The Detroit Lions didn’t hold a lead against the New York Giants in Week 12 until running back Jahmyr Gibbs broke off a 69-yard touchdown on the first offensive play of overtime to put his team up 34-27, the score by which the Lions captured a crucial victory on Sunday, November 23.
It was Gibbs who led Detroit to a 7-4 mark, helping the Lions keep pace with the 8-3 Chicago Bears, who are leading the NFC North Division, and the second-place Green Bay Packers (7-3-1). The running back finished the afternoon with 264 yards from scrimmage, including 219 yards on the ground on just 15 carries, and three total touchdowns. He also made 11 catches for 45 yards.
Following the contest, the Lions announced Gibbs as this week’s Player of the Game.
“Sonic BOOM,” the team captioned its X post containing the announcement.
Head Coach Dan Campbell Praises Jahmyr Gibbs for ‘Bailing Out’ Lions in Win Over Giants
GettyDetroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell credited the entire offense with Gibbs’ game-winning run, but also acknowledged that the running back carried the team on his shoulders throughout the afternoon.
“He’s electric, you know, and he’s a game-changer,” Campbell said. “I’m gonna give credit to that O-line because I felt they really dug in today and did a good job. And receivers, as always — you don’t get those knockout runs unless your receivers are blocking.”
“But Gibbs, he’s electric,” Campbell continued. “And when he found a crease, he was going to the house. This was not about first downs and picking up a few yards. I mean, this guy is going to the house. And he’s got the juice to make it happen. He’s got vision. He’s a difference-maker. He bailed us out today in a big way.”
Jahmyr Gibbs Sent Message to Lions Fans From Field Following Win
GettyDetroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs.
Gibbs took to social media after the game, sending a message to fans before even leaving the field. Detroit shared Gibbs’ video on its official X feed.
“You know how we do in the den,” Gibbs said. “Everybody came out, they showed out, showed love. Let’s go Lions.”
He also spoke about his game-sealing score during the postgame press conference.
“They brought pressure into the run,” Gibbs said. “Everybody just did a great job picking it up like it was nothing, and after that it was just [whoosh].”
Gibbs now has 951 rushing yards and 10 rushing TDs on the season. He has also hauled in 48 receptions for 379 receiving yards and three scores through the air. The running back is a two-time Pro Bowler and is on track for a third such honor in his third NFL season.
Detroit will host Green Bay next Thursday on a short week, with the game serving as one of the league’s Thanksgiving Day features. The Packers bested the Lions at Lambeau Field in Week 1 by a score of 27-13.
The winner of the contest will move into second place in the division behind the Bears, who play on the road against the Philadelphia Eagles Friday.
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