Gibbs’ Lightning Strike: Detroit Outlasts Buccaneers to Clinch NFC Championship Berth
DETROIT, MI — Jahmyr Gibbs didn’t just find a hole in the Buccaneers’ defense; he vaporized it. With the game knotted at 17-17 early in the fourth quarter, the rookie sensation took a handoff, cut back against the grain, and vanished into the end zone. That 31-yard sprint ignited a Ford Field crowd that has waited three decades for a moment this significant.
Never a doubt 😂 @houstontexans pic.twitter.com/u3OfbQ7LEV
— NFL (@NFL) January 13, 2026
The Fourth Quarter Surge
The Detroit Lions didn’t blink when Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans connected to keep the Buccaneers within striking distance. Instead, Ben Johnson’s offense went to work on the ground. Gibbs finished the evening with 114 total yards, proving why Detroit used a top-12 pick on the Alabama product. His combination of contact balance and elite acceleration left Tampa Bay’s secondary grasping at shadows.
Jared Goff remained the steady hand Detroit needed. Goff threw for 287 yards and two scores, including a crucial strike to Amon-Ra St. Brown that extended the lead to 14. While Mayfield put up gaudy numbers—throwing for 349 yards—his two interceptions proved fatal against a Lions team that capitalizes on every mistake.
Box Score Breakdown
- Jahmyr Gibbs: 9 carries, 74 YDS, 1 TD; 4 REC, 40 YDS
- Jared Goff: 30/43, 287 YDS, 2 TD, 0 INT
- Baker Mayfield: 26/41, 349 YDS, 3 TD, 2 INT
- Mike Evans: 8 REC, 117 YDS, 1 TD
What They Said
“I saw the linebacker flow too hard to the inside, and the O-line washed everyone down. Once I hit the second level, I knew nobody was catching me. We wanted this for the city.” — Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions RB
“This group is special. They don’t care about the outside noise or the history of this franchise. They just want to hit people and win football games.” — Dan Campbell, Lions Head Coach
Next Stop: Santa Clara
The Lions now face their toughest test of the season: a trip to Levi’s Stadium to take on the San Francisco 49ers. To pull off the upset, Detroit’s secondary must improve after surrendering over 300 yards to Mayfield. However, with Gibbs and David Montgomery providing a dual-threat backfield and Goff playing mistake-free football, the Lions are no longer just a “Cinderella” story—they are a legitimate threat to hoist the Lombardi Trophy.
