ZThe Minnesota Vikings managed to keep Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff in check for most of Sunday’s divisional matchup at Ford Field.
Slowing down Jahmyr Gibbs, however, proved to be a different challenge.
The Lions’ second-year running back shined in the regular-season finale against the Vikings, racking up 23 carries for 139 yards and three touchdowns. Gibbs also added five receptions for 31 yards and another touchdown.
His performance accounted for all of Detroit’s touchdowns in their 31-9 victory over the Vikings, securing the Lions’ second straight NFC North title and clinching the No. 1 seed in the conference.
“He’s as dynamic as anyone in the NFL,” Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said postgame. “I think we handled him well for much of the game, but a player like that only needs a small window.
“One little gap and he’s gone. He’s tough to bring down in the open field. We anticipated that. I thought Flo and the defense did some great things early to keep us competitive.”
O’Connell’s assessment was evident, as the Vikings held Gibbs to 12 carries for 42 yards (3.5 yards per rush) and one touchdown in the first half. But Gibbs took over in the second half, adding 11 carries for 97 yards and two scores. He also had three catches for 33 yards and a touchdown, sealing the Lions’ win.
“This game could’ve had a different outcome with a few more red-zone plays going our way,” O’Connell added. “Momentum and energy matter—it lifts the entire team. I’m proud of how the guys competed.
“Once our second-to-last drive fell short, and with Monday night approaching, I wanted to get key players out and start preparing for what’s next.”
The Vikings went 0-for-4 in red-zone attempts, while the Lions converted all three of theirs.
