Big time players step up in big time moments, and that was certainly the case for the Detroit Lions Sunday in their 34-27 come-from-behind win over the New York Giants at Ford Field.
On offense, it was running back Jahmyr Gibbs, who joins Chris Johnson (2009), Priest Holmes (2002), Marshall Faulk (2000), Delvin Williams (1976), Jim Brown (1963) and Billy Cannon (1961) as the only players in league history to produce a game with 260-plus scrimmage yards, two rushing touchdowns and a receiving touchdown.
"I mean, I wasn't really thinking about carrying the team," Gibbs said after the game. "I just do whatever it takes to win, whatever they call me for, want me to do. So, that was really my mindset."
Gibbs has arguably been Detroit's top offensive weapon this season and is entering superstar status in this league.
On defense, when the Lions needed a stop on 4th & 5 in overtime with the game on the line, edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson sacked Giants quarterback Jameis Winston to preserve the Detroit victory. The Lions didn't pressure Winston enough Sunday, but Hutchinson finished with six tackles, a sack, two tackles for loss and six of Detroit's seven quarterback hits on the afternoon. The six quarterback hits are new single-game franchise record.
"It took a lot of our guys making big-time plays in critical moments," Lions head coach Dan Campbell said of Sunday's win. "And for some of the things that didn't go well, those were the things that did go right and that's what wins in this league."
Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown caught nine passes for 149 yards and a touchdown. Linebacker Jack Campbell had 11 tackles and a tackle for loss. Detroit's leaders and playmakers stepped up in a big way Sunday. That's what star players do.
NFC NORTH RACE
Sunday was a huge win for Detroit to keep pace in the NFC North title race.
Division leader Chicago improved to 8-3 on the year beating Pittsburgh 31-28 to maintain their lead in the division. The Lions currently own the tiebreaker against the Bears thanks to their Week 2 win over Chicago in Detroit. The two will play in Chicago in the regular season finale Week 18.
Green Bay defeated Minnesota, 23-6, to improve to 7-3-1 on the year and a half game ahead of Detroit. Detroit and Green Bay square off Thursday on Thanksgiving at Ford Field as Detroit looks to split that series after a Week 1 loss in Green Bay.
O-LINE BATTLING
Penei Sewell (ankle), Taylor Decker (shoulder), Tate Ratledge (knee) and Graham Glasgow (knee) all came into Sunday's contest questionable to play due to injury. All four starting offensive linemen were active and played pretty darn well, as Detroit totaled 494 yards of offense with 237 of those coming on the ground.
"Those guys are a rare breed," quarterback Jared Goff said of his offensive line. "They're battling right now through some stuff. They don't want your sympathy. They're just going to put their head down and work. I'm proud of those guys and thankful for them laying it on the line for me and for the backs every game."
INJURY UPDATE
Wide receiver and kick returner Kalif Raymond left the game in the third quarter with an ankle injury and did not return. We'll have to monitor his status on a short week.
