The Detroit Lions became division champions for the first time in 30 years late last season with a clinching win at Minnesota. This time, they left with another memorable and strong performance, which greatly helped their chase for another NFC North title.
Jake Bates kicked a 44-yard field goal with 15 seconds remaining in the Lions’ 31-29 win on Sunday, handing the Vikings their first loss in a thrilling game that showcased the NFL’s toughest division.
“We talked about patience, keeping your composure, communication and an attitude, and our guys did that,” coach Dan Campbell said. “We didn’t bat an eye when things appeared to start going a little south.”
Jahmyr Gibbs rushed for 116 yards and scored two of Detroit’s three touchdowns in the second quarter. He also assisted Jared Goff in driving the team 48 yards in four plays to set up their rookie kicker while forcing the Vikings to use their timeouts.
Bates, who was picked up from the United Football League after Michael Badgley got injured at the start of training camp, is 10 for 10 on field goals this season.
Goff completed 22 of 25 passes for 280 yards, throwing touchdown passes to Amon-Ra St. Brown and Kalif Raymond, with no turnovers. This marked his third straight game with a passer rating over 140, joining Aaron Rodgers (2011), Kurt Warner (1999), and Roger Staubach (1971) as the only quarterbacks in NFL history to achieve this.
“He doesn’t get frazzled. He’s tough. He’s competitive, and he’s reliable,” Campbell said.
Gibbs had 150 total yards, leading a strong effort by the Lions (5-1) against a defense that had the second-best rushing average allowed in the league, with 3.6 yards per play. “He’s been so close to exploding,” Campbell said, “and we felt like this was the game.”
Ivan Pace Jr. returned David Montgomery’s fumble 36 yards for a touchdown with 5:50 left, giving the Vikings (5-1) a one-point lead after they were down 21-10 at halftime. However, Sam Darnold’s important 2-point conversion pass went past Justin Jefferson.
The Vikings reached midfield on their final drive, but an illegal formation penalty on left tackle Christian Darrisaw after they hurried to get set pushed them out of range for their rookie kicker, Will Reichard, to try a field goal. Darnold was sacked to end the game, giving the Lions their fourth straight win over the Vikings, marking their longest streak against them since 1961-63.
The defending division champion Lions are tied with the Vikings, while the Green Bay Packers (5-2) are a half-game back and the idle Chicago Bears (4-2) are one game behind.
These four teams, which have produced only one Super Bowl champion in the last 27 seasons, had the highest combined winning percentage for one division in NFL history heading into Week 7 or later.
Aaron Jones rushed for 93 yards and a touchdown for Minnesota, despite being listed as questionable with a hamstring injury. Jefferson had 81 yards receiving and a touchdown, while Reichard made three field goals, including a 57-yarder.
Darnold completed 22 of 27 passes for 259 yards, but he ruined a promising drive in the second quarter by missing a wide-open Jones in the flat after a play-action fake and forcing a throw to Jordan Addison that was intercepted by a diving Brian Branch.
“Obviously can’t let that happen,” Darnold said. “But Branch made a really good play on it.”
The Lions had an incredible second quarter. They completed three scoring drives, each covering at least 69 yards, thanks to clever play-calling by offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. This made the strategies of Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores ineffective, as Goff handled one blitz after another.
“They want to apply the pressure. For us, we go down 10-nothing and we’re kind of getting kicked in the mouth a little bit,” Goff said. “Stay calm, stay relaxed.”
