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eric woodyard
Detroit– lions rushing back Jahmir Gibbs Was looking for a breakout game in 2025 and finally got it, using the “Monday Night Football” platform with a two-touchdown performance. tampa bay buccaneers,
According to ESPN Research, Gibbs gained a career-best 218 scrimmage yards, the most by a Lions player in a game since Hall of Famer Calvin Johnson’s 329 yards in 2013.
detroit won 24-9 Will improve to 5-2 as it enters its final week.
Gibbs ran for 136 yards while adding 82 receiving yards.
“It was my first 200-yard output, so yeah, it’s a little special,” Gibbs said with a smile.
Gibbs also took inspiration from competing against his boyhood idol, Lions great Barry Sanders, as he had the longest punt of his NFL career with a 78-yard touchdown run at 6:01 in the second quarter.
“It was all black. All I saw was black jerseys,” Gibbs said of the Lions’ offensive lineman running back. Penny Sewell And Tate Ratledge On a long touchdown play. “I was like, ‘Oh, s—‘ and I just ran straight away.”
According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Gibbs’ top speed during the game was 22.2 mph, which was the fastest touchdown by an offensive ball carrier this season.
He is the only player to reach a touchdown at 22 mph over the past three seasons, and he has done so twice so far, including a 70-yard touchdown vs. tennessee titans Last season.
The Lions quarterback said, “They’re really fun to watch long, and I feel like I’ve got the best seat in the house, like watching him hit the hole and then take off.” Jared GoffJoe went 20-for-29 for 241 passing yards with one touchdown and one interception against Tampa Bay.
Goff said, “I don’t know how many safeties in the league can catch him. So as soon as he gets there, it’s all over. He’s gone.” “It felt like last year, the Titans rush, the 70-yard dash, it was just like that where it was just like him in terms of protection and then it was over. But it’s great. He’s so fast, and it’s fun to watch.”
Lions coach Dan Campbell said he was equally impressed with the offensive linemen’s ability to open holes for Gibbs, as well as the solid blocking by the receivers.
Campbell said of Gibbs’ performance, “You felt like it was coming.” “You felt like it was building, and as he gets in better shape and starts getting his feet under him, he’s starting to get the feel of it, start breaking some tackles. Every week he gets closer and closer, and tonight was a night where he put one of these down there, and wouldn’t look back. I think he’ll continue to do that.”
Gibbs punched in his second rushing touchdown of the night with a goal-line spin move from 5 yards out to put Detroit ahead 21–9 at 4:10 in the third quarter.
He became the second player in the last 15 seasons with 200 scrimmage yards and two scrimmage touchdowns on “Monday Night Football.” tyreek hill (Week 11 in 2018).
However, Gibbs remained stoic after the win and credited his offensive line for the performance. While he wouldn’t call Monday’s game the best of his career, he said his standards are high.
Detroit’s defense also held the Buccaneers to a season-low nine points, despite playing without a starting safety. kerby joseph (knee) and brian branch (suspension) and cornerback terrian arnold (shoulder) and dj reed (Hamstring).
The Lions are now hoping to rest up during the bye week before returning for a home match on November 2. minnesota vikings,
“I’ve been wanting to break a big race since minute one,” Gibbs said. “I love races like this, so it really means a lot to have this.”
