Monday, January 6, 2025

Post Game Lions Links for Monday 1-6-25

Articles:

NOTEBOOK: Gibbs puts up 4-TD performance in Lions' division-clinching win over Vikings:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/notebook-gibbs-puts-up-4-td-performance-in-lions-division-clinching-win-over-vikings

Lions clinch No. 1 seed and NFC North title with win over Vikings:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-clinch-no-1-seed-and-nfc-north-title-with-win-over-vikings

Lions 2025 opponents set:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/detroit-lions-2025-opponents-set-nfl-season-schedule

'I'll see you in 2 weeks': We could be staring at Lions-Vikings playoff rematch:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2025/01/06/lions-vikings-playoffs-rematch-nfc-divisional-round/77458005007/















Lions vs Vikings: Everything we know from the Lions epic win over the Vikings:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/lists/lions-vs-vikings-everything-we-know-from-the-lions-epic-win-over-the-vikings/




St. Brown, Williams second set of Lions receivers with 1,000 yards in same season:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2025/01/06/lions-st-brown-jameson-williams-1000-yard-receiving-duo-history/

Everything Dan Campbell Said After Lions Beat Vikings:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/everything-dan-campbell-said-after-lions-beat-vikings

Studs and Duds: Jahmyr Gibbs Dominates, Jared Goff Struggles:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/studs-duds-jahmyr-gibbs-dominates-jared-goff-struggles

Jahmyr Gibbs Gashes Vikings, Lions Earn No. 1 Seed After 31-9 Win:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/jahmyr-gibbs-gashes-vikings-lions-win-division

6 takeaways from the Detroit Lions’ clinching win over the Minnesota Vikings:  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025/1/6/24336909/6-takeaways-detroit-lions-week-18-minnesota-vikings-win


Recap: Lions clinch first-ever 1 seed in statement win over Vikings:  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025/1/5/24336685/lions-vikings-recap-highlights-week-18-clinch-1-seed

Lions take the NFC North title and No. 1 seed with 31-9 win over Vikings:  https://lionslowdown.com/2025/01/06/lions-take-the-nfc-north-title-and-no-1-seed-with-31-9-win-over-vikings/

Jahmyr Gibbs leaves teammates in awe in record-setting performance for Lions:  https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/detroit-lions-jahmyr-gibbs-leaves-teammates-in-awe


Lions roll over Vikings behind Gibbs, defense to clinch No. 1 seed in NFC:  https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/detroit-lions-roll-over-vikings-to-clinch-no-1-seed-in-nfc

‘We’re No. 1′: Detroit Lions set franchise records as multitude of players shine on SNF:  https://www.clickondetroit.com/sports/2025/01/06/were-no-1-detroit-lions-set-franchise-records-as-multitude-of-players-shine-on-snf/

What Dan Campbell said to Vikings coach after Detroit Lions beat them in biggest game of season:  https://www.clickondetroit.com/sports/2025/01/06/what-dan-campbell-said-to-vikings-coach-after-detroit-lions-beat-them-in-biggest-game-of-season/

Detroit Lions win biggest regular-season game in franchise history to earn No. 1 seed:  https://www.clickondetroit.com/sports/2025/01/06/detroit-lions-win-biggest-regular-season-game-in-franchise-history-to-earn-no-1-seed/



Lions beat Vikings 31-9, win NFC North and No. 1 seed, dropping division rivals to No. 5:  https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap/_/gameId/401671843


Vikings QB Sam Darnold laments red-zone woes after dreadful night in blowout loss to Lions:  https://www.nfl.com/news/vikings-qb-sam-darnold-laments-red-zone-woes-after-dreadful-night-in-blowout-loss-to-lions

Who's most likely to win Super Bowl LIX: Ranking all 14 playoff contenders (4. Detroit Lions - 15-2 · NFC's No. 1 seed.  Any questions about the Lions’ viability to win a championship ended in Detroit’s win over Minnesota on Sunday. The Lions didn’t just lock up the top seed in the NFC and the NFC North title. They sent a message to the entire league that it’s foolish to underestimate them when they’re down. This is a team that has relied on a potent offense all year, one that leads the league in scoring and boasts weapons aplenty. What the Lions revealed on Sunday night is that their defense can still deliver in critical moments. The Lions harassed Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold all night and used sticky coverage to frustrate wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Defense was supposed to be the major question about the Lions, as they still have double-digit players on that side of the football on injured reserve. Sunday’s win was yet another example of how tough this team can be when the odds aren’t working in its favor. Head coach Dan Campbell has preached grit since he walked into that franchise four years ago. They’re showing more of that character with each passing week, as the lessons they clearly learned in losing last year’s NFC Championship Game take hold. The only reason the Lions aren’t ranked higher here is because of their collective health woes (and cornerback Terrion Arnold exited Sunday night’s game with a foot injury). Even with those issues – they’re still 15-2, by the way -- they have the look of a team that isn’t going to be denied.):  https://www.nfl.com/news/who-s-most-likely-to-win-super-bowl-lix-ranking-all-14-playoff-contenders

Vikings-Lions on 'Sunday Night Football': What We Learned from Detroit's win:  https://www.nfl.com/news/vikings-lions-on-sunday-night-football-what-we-learned-from-detroit-s-win

Lions clinch NFC's No. 1 seed, first-round bye with win over Vikings on Sunday night:  https://www.nfl.com/news/lions-clinch-nfc-s-no-1-seed-first-round-bye-with-win-over-vikings-on-sunday-night


Ranking all 14 NFL playoff teams entering postseason (1. Detroit Lions - Record: 15-2 | Point Differential: +222 (1st).  In 2023, Dan Campbell's group was the NFL's darling underdog-turned-contender. In 2024, they're just a straight-up powerhouse, making fourth-down conversions look routine with sharp point-guarding from Jared Goff, home run sprints from Jahmyr Gibbs and timely physicality from a makeshift defense under Aaron Glenn. They have a world-class line and weaponry, but best of all, they're never fazed.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-playoffs-ranking-all-14-teams-to-make-the-postseason-from-juggernaut-lions-to-slumping-steelers/

NFL playoff narratives for all 14 postseason teams (Detroit Lions:  Their defense is too banged up to win the Super Bowl: Didn't appear that was the case for the Lions in Sunday's win over the Vikings, but the injuries in December were enough to bring up the red flags. The Lions allowed 32.4 points per game in December. No team has ever won a Super Bowl allowing 30+ points per game in December. Detroit allowed 7.4 yards per play in December, the most by any team in December in the Super Bowl era. They have started 30 different defensive players this season and have six Week 1 defensive starters on injured reserve (the most to miss the first playoff game by any team is five).   Perhaps the Lions defense will be all right after neutralizing the Vikings, but the playoffs will tell the story. Detroit will have the extra week to get healed up too, which is massive for the Lions. ):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-playoff-narratives-for-all-14-postseason-teams-sam-darnold-not-playoff-tested-lions-too-banged-up/

The Lions were right to draft Jahmyr Gibbs, and what else we learned in Week 18 (Lions: General manager Brad Holmes was sitting pretty in his booth as he watched his 12th overall pick in 2023, running back Jahmyr Gibbs, score four touchdowns in the most important game Detroit has played all year. Holmes caught a lot of flack for taking Gibbs that high. But the Lions once again proved that their way works just fine for them. The only thing they need to do now is get healthy. The Lions earned the top seed with their win over Minnesota and therefore the NFC's first-round bye. Oh, and they also won the toughest division in football with a franchise-record 15 wins. That should hopefully give them the opportunity to rest and get some players back on defense. Even if they can't, defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has proved over and over again that he can work miracles. It's going to be tough for Detroit to hold on to both coordinators in this coaching cycle. — Carmen Vitali):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/week-18-takeaways-commanders-cowboys-saints-bucs-chiefs-broncos-vikings-lions

NFL Week 18 highlights: Lions take down Vikings to secure NFC's No. 1 seed:  https://www.foxsports.com/live-blog/nfl/nfl-week-18-live-updates-scores-commanders-bears-colts-win-final-seconds

'Same old Lions' is redefined under a regime loaded with talent and armed with limitless belief:  https://sports.yahoo.com/same-old-lions-is-redefined-under-a-regime-loaded-with-talent-and-armed-with-limitless-belief-082633302.html

Lions secure NFC's No. 1 seed as massive matchup with Vikings turns into rout:  https://sports.yahoo.com/live/lions-secure-nfcs-no-1-seed-as-massive-matchup-with-vikings-turns-into-rout-004537124.html

NFL Playoffs Preview 2025: Why Each Team Could Win the Super Bowl (1. Detroit Lions (15–2)
Division finish: First, NFC North.  Why they’ll win it all: It really starts with the foundation Dan Campbell and the Lions brass have laid. The biting-kneecaps thing was widely panned four years ago. But it was real. “It’s their mentality,” said an exec. “They’re built for playoff football, they don’t flinch, and they proved it again on Monday night [in San Francisco]. They make you uncomfortable, and they score.” There’s also a feeling, and a justified one, that Campbell will be able to deal with whatever challenges come Detroit’s way because the Lions can win so many different ways.  X-factor: Aaron Glenn and the defense’s health. As guys like Alex Anzalone and Aidan Hutchinson work their way back to health, the defense will have to keep weathering the storm. And in this case, because Hutchinson is out for another month or so, and Alim McNeill (a massive loss, too) isn’t coming back, they’ll have to do it with a young secondary continuing to get better, which would allow the coaches to continue manufacturing production up front.  Fatal flaw: The lack of a bona fide pass rusher. I talked to one exec who said at the beginning of the year he’d have circled three guys to be concerned with for an offense—McNeill, Hutchinson and Brian Branch. Za’Darius Smith is a nice piece, but not the type of player anyone is game-planning against. And if the rush can’t get home, it’ll really test a corner group that lost its most experienced, battle-tested piece, Carlton Davis III.  Under-the-radar player: Anzalone. Getting him back from a broken forearm is huge for the Lions. The leader and green dot for the defense, the inside linebacker took a big step forward when he came over from the Saints with Campbell. He has become the heart and soul of Glenn’s unit as a communicator and a tough, physical presence in the middle. Big unknown: As good as the offense has been, can Jared Goff & Co. simply outscore everyone if the defense hits some bumps? The line is the best in football, Amon-Ra St. Brown is a perfect No. 1 receiver for Campbell’s program, David Montgomery will come back and pair with Jahmyr Gibbs, and Jameson Williams is coming of age. So every piece is in place. The burden, though, depending on the defense’s health, could be heavy.):  https://www.si.com/nfl/nfl-playoffs-preview-2025-why-each-team-could-win-the-super-bowl

Week 18 NFL Takeaways: Lions Look Indestructible Heading Into Playoffs:  https://www.si.com/nfl/week-18-nfl-takeaways-lions-look-indestructible-playoffs

Lions’ Win Over Vikings Showed Difference Between Jared Goff and Sam Darnold:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions-vikings-difference-between-jared-goff-sam-darnold

Lions Fan Captures Self Getting Bonked By Jahmyr Gibbs' Touchdown Ball Toss:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions-fan-captures-self-getting-bonked-by-jahmyr-gibbs-touchdown-ball-toss

Jared Goff Shared Classy Moment With Vikings DC Brian Flores After Lions' Big Win:  https://www.si.com/nfl/jared-goff-shared-classy-moment-with-vikings-dc-brian-flores

Jordan Addison's Dad Had Scathing Review of Vikings' Costly Week 18 Loss to Lions:  https://www.si.com/nfl/jordan-addison-dad-scathing-review-vikings-loss-lions

Jahmyr Gibbs Carries Lions to NFC North Title in Epic Four-TD Performance:  https://www.si.com/nfl/jahmyr-gibbs-wowed-everyone-epic-performance-nfc-north-title

Dan Campbell Had Perfect Message for Kevin O'Connell After Lions Clinched No. 1 Seed:  https://www.si.com/nfl/dan-campbell-perfect-message-for-kevin-o-connell-after-lions-clinched-no-1-seed-01jgwydtbd29

Sam Darnold's Red Zone Struggles vs. Lions Left NFL Fans Perplexed:  https://www.si.com/nfl/sam-darnold-s-red-zone-struggles-vs-lions-left-nfl-fans-perplexed






Aaron Glenn's Brilliant Defensive Plan Put Lions in the NFC Driver's Seat:  https://athlonsports.com/nfl/aaron-glenn-sam-darnold-detroit-lions-minnesota-vikings




Jahmyr Gibbs Joins Barry Sanders in Lions History After Remarkable Performance:  https://athlonsports.com/nfl/jahmyr-gibbs-joins-barry-sanders-in-lions-history-after-remarkable-performance

Fans Irate After Officials Ignore Sam Darnold Face Mask Penalty in Lions-Vikings Game:  https://athlonsports.com/nfl/minnesota-vikings/fans-irate-officials-ignore-sam-darnold-face-mask-penalty-lions-vikings

Calls Mount for Removal of Lions Fan Following Moment of Silence Incident:  https://athlonsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/calls-mount-removal-lions-fan-following-moment-of-silence-incident

NFL Week 18 winners and losers: Lions roar heading into playoffs (Lions make (more) history, roll to top of NFC:  After a close first half, Detroit (15-2) throttled the Vikings (14-3) in the second half to earn its first ever No. 1 seed in the NFC in team history. The victory also extended the team record for most wins in franchise history. It was a typical Lions masterclass: The offense – which took some time to get going – launched explosive plays that built and then extended a lead.  More impressive, however, was the defensive game plan coordinator Aaron Glenn deployed, unleashing relentless pressure to unsettle Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold, who posted a season-low completion percentage (43.9%). What’s even more impressive is that the Lions so thoroughly dismantled Minnesota despite losing the turnover battle 2-0.  One reason why the bye is essential: Detroit is among the most banged-up teams, particularly on defense, and the extra time off should help them heal up a bit more.):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2025/01/06/nfl-week-18-winners-losers-lions-vikings-playoffs/77476523007/









NFL Game Recaps: Week 18 (Lions 31, Vikings 9:  The final score says that the Lions won in a lopsided affair, but this was a tight battle for three quarters. The Lions got out to a 7-0 lead to start this game after Jared Goff hit Jameson Williams on a fourth-and-5, but the Vikings had a chance to respond with their own touchdown on the ensuing possession. Instead, the Lions had a goal-line stand for four downs to completely turn away Minnesota. Little did everyone know that this wouldn’t just be a great sequence; it would be the start of a trend for the entire game.  The Vikings made multiple trips inside the Detroit 5-yard line, but failed every time. Soon after the initial trip, the Vikings found themselves back there again after a Goff pass was deflected and intercepted. However, the Vikings had to settle for a field goal because Justin Jefferson dropped a touchdown, and then Sam Darnold overthrew Jefferson for another potential score.  Minnesota was forced into a couple of field goals in the opening half and eventually trailed 10-6 heading into intermission. The Vikings opened the third quarter with an explosive run by Cam Akers, but the Vikings stalled at the goal line again. And if that wasn’t enough, Goff gave Minnesota a free possession on a punt-like interception, but the Vikings had to settle for yet another field goal.  It took a while, but one team awakened from its offensive stupor. That was the Lions, who saw Jahmyr Gibbs rip off some huge gains. Gibbs eventually scored a quartet of touchdowns, opening up a huge lead for Detroit.  The Lions wrapped up the No. 1 seed with this victory. They were the frontrunners all year, so it only seems natural that they’d hold on to the top spot in the playoffs.  The Vikings, in addition to their red zone incompetence, had pass protection issues against the Lions. They hadn’t been properly tested since losing Christian Darrisaw by a focused Group A team until this game.):  https://walterfootball.com/nflreview.php

Grades:


Video:



Best plays from Jahmyr Gibbs' 4-TD game vs. Vikings Week 18:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/best-plays-from-jahmyr-gibbs-4-td-game-vs-vikings-week-18

HIGHLIGHT: Gibbs' fourth TD of night ties Lions' franchise record for a single game:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/highlight-gibbs-fourth-td-of-night-ties-lions-franchise-record-for-a-single-game

HIGHLIGHT: Gibbs' third TD of game boosts Lions' lead:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/highlight-gibbs-third-td-of-game-boosts-lions-lead

HIGHLIGHT: Goff finds Gibbs for 10-yard TD on 4th down:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/highlight-goff-finds-gibbs-for-10-yard-td-on-4th-down


Jake Bates' 48-yard FG boosts Lions' lead to 10-6 as 'SNF' enters halftime:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/jake-bates-48-yard-fg-boosts-lions-lead-to-10-6-as-snf-enters-halftime

HIGHLIGHT: Gibbs' 47-yard rush puts him over century mark vs. Vikings:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/highlight-gibbs-47-yard-rush-puts-him-over-century-mark-vs-vikings

Jameson Williams' truck stick of Stephon Gilmore punctuates 14-yard reception on fourth down:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/jameson-williams-truck-stick-of-stephon-gilmore-punctuates-14-yard-reception-on-fourth-down

Goff rips 23-yard dart to Amon-Ra St. Brown over the middle:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/goff-rips-23-yard-dart-to-amon-ra-st-brown-over-the-middle

HIGHLIGHT: Lions' cross-blitz frees up Muhammad for sack vs. Darnold:  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/highlight-lions-cross-blitz-frees-up-muhammad-for-sack-vs-darnold









Jahmyr Gibbs describes 'surreal' 4-TD performance to SVP:  https://www.espn.com/video/clip/_/id/43304768
Posted by LionsFan at 9:32 AM

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