Sunday Night Football was the host of two 14-2 teams for the first time in NFL history. The Detroit Lions hosted division rival Minnesota Vikings not only for the NFC North title but for the top seed in the NFC. Jahmyr Gibbs, aka “Sonic the Detroit Lion,” wanted to remind everyone about the Sonic Franchise by tying a Detroit Lions franchise record, scoring four touchdowns in a single game. By doing so, Gibbs joined an elite club, including Polk High’s own Al Bundy and others, to reach the end zone four times.
Lions Defend Their Den In First Half
The Detroit Lions started the game receiving the ball with little success on their first drive. Ford Field proved to be rocking early by helping out the defense, causing a pivotal Vikings false start that would ultimately end Minnesota’s opening offensive drive. Dan “Gamble” was doubling down in the first quarter as the team converted a huge 4th and 5 with a pass to Jameson Williams. Goff showed steady patience down the field. “Sonic” turned up the speed, capping off an 11-play 88-yard drive with a 25-yard touchdown.
This would be Gibbs’s 17th total touchdown this season. Vikings Edge Rusher Andrew Van Ginkel played the role of Dr. Robotnik with one of the biggest, cleanest, and meanest hits on Jahmyr Gibbs. The Vikings took the ball down the field, riding the momentum of the big hit on Gibbs. Darnold and company would drive down to the Lions 3-yard line. Vikings Head Coach Kevin O’Connell made a Dan Campbell-type decision to go for it on 4th and goal. The Vikings have had the least 4th down attempts in the league going into Week 18. Darnold sailed his pass over the receiver’s head for a turnover on downs.
Goff was picked off inside the 10-yard line by Ivan Pace on a God-awful screen pass attempt. The battered and beat-up Lions’ defense would stand tall once again as Darnold was unable to hit any of his receivers on three attempts, resulting in a field goal for the Vikings. Dan Campbell busted on his next gamble, trying for a big play downfield on 4th and inches as Goff’s pass was tipped on a great defensive play. The battered Detroit defense held strong once again, holding Minnesota to another field goal. With 20 seconds left in the half, the aggressive Lions got into field goal range, where the man they call “Master,” Jake Bates, nailed a 48-yard field goal.
Lions’ Next Man-Up Defense Step Up
The story of the first half continued early in the second. The Vikings got down to the red zone, and O’Connell tried his best Campbell impersonation. He went for it on 4th, but he came up empty. After the turnover on downs, on the first play of the drive, Goff took a shot to Jamo, resulting in his second bad decision of the night. But once again, the Lions version of the “Island of Misfit Toys” defense came up big, holding the Vikings to their third field goal.
The Lions’ next drive was a methodical 16-play, 74-yard drive ending with a touchdown pass from Goff. Sonic would get his revenge on Egg Man with his shake-n-bake route for a 10-yard touchdown reception. The fourth quarter started with the theme of the night, with Jahmyr Gibbs celebrating Sonic 3 with a hat trick of his own, scoring his third touchdown of the night. Detroit fans had their heads shaking as yet another defensive starter went down. Rookie 1st round pick Terrion Arnold left the game in pain with a foot injury.
Gibbs became the first Lions running back since Barry Sanders to get his third straight 100 rushing yard games. He also may have given fans a preview of his next movie, Sonic 4, with his fourth score of the night tying a franchise record. The Lions would go on to clinch the number 1 seed in the NFC with the best record in the NFL! The Lions won 31-9.
Final Thoughts
This team is the definition of GRIT! If there was any doubt about who the best team in the NFL is, ladies and gentlemen, it’s the Detroit Lions! Whoever is on the damn field steps up! Jahmyr Gibbs was phenomenal! This Lions team has Super Bowl written all over them! See you in the Playoffs! And we got a “Jared Goff” chant in the fourth quarter and a sarcastic “SKOL” chant!
