If anyone needed confirmation that Jahmyr Gibbs is becoming the guy in Detroit, the quarterback who watches it unfold from a few feet away just delivered it.
Following the Lions’ dramatic 34–27 overtime victory over the Giants, Jared Goff didn’t hold back. He didn’t sugarcoat. He didn’t overthink it. He simply said what the entire NFL is starting to realize:
Jahmyr Gibbs is turning into a full-blown superstar.
And that jaw-dropping, game-winning 69-yard touchdown run? Goff knew the Giants were cooked almost instantly.
Goff: Gibbs Is “As Good as Anyone in This League”
Goff showered Gibbs with the type of praise normally saved for cornerstone players.
“He’s as good as they come in this league, and he’s making a real case as one of the best players — period,” Goff said via Lions OnSI. “He’s just so explosive.”
Detroit’s offense struggled to find consistency for long stretches of the game, but every time the Lions needed someone to ignite a spark, Gibbs answered the call.
“For him to pick us up when we weren’t clicking the way we wanted… that was huge.”
This wasn’t Gibbs playing well. This was Gibbs rescuing Detroit’s momentum.
Why Defenses Panic When Gibbs Gets the Ball
According to Goff, opposing defenses don’t just react to Gibbs — they worry about him.
“You can feel the energy shift when he gets the ball,” Goff said. “You can feel the defense tense up.”
Once Gibbs breaks into the second level, the geometry changes.
“When he gets past the line, you can see safeties adjusting their angles, and it’s a great feeling for us. Terrible for the defense.”
And his growth as a receiving threat is happening fast.
“He’s learning the routes, improving every week, and his hands are exactly where they need to be.”
Goff even joked that he kept feeding Gibbs because he couldn’t help himself.
“As a quarterback you’re like a point guard — and he was the hot hand. Maybe I went to him one too many times.”
When your QB admits he can’t stop giving you the rock? That’s a star.
Goff Saw the OT Touchdown Coming After Seven Yards
On the very first play of overtime, Detroit ran their signature duo look behind Penei Sewell and rookie Tate Ratledge. Gibbs slipped through the crease — and Goff already knew the Giants were finished.
“I threw my hand up when he was maybe seven yards downfield.”
Goff instantly recognized the footrace forming.
“You could see the angle he had and the angle the safety had. It was over.”
And that safety, Dane Belton, can move.
“Number 24 on their defense isn’t slow at all… and Jah just pulled away from him. Different gear.”
Translation: Gibbs made a fast safety look like he was stuck in mud.
Gibbs Isn’t Shy — Just Not a Camera Guy
Some fans think Gibbs is quiet or reserved. Goff set the record straight.
“He’s totally normal with us. He talks, he jokes, he works. Great guy, great teammate.”
Behind the scenes, he’s not silent — he’s locked in.
Detroit’s New Superstar Has Officially Arrived
Jahmyr Gibbs isn’t “breaking out.” He’s here, and everyone in the building knows it.
He’s feared by defenses.
He’s a nightmare in space.
He’s taking over games the Lions absolutely must win.
And from the man who sees it closest:
Gibbs is becoming one of the best players in the entire NFL — fast.
