Lions’ victory over the Vikings secures the NFC North championship.
With the Detroit Lions’ division championship secured with a 30-24 victory against the Vikings on Sunday, it will be a very joyous Christmas and Happy Holidays in Metro Detroit for the first time since 1993.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell remarked, “I’m proud of a lot of people in this organization. That’s a hell of a win.” Undoubtedly, I’m proud of the players and the coaches. This is very 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.
“To do something that hadn’t been done in 30 years for a team is special. It’s a special group of men back in there.”
Since the division’s founding in 2002, it is the Lions’ first NFC North championship. When they were competing 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 reception 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 seventh 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. only seeking respect
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 sixth 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.
After touchdown runs by Montgomery (1) and Gibbs (14) late in the first half, Detroit led 17–7; however, just before the half, they gave up a 26-yard score to Justin Jefferson, a wide receiver, and a 6-yard touchdown grab to K.J. Osborn, a wide receiver.
