lions locked the No. 1 seed and won the NFC North again in back-to-back seasons.
Offense
QB Jared Goff did not have a good outing, with 231 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions, but that wasn't the person the Lions leaned to in scoring. The Lions relied on Jahmyr Gibbs, who broke numerous franchise records this game, including total touchdowns scored by a Lion in a season and the most total touchdowns scored in a game. Gibbs was a man on a mission to ensure his team got the No. 1 seed and the bye week they so desperately needed. 139 yards rushing, three rushing touchdowns, and a receiving touchdown, Gibbs would not be denied this game and carried the Lions offense on his back to secure the victory. That fantastic performance from him and a bye week is well-deserved for this team.
Player of the Game: Jahmyr Gibbs
Defense
With LB Alex Anzalone back, the Lions' defense got a much-needed boost in the backfield and in the trenches. With a QB hit, a pass deflection, and 10 total tackles in this game, the Lions got some much-needed reinforcements back just in time for playoffs. DT Zadarius Smith also had a good day, providing the defense's lone sack for a loss. The defense got into Sam Darnold's face and kept him off balance, making him overthrow targets in the red zone and on potential big plays. The defense came to play this game and, hopefully, will get more reinforcements after the bye week and make a deep playoff run.
Player of the Game: Alex Anzalone
What's Next?
The Lions get a much-deserved bye week for the playoffs, and the rest is exactly what this team needs to reset. Hopefully, more players will come back and be able to be on the field for the playoffs as well. This team will need all the help it can get now that every game matters in order to reach that one goal that has always evaded the city of Detroit: a Super Bowl.
Main Image via
Comments