With the Detroit Lions’ division title secured for the first time since 1993 with a 30-24 victory against the Vikings on Sunday, it will be an extremely Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays in Metro Detroit.
With the win, the Lions have won 11 games this season—a first since 2014—and the comfortable confines of Ford Field will host at least their first playoff game. They will also receive at least the third seed in the NFC playoffs thanks to the victory.
Head coach of the Lions Dan Campbell declared, “That’s a hell of a win.” “Several individuals in this organization make me proud. Undoubtedly, I’m proud of the players and the coaches. This is really unique, man. It’s not something you get to do every day. No matter how many divisions you win, winning one is always memorable because of all the work that goes into it.
It’s special to do something for a team that hasn’t been done in thirty years. There is a unique bunch of males back there.
Since the division’s founding in 2002, it is the Lions’ first NFC North championship. When they were in the NFC Central in 1993, they last won a division title.
The Lions were able to earn the victory thanks to two touchdown runs by youngster Jahmyr Gibbs (14 & 3), a 1-yard touchdown run by David Montgomery, and a 1-yard touchdown catch by Amon-Ra St. Brown.
In addition to safety Ifeatu Melifonwu and rookie defensive back Brian Branch each having an interception, Lions safety Kerby Joseph had two crucial interceptions. In the last minute, Melifonwu’s goal from the Lions’ 5-yard line sealed the victory for the team.
For some seasoned players, like left tackle Taylor Decker, who is in his eighth season and has experienced many difficult moments during that time, this has been a long time coming.
“It’s been long overdue,” Decker remarked. “A lot of repressed feelings. simply to want to be regarded as a winning squad and valued as such. I think I’ve cried more today than I have in my entire career.
Detroit’s St. Brown had an incredible day, hauling in 12 passes for 106 yards and a 1-yard touchdown. He now has over 100 receptions for the year and has over 100 yards receiving in eight of his games this season. He is only the fifth athlete in history to have two seasons with 100 receptions and 1,000 receiving yards in his first three professional seasons.
Jared Goff of the Lions completed 30 of 40 passes for 257 yards and a touchdown, with no interceptions and a passer rating of 99.7.
Due to touchdown runs by Montgomery (1) and Gibbs (14) late in the first half, Detroit had taken a 17-7 lead. However, they gave up a 26-yard touchdown to Justin Jefferson, a wide receiver, just before the half, and a 6-yard touchdown reception to K.J. Osborn, a wide receiver, on Minnesota’s opening possession of the second half, to trail 21-17 for the first time.
However, Detroit would not trail for very long. Detroit’s 13-play, 75-yard drive was guided by quarterback Garoppolo, and it ended with a 1-yard touchdown pass to St. Brown. During the drive, Detroit converted two 4th & 1 plays. Detroit lead 23–21 after Michael Badgley’s extra point was stopped.
The Lions led 30-21 early in the fourth quarter thanks to a 3-yard touchdown run by Gibbs. Because of Melifonwu’s interception, the Vikings were only able to add a late field goal.
Since the spring, Campbell and this team have set their sights on winning the division. Without a doubt, they will rejoice this victory, but the Lions hope that this is just the beginning of their season’s successes.
With victories against Minnesota at home and in Dallas to close out the regular season, they still have a chance to boost their playoff seeding in the next two weeks.
“This is unique. This is a unique group,” Campbell remarked with enthusiasm. “This is only the start. That is how we feel.
