DETROIT — After a rocky defensive start to the season, the Lions delivered a decisive finish on Sunday, edging the New York Jets 31‑24 at Ford Field. The game‑winning moment came with under a minute left when defensive end Chuck Clark forced a strip‑sack on Jets quarterback Geno Smith. Linebacker Jack Campbell recovered the ball, allowing the Lions to run out the clock with a kneel‑down.
First half: Defensive stalemate, then Lions take the lead
The opening quarter was a defensive showcase, with both squads trading stops and the scoreboard remaining blank. Detroit broke the deadlock before halftime, scoring ten points to New York’s seven. The Lions’ offense began to click, moving the ball methodically and capitalizing on key third‑down conversions.
Second half: Lions build a cushion, Jets rally, Lions answer
Early in the third quarter, Detroit extended its advantage to 24‑10, thanks to a balanced attack that mixed the run and pass. The Jets, however, refused to surrender and mounted a late surge, tying the game at 24‑24 with just over four minutes remaining.
Rather than panic, the Lions responded swiftly. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs broke off a big gain, setting up a scoring drive that culminated in his third touchdown of the night. The drive also featured a substantial chunk of yardage from wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa, who helped move the ball downfield before the final score.
Gibbs shines in multiple roles
Jahmyr Gibbs was the night’s standout performer. He rushed for 99 yards and found the end zone twice on the ground. Adding to his impact, Gibbs caught a pass for a third touchdown and amassed 65 receiving yards, showcasing his versatility and play‑making ability.
Backup running back Sionne Vaki posted a career‑high in carries and yards, providing valuable depth and reinforcing the Lions’ ground game.
Passing attack spreads the ball
Quarterback Jared Goff displayed poise, distributing the ball to eight different receivers. The wide‑receiver corps contributed key catches that kept the offense moving and prevented the Jets from settling into a defensive rhythm.
Defensive highlights
Defensively, Detroit recorded several impactful plays. In addition to Clark’s game‑changing strip‑sack, defensive end DJ Wonnum tallied two sacks, while Alim McNeil added another. Linebackers Aiden Hutchison and Skyler Gil‑Howard each recorded a sack, underscoring the Lions’ ability to pressure the quarterback in critical moments.
Looking ahead
The victory improves the Lions’ record to 2‑1 and restores confidence in a unit that struggled early on. Coach Dan Campbell praised the team’s resilience, noting that the defense’s late heroics and the offense’s balanced attack set a positive tone for the weeks ahead.
Detroit fans left Ford Field energized, hopeful that the Lions can maintain this momentum as the season progresses.
Original reporting: Warren | FOX 2 Detroit — read the source article.
