Via Lions
@JeffSkverskyKZitem
Lions Edge Vikings 31-29 in Thriller, Stay on Top of NFC North
The Detroit Lions pulled off another memorable win, defeating the Minnesota Vikings 31-29 in a tense division battle, thanks to a 44-yard field goal by rookie kicker Jake Bates with just 15 seconds remaining. The victory propels the Lions to 5-1, tied for the NFC North lead with the Vikings and keeping their hopes of a second consecutive division title alive.
“We talked about patience, keeping your composure, communication, and an attitude, and our guys did that,” said head coach Dan Campbell. “We didn’t bat an eye when things started going a little south.”
Jahmyr Gibbs led the Lions’ offense, rushing for 116 yards and two touchdowns in the second quarter. Gibbs also played a key role in the game-winning drive, helping Jared Goff march Detroit 48 yards in four plays to set up Bates’ clutch field goal. Bates, who stepped in after Michael Badgley’s injury, is now 10-for-10 on field goals this season.
Goff was stellar again, completing 22 of 25 passes for 280 yards and two touchdowns, continuing his remarkable run of 140+ passer rating games. He joins an elite group, including Aaron Rodgers and Kurt Warner, with three consecutive performances at that level.
“Jared doesn’t get frazzled. He’s tough, competitive, and reliable,” Campbell said.
Second-Quarter Explosion
The Lions dominated the second quarter, scoring three touchdowns on drives of 69+ yards. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson outwitted Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, allowing Goff to exploit blitz after blitz.
“They want to apply the pressure. For us, we go down 10-0 and we’re kind of getting kicked in the mouth a little bit,” Goff said. “Stay calm, stay relaxed.”
Gibbs’ 150 total yards helped spearhead Detroit’s strong performance at the line of scrimmage. His breakout game against a defense that ranked second in the league in yards per carry allowed was a turning point.
“He’s been so close to exploding,” Campbell said. “We felt like this was the game.”
Late Drama
After trailing 21-10 at halftime, the Vikings fought back. A David Montgomery fumble, returned 36 yards for a touchdown by Ivan Pace Jr., gave Minnesota a brief 29-28 lead with just under six minutes remaining. However, Sam Darnold’s crucial 2-point conversion attempt missed its target, leaving the door open for the Lions’ game-winning drive.
The Vikings had a chance to respond, but an illegal formation penalty and a final sack of Darnold sealed Detroit’s fourth straight win over Minnesota.
Key Stats and Injury Notes
• Goff threw touchdowns to Amon-Ra St. Brown and Kalif Raymond, continuing his precision passing streak.
• Sam Darnold went 22 of 27 for 259 yards, but two crucial missed throws to Justin Jefferson proved costly for the Vikings.
• Jefferson finished with 81 yards and a touchdown, while Aaron Jones rushed for 93 yards and a score for Minnesota.
• The Lions’ defense came up big when it mattered, with Brian Branch intercepting Darnold in the second quarter.
• David Montgomery briefly left the game with a knee injury but returned before halftime.
Up Next
• Lions: Host the Tennessee Titans next Sunday.
• Vikings: Travel to Los Angeles to face the Rams on Thursday night.
#OnePride #LionsWin #JaredGoff #JahmyrGibbs #JakeBates #NFCNorthBattle #LionsVsVikings #NFLWeek7
Негізгі бет Lions Dan Campbell “Proud” of
Пікірлер: 10