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Rapid Rewind: Stingy red-zone defense and record-setting performance by Gibbs propel Lions to NFC's No. 1 seed
Justin Rogers
Jan 6
Detroit — The Detroit Lions got its defensive leader back in the nick of time.
After missing six games with a broken forearm, the Ford Field crowd welcomed linebacker Alex Anzalone with a thunderous ovation during pre-game introductions. He returned the favor by providing an emotional and physical boost to a defense that had sorely missed his presence.
Detroit’s defense delivered one of its finest performances of the season, keeping the Minnesota Vikings out of the end zone despite four trips inside the 20-yard line.
Offensively, the Lions converted a couple critical fourth downs, and running back Jahmyr Gibbs put the unit on his back, scoring four times, including a 10-yard touchdown reception on one of those fourth downs. That propelled the Lions to a 31-9 win Sunday night, securing the NFC North, the conference’s No. 1 seed and a much-needed bye week to open the postseason.
The Lions (15-2) will wait to a week to learn their first playoff opponent. The Vikings (14-3) will head to Los Angeles to face the Los Angeles Rams.
Game ball
Let’s hand out two, giving one to Gibbs for carrying the offense and another to the entire defense for their outstanding performance in the red zone.
Scoring summary
First quarter
● 1:43 — Detroit quickly marched into Minnesota territory, but nearly stalled after a holding infraction against Kevin Zeitler turned a third-and-2 into third-and-12. Opting to go for it on fourth down, Goff ate a big hit from an unblocked blitzer but got the ball to Jameson Williams on the shallow cross for the conversion. On the next snap, benefitting from a lead block from Brock Wright, Jahmyr Gibbs burst through the middle of the line for a 25-yard touchdown run. LIONS 7, VIKINGS 0
Second quarter
● 6:35 — Taking over at Detroit’s 7-yard line following an interception, the Vikings attempted three consecutive throws to Justin Jefferson. The first was nearly picked off by cornerback Amik Robertson, the receiver couldn’t come down in bounds on a high ball behind him on the second, and the third sailed over his head after the throw was altered by a blitzing Brian Branch. Instead of taking a fourth stab at the end zone, the Vikings opted for a short, 25-yard field goal to get on the board. LIONS 7, VIKINGS 3
● 0:20 — Starting at their own 42-yard line after the Lions coughed it up on downs, the Vikings worked into the red zone, but Darnold was hit on third down by defensive end Josh Paschal, causing an incompletion and forcing the visitors to settle for another short field goal. LIONS 7, VIKINGS 6
● 0:00 — The Vikings sent the ensuing kickoff out of bounds, giving the Lions the ball at their own 40 with 20 seconds to operate. Two quick completions for 30 yards allowed Jake Bates to knock home a 48-yard field goal as time expired. LIONS 10, VIKINGS 6
Third quarter
● 9:55 — Following another Goff interception, the Vikings moved across midfield, but stalled short of the red zone, settling for a 51-yard Will Reichard field goal. LIONS 10, VIKINGS 9
● 2:30 — Digging out of a second-and-19 hole after a tackle for loss and a false start penalty, the Lions worked into the red zone for the first time before facing a fourth-and-2 from the 10-yard line. Instead of running it, Goff connected with Gibbs on an angle route out of the backfield for the score. LIONS 17, VIKINGS 9
Fourth quarter
● 13:06 — Gifted quality field position after a missed field goal, the Lions drove 59 yards on six plays, capped by a 13-yard Gibbs’ touchdown run. LIONS 24, VIKINGS 9
● 5:14 — Gibbs started the drive with a 47-yard romp around the right side and put the finishing touches on the seven-play series by bulling his way across the goal line from 4 yards out to put the game out of reach. LIONS 31, VIKINGS 9
Turnovers
● Under heavy pressure and attempting to dump the ball off to running back Craig Reynolds in the second quarter, Goff’s pass was tipped by safety Josh Metellus and intercepted by linebacker Ivan Pace Jr.
● After the Lions' defense forced a turnover on downs deep in the red zone early in the third quarter, Goff dropped back to throw from his end zone. But a deep shot intended for Williams sailed beyond the receiver's reach and was intercepted by Harrison Smith.
Key stats
● It wasn’t Goff’s best performance. Despite completing better than 80% of his throws. He was intercepted twice and caught a break when Vikings defensive end Andrew Van Ginkel jumped a throw in the second half but couldn’t hang on for a likely pick-six.
● After a modest first half, buoyed by a 25-yard touchdown run, Gibbs went off in the third and fourth quarters, finishing with 170 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns.
● Sam LaPorta led the Lions with seven receptions, while Amon-Ra St. Brown paced the team with 77 receiving yards.
● Anzalone led the defense with seven tackles. Sox Lions, including Anzalone, registered a pass defense, while Za’Darius Smith and Al-Quadin Muhammad netted sacks.
Notable
● With four touchdowns, Gibbs set the franchise’s single-season record for scores from scrimmage (20), passing Barry Sanders and Jamal Williams.
Injuries
● Defensive tackle Pat O’Connor exited with a calf injury early in the third quarter. He was downgraded to out before the end of the frame.
● While making a run stop in the third quarter, Terrion Arnold was stepped on by Muhammad, awkwardly bending the rookie cornerback’s foot. He had to be helped to the sideline before he was carted to the locker room.
● Guard Kevin Zeitler suffered a late game hamstring injury.
Inactives
The Lions made the following players inactive for the contest: Running back David Montgomery, quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, offensive linemen Giovani Manu, Kayode Awosika and Colby Sorsdal, defensive lineman Jonah Williams and defensive tackle Brodric Martin.
Montgomery was ruled out earlier in the week with a knee injury. The others are healthy scratches. Bridgewater dressed per the NFL’s emergency quarterback rule.
Next game
With the win, the Lions earned a bye and will await the lowest-remaining seed in the NFC following next week’s Wild Card round. The four possible opponents are the Vikings, Rams, Commanders or the Packers.
Soak in all of the accomplishments of this historic season and relax for two weeks. Watching the wild card round will be fun. Maybe time for Lions games re-watches. or movies/ TV series can fill that Lions void for a week. Then the Super Bowl push begins!
Very curious to get a tally of players that could return from injury… one that excites me is David Montgomery’s return.
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