The New York Giants entered Sunday’s matchup with a 2–9 record, but that number hardly captured the true competitiveness of the team. They had already taken down the Eagles and Chargers earlier in the season and pushed several other contenders to the brink.

Because Detroit was trying to bounce back from a rough loss to Philadelphia the previous week, many anticipated a dominant performance at Ford Field. Instead, the Lions found themselves in a fight far longer than expected.

In the end, they survived thanks to an explosive outing from running back Jahmyr Gibbs, who delivered a jaw-dropping 219 rushing yards and three touchdowns, essentially dragging Detroit across the finish line.

The Lions played from behind for most of the afternoon and only managed to force overtime when Jake Bates drilled a 59-yard field goal as time expired in regulation. Detroit finally seized control in overtime when Gibbs burst free for a 69-yard touchdown, sealing a 34–27 victory.

Afterward, head coach Dan Campbell praised his players, saying, “I’m proud of the guys … we fought. It wasn’t perfect — far from it — but we found a way. I’ll take that win.”

Giants Outshine Lions—But Not on the Scoreboard

Despite Detroit’s record, the Giants seemed like the more polished team for long stretches of the game. The performance served as a reminder that this year’s Lions are not the same unstoppable force from last season—and that they have issues serious enough to jeopardize their playoff hopes.

No one expected Detroit to repeat last year’s 15–2 run, especially with a tougher schedule, but few predicted such a steep drop in execution.

The problems were familiar:

The offensive line again struggled to protect Jared Goff,

While the defensive front gave Giants QB Jameis Winston far too long to operate.

The Lions are also dealing with injuries, including the season-ending loss of star tight end Sam LaPorta following back surgery. Add in the departure of former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, and it’s clear the offense is still trying to regain its identity.

At this stage of the season, fans expected a clearer sense of who the Lions really are — but they still don’t have one.

A Pivotal Thanksgiving Showdown Looms

Detroit will host the Packers on Thanksgiving afternoon, a rematch of the season opener where Green Bay embarrassed the Lions and left fans questioning whether Detroit was any good. The Lions responded then. Now, with the playoffs hanging in the balance, they will need another strong rebound.

Maximize the talents of David Montgomery, Isaac TesLaa, and Jameson Williams,

And get more consistent defensive play from week to week.

“The Detroit Lions have Jahmyr Gibbs. The New York Giants do not.”
That was the theme echoed by sportswriters after the game — and it wasn’t hyperbole. Gibbs essentially saved Detroit’s season.

On the very first play of overtime, he took a routine handoff, accelerated up the middle, bounced outside, and outran the Giants’ defense for a 69-yard game-winner.

Before overtime began, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown even told teammates and coaches that the ball needed to be in Gibbs’ hands. As he recalled, “We ran a play we use all the time. Boom — touchdown.”

Gibbs had been carrying Detroit’s offense all game. He snapped the team out of a slump in the first half with a 49-yard rush followed moments later by a 3-yard score, cutting the Giants’ lead to 17–14 near halftime.

J ared Goff, meanwhile, had a day full of mixed results.

His interception came on a tipped pass that should have been caught,

Several other throws were wasted by drops or lackluster routes,

And the offensive line allowed three sacks — with more avoided only because of Goff’s pocket movement.

Even so, he delivered some big-time throws, including a dart to St. Brown on third down. He finished 28-for-42 with 279 yards, two touchdowns, and a pick — a solid B-level performance amid difficult circumstances.

Detroit Escapes—But Reveals Major Flaws

Campbell didn’t hide the truth afterward: Gibbs “bailed us out.”

The Giants, despite being shorthanded and missing several key starters, put up 517 total yards, their highest total of the season, and recorded 10 explosive plays of 20+ yards, something Detroit hasn’t allowed since at least 1991.

They even scored two touchdowns on trick plays, one thrown to Winston — who had never caught a pass in his entire 11-year career.

Detroit’s defense, dominant last week in Philadelphia, looked completely out of sorts on Sunday. Reporters described it as if Kelvin Sheppard’s unit had gone from “firefighters” to “arsonists.”

Yet when it counted most, they made just enough plays:

Rock Ya-Sin blanketed Winston on a key fourth-down throw in the end zone,

Thomas Harper came away with a diving interception,

And Aidan Hutchinson delivered the game-ending sack.

Still, this was not a performance the Lions will celebrate. Their offense sputtered until the final moments, their receivers dropped uncharacteristic passes, and Goff looked unsettled whenever pressure broke through.

They survived. But only barely.

Still in the Race, But With Work to Do

Despite all the struggles, the Lions sit at 7–4, still very much in the postseason hunt. Games like this show how razor-thin the margins in the NFL can be — and how often the league’s best players decide the outcome in the final moments.

Detroit won because Gibbs turned into a one-man offense. But if they want to make any noise in the postseason, they will need far more than late-game magic.