Gibbs Powers Lions to Dramatic Overtime 34-27 Victory Over Giants/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Jahmyr Gibbs delivered a 69-yard touchdown run on the first play of overtime, lifting Detroit to a crucial 34-27 victory over the New York Giants. Gibbs totaled 264 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns in a career-best performance. Detroit overcame multiple double-digit deficits and a late Giants miscalculation to snap its skid.
Gibbs Powers Lions Quick Looks
- Gibbs scores three touchdowns and amasses 264 total yards
- Detroit wins in overtime after a 69-yard Gibbs run
- Giants pass up field goal, fail on fourth-and-goal late
- Lions force overtime with 59-yard field goal by Bates
- Winston throws for 366 yards but Giants collapse again
- Lions avoid consecutive losses and climb back into playoff contention
Gibbs Powers Lions to Dramatic Overtime Victory Over Giants
Deep Look
The Detroit Lions leaned on one of the most dynamic performances of the NFL season to escape with a 34-27 overtime victory over the New York Giants in a game that featured dramatic swings and critical coaching decisions. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs delivered a career-defining performance, amassing 264 yards from scrimmage and scoring three touchdowns, including a 69-yard run on the first snap of overtime that sealed Detroit’s comeback.
Gibbs’ explosive night began early but intensified as Detroit faced pressure late. The Lions entered the contest outside the playoff picture and repeatedly found themselves trailing by double digits. Each time, it was Gibbs’ speed and versatility that kept Detroit competitive, ultimately ensuring the team avoided losing consecutive games for the first time in more than three seasons. Head coach Dan Campbell was direct in his praise afterward, noting that Gibbs effectively rescued the team with timely bursts and relentless production.
New York contributed to Detroit’s opportunity through a pivotal fourth-quarter decision. Interim head coach Mike Kafka elected to go for it on fourth-and-goal from the 6-yard line despite leading by three, choosing aggression over a short field goal that would have forced the Lions to score a touchdown to keep the game alive. The gamble failed when Jameis Winston threw incomplete to Theo Johnson, ending a seven-minute, 86-yard drive that otherwise put the Giants in firm control.
Detroit capitalized quickly. Quarterback Jared Goff engineered a late drive that stalled near midfield, but kicker Jake Bates converted a career-long 59-yard field goal, matching a franchise record with only 28 seconds remaining. That effort extended the game and handed the Lions possession to open overtime. On the opening play of the extra period, Detroit’s offensive line created a massive lane up the middle, and Gibbs accelerated untouched for a 69-yard touchdown. Goff raised his hands when his running back was barely ten yards past the line of scrimmage, confident he would outrun the remaining defenders.
Gisbb’s performance featured 219 rushing yards, the third-highest total in Lions history, and 11 receptions for 45 yards. His output included a 49-yard touchdown run earlier in the fourth quarter that swung momentum back toward Detroit. Even New York’s Kafka acknowledged postgame that while his defense contained Gibbs at times, the running back’s final breakaway proved decisive.
The Giants had chances of their own but failed to sustain them. Their final opportunity in overtime ended at the Detroit 31 when Aidan Hutchinson sacked Winston, turning the ball over on downs. The loss marked New York’s sixth straight defeat and fifth game of the season where they relinquished a fourth-quarter lead. It extended a troubling pattern, as the Giants have dropped an NFL-high number of games this year after leading at the start of the final period.
Despite the loss, New York generated big plays. Winston, starting in place of injured rookie Jaxson Dart, delivered 366 passing yards and became the first quarterback this season to throw for at least 300 yards against Detroit. His performance included a 33-yard touchdown reception on a trick play and a 39-yard touchdown pass. Receiver Wan’Dale Robinson recorded career highs with nine receptions and 156 yards, adding a 12-yard touchdown in the second quarter that helped the Giants build one of their three 10-point leads.
Detroit’s passing game steadily complemented Gibbs’ production. Goff completed 28 of 42 passes for 279 yards and two touchdowns: an 11-yard pass to Amon-Ra St. Brown and a 3-yard score to Gibbs. His lone interception came on a deflected pass. St. Brown finished with nine catches for 149 yards, consistently moving the chains as Detroit fought to remain within striking distance.
Campbell emphasized afterward that the Lions made critical plays in pressure moments, while the Giants continued their trend of failing to finish. New York’s collapse echoed earlier season losses, including a historic defeat in Denver when they surrendered an 18-point lead with six minutes remaining.
Injuries again played a role for both teams. The Giants were without Dart, edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux, and cornerback Paulson Adebo, while linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles exited in the second quarter. Detroit played without defensive backs Terrion Arnold and Kerby Joseph, and lost returner Kalif Raymond in the third quarter to an ankle injury.
Both teams now prepare for their next challenges. New York travels to New England on December 1, while the Lions turn their attention to a Thanksgiving Day matchup against the Green Bay Packers.
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