Here’s a sampling of the national media reaction to the Detroit Lions’ division-clinching victory over the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium in Week 16.
Detroit (11–4) will host a playoff game for the first time since 1993, snapping the second-longest active drought in the NFL. The Lions last won their division that same year, back when it was the NFC Central. While Detroit has defensive issues to address, this is a moment to celebrate. The Lions and their fans have been waiting a long time to host a playoff game. In a few weeks, that’s finally going to happen.
“The offense looked strong behind a solid ground attack, and the Lions have won their first division crown since the 1993 season. With two games remaining before the postseason, Detroit has to tighten up on defense. Nick Mullens is the fourth QB to start for the Vikings this season, and he was letting it fly against the secondary, which should cause concern for the Lions since they will face better competition in the playoffs.”
Detroit’s defense took it on the chin as the team appeared a bit shaky around midseason, but it has been a more effective — and clutch — group in recent games. The Vikings trailed 30-24 (thanks to a Lions extra-point try blocked) with two-plus minutes left and the ball at their 12-yard line. Julian Okwara delivered the first big play on the final drive, strip-sacking Nick Mullens and resulting in a 9-yard loss, but the Lions’ John Cominsky couldn’t corral the loose ball despite it hitting his hands. On the next play — third-and-27 — Justin Jefferson made an insane catch at the first-down sticks, setting up Cominsky’s blunder as the regrettable play. But Ifeatu Melifonwu, who was everywhere Sunday and who has been playing some strong ball of late, picked off Mullens’ pass in Jefferson’s direction at the 5-yard line, sealing a franchise-changing victory on the road against their rivals. It was one of four Lions interceptions, and they also had four sacks of Mullens. After allowing the Vikings to take the lead on their opening drive of the second half, Detroit’s defense forced a three-and-out, the third INT of the game, a field goal (stopping Minnesota inside the 10-yard line) and the game-clinching pick to end it.”
“The Lions aren’t a perfect team. But aside from the 49ers, every team has had significant flaws exposed. If the Lions can play a little better defensively, they can beat anyone. It will help if they can get C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Alim McNeill and James Houston back on the field.
Their offense is capable of erasing defensive mistakes. Jared Goff is dealing again after a rough stretch of games. Rookies Jahmyr Gibbs and Brian Branch are maturing and making plays. And the Lions know how to hang in during a tough game. There is not a more resilient group in the league.”
“QB Jared Goff, who’s postseason-bound for the first time since he arrived in Detroit in the 2021 offseason, had a Drew Lock moment after the momentous win – his voice cracking with emotion when discussing the Lions’ achievement with NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Good for Goff, effectively cast off by the Los Angeles Rams nearly three years ago, and especially his tenured teammates who suffered through so many lean years in Honolulu Blue.”
“Like last season, the Detroit Lions haven’t struggled to score points, but neither do their opponents. However, similar to the 2022 campaign, Detroit’s defense has made strides in December, and the unit came up big in a 30-24 win over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. Against the Vikings, the Lions forced four turnovers and Ifeatu Melifonwu finished the contest with an interception.
$5 for 3 months SAVE NOW SKIP TO CONTENT LOG IN $5 FOR 3 MONTHS SUBSCRIBE NOW Part of the McClatchy Media Network Obituaries Sports Business Opinion Dining Jobs/Recruiting Personal Finance Betting Shopping NFL Detroit Lions Offense Can Erase Defensive Mistakes BY JOHN MAAKARON SPORTS ILLUSTRATED DETROIT LIONS NEWS, ANALYSIS AND MORE UPDATED DECEMBER 25, 2023 11:30 AM Greatest NFL Touchdown Celebrations of All Time Corr – The Sportest Here’s a sample of the national media reaction to Detroit’s Week 16 division clinching victory against Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Sports Illustrated Detroit (11–4) will host a playoff game for the first time since 1993, snapping the second-longest active drought in the NFL. The Lions last won their division that same year, back when it was the NFC Central. While Detroit has defensive issues to address, this is a moment to celebrate. The Lions and their fans have been waiting a long time to host a playoff game. In a few weeks, that’s finally going to happen. ESPN “The offense looked strong behind a solid ground attack, and the Lions have won their first division crown since the 1993 season. With two games remaining before the postseason, Detroit has to tighten up on defense. Nick Mullens is the fourth QB to start for the Vikings this season, and he was letting it fly against the secondary, which should cause concern for the Lions since they will face better competition in the playoffs.” Related: Dan Campbell Delivers Legendary ‘Build Our Legacy’ Speech NFL.com “Detroit’s defense took it on the chin as the team appeared a bit shaky around midseason, but it has been a more effective — and clutch — group in recent games. The Vikings trailed 30-24 (thanks to a Lions extra-point try blocked) with two-plus minutes left and the ball at their 12-yard line. Julian Okwara delivered the first big play on the final drive, strip-sacking Nick Mullens and resulting in a 9-yard loss, but the Lions’ John Cominsky couldn’t corral the loose ball despite it hitting his hands. On the next play — third-and-27 — Justin Jefferson made an insane catch at the first-down sticks, setting up Cominsky’s blunder as the regrettable play. But Ifeatu Melifonwu, who was everywhere Sunday and who has been playing some strong ball of late, picked off Mullens’ pass in Jefferson’s direction at the 5-yard line, sealing a franchise-changing victory on the road against their rivals. It was one of four Lions interceptions, and they also had four sacks of Mullens. After allowing the Vikings to take the lead on their opening drive of the second half, Detroit’s defense forced a three-and-out, the third INT of the game, a field goal (stopping Minnesota inside the 10-yard line) and the game-clinching pick to end it.” The Athletic “The Lions aren’t a perfect team. But aside from the 49ers, every team has had significant flaws exposed. If the Lions can play a little better defensively, they can beat anyone. It will help if they can get C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Alim McNeill and James Houston back on the field. Their offense is capable of erasing defensive mistakes. Jared Goff is dealing again after a rough stretch of games. Rookies Jahmyr Gibbs and Brian Branch are maturing and making plays. And the Lions know how to hang in during a tough game. There is not a more resilient group in the league.” USA Today “QB Jared Goff, who’s postseason-bound for the first time since he arrived in Detroit in the 2021 offseason, had a Drew Lock moment after the momentous win – his voice cracking with emotion when discussing the Lions’ achievement with NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Good for Goff, effectively cast off by the Los Angeles Rams nearly three years ago, and especially his tenured teammates who suffered through so many lean years in Honolulu Blue.” Bleacher Report “Like last season, the Detroit Lions haven’t struggled to score points, but neither do their opponents. However, similar to the 2022 campaign, Detroit’s defense has made strides in December, and the unit came up big in a 30-24 win over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. Against the Vikings, the Lions forced four turnovers and Ifeatu Melifonwu finished the contest with an interception. Yes, Minnesota quarterback Nick Mullens has struggled with turnovers over the past two games, but the Lions defense has put together solid performances in consecutive weeks, including holding the Denver Broncos to 17 points in Week 15. With a win on Sunday, the Lions claimed their first division title since 1993. If their defense continues to play the way it did over the past two weeks, Detroit could go on a deep playoff run.”
