By: Jeremy T. Ballreich
On January 5th, 2025 all of the national media except maybe one guy on each network were picking the Vikings to take over the one seed from Detroit. But on Sunday Night Football. Lions make the announcement of a players return to defense. Alex Anzalone.
Since his departure due to injury week 13. The Red Zone Defense gave up Touchdowns at a 15% higher clip that the rest of the season. His sideline to sideline play helped the defense look dominant again. Not allowing the Vikings offense to score one touchdown as a unit. Amin Robertson covering Justin Jefferson was a work of art. Terrion Arnold also stepped to stop budding 2nd year WR star in Jordan Addison. Sam Darnold looked like the QB he was with the Jets. Smothered on 33 total pressures due to a 58% blitz rate (Highest this season for the Lions Defense) 19 QB hurries, Six QB hits, and Two sacks. Darnold was 18 of 41 passing for 166 yards and Zero TDs. I think he was seeing ghosts again.
The Star of the gridiron match up was Jahmyr Gibbs, 170 total yards and four touchdowns allowed him to smash the franchise record of 17 set by Jamal Williams in 2022. 20 total touchdowns on the season and a possible Offensive Player Of The Year Candidate.
Al Quaddin-Muhammed provided a sack from the Legion Of Whom cardholders for Detroit. And Zadarius Smith added a sack early in the game, but came up one short of his incentive bonus on the season.
Jameson Williams got Five receptions for 34 years to hit his 1000 yards receiving bonus.
Jared Goff had a great game 27 of 33 for 231 yards one TD and two Interceptions that didn’t really hurt due to the ineptitude of the Vikings offense.
Stars Of The Game:
Jahmyr Gibbs
Jared Goff
Taylor Decker
Penei Sewell
Cam Akers
Harrison Smith
Aaron Glenn
Al Quaddin-Muhammed
Zadarius Smith
Terrion Arnold
Kerby Joseph
Brian Branch
Final Score:
Minnesota 9
Detroit 31
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