Nov 24, 2025, Posted by: Arlo Beaumont
The Detroit Lions escaped with a 34-27 overtime win over the New York Giants on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Ford Field in Detroit — not because of flawless execution, but because one play, one player, and one heart-stopping moment changed everything. Jahmyr Gibbs, the Lions’ electric 22-year-old running back, took the first snap of overtime and sprinted 69 yards for the game-winning touchdown, finishing with a career-high 264 yards from scrimmage and three total touchdowns. It was the kind of performance that doesn’t just win games — it defines seasons.
How a 69-Yard Run Changed Everything
It wasn’t supposed to be that easy. The Giants had controlled the clock, held a three-point lead with under two minutes left, and looked poised to seal their first road win of the season. But then came the 59-yard field goal by Detroit Lions kicker Riley Patterson — a kick so long, so clutch, it sent the game into overtime. "I’ve got the best seat in the field," said Jared Goff, Detroit’s quarterback, who threw for 279 yards and two touchdowns. "I put my hands up when he was about seven yards down the field. That hole? It was huge. And he just… disappeared."
On that final play, Gibbs took the handoff, found a seam between guard and tackle, and exploded into the open field. Giants linebacker B. Okereke had just tackled him for a 1-yard gain two plays earlier — a moment that felt like the end of the drive. This time, there was no stopping him. The crowd at Ford Field roared like it hadn’t since 2016. "He bailed us out in a big way," head coach Dan Campbell said afterward, shaking his head with a half-smile. "That’s not luck. That’s talent meeting opportunity."
The Giants’ Self-Inflicted Wounds
For the New York Giants, this loss wasn’t just another defeat — it was another chapter in their season-long tragedy. They’ve now lost five games after leading in the fourth quarter, the most in the NFL this century. And this one stung because of the choices made.
Down 27-24 with 1:15 left, Giants interim coach Mike Kafka opted to go for it on fourth-and-goal from the 6-yard line instead of kicking a chip-shot field goal to tie the game. Quarterback Jameis Winston threw incomplete to tight end Theo Johnson. Seven minutes of clock, 86 yards of effort — gone. "We stopped him several times," Kafka said of Gibbs. "But he got away that last time."
It wasn’t the first time this season the Giants collapsed. Last month in Denver, they led by 18 points with six minutes left — and lost in regulation. They became the first team since 1970 to do so. Analyst Anthony Del Genio of Big Blue View summed it up bluntly: "Mostly, we learned that the Giants still have no idea how to win football games."
The Lions’ Tightrope Walk
The win improved the Detroit Lions to 7-4, putting them third in the NFC North behind the Chicago Bears (8-3) and Green Bay Packers (7-3-1). They’re not dominant — far from it. They’ve lost two games by one point, won two in overtime. But they keep finding ways.
"That very easily — a number of times — could’ve gone the other way," Campbell admitted. "But it didn’t. We made the plays we had to make."
Goff completed 28 of 42 passes, threw two touchdowns (one to Amon-Ra St. Brown, one to Gibbs), and had one interception. The offensive line gave him time when it mattered. The defense held on third downs late. And Gibbs? He was the difference. He had 117 rushing yards on 17 carries, caught 13 passes for 147 yards, and scored on runs of 1 yard, 4 yards, and finally, 69 yards. No one in the NFL has done that since Christian McCaffrey in 2022.
What This Means for the Playoff Race
The Detroit Lions are now just one game behind Green Bay in the division. With three of their final five games at home — including matchups against Minnesota and Chicago — they’re in position to make a run. But they’re not a finished product. They’re still prone to slow starts (they were held scoreless in the first quarter Sunday) and sloppy turnovers.
Meanwhile, the New York Giants fall to 2-10, 0-7 on the road. Their playoff hopes are gone. Their coaching staff is under fire. And their roster — filled with young talent like wide receiver Malik Nabers and linebacker B. Okereke — seems stuck in a loop of near-misses and heartbreaking endings.
Behind the Numbers: A Season of Contrasts
The stats tell a story. The Lions have scored 326 points this season, allowed 243. The Giants? 289 scored, 292 allowed. They’re outscored. They’re outplayed. But they’re not out-talented. They’re out-coached. Out-motivated. Out-hustled in the clutch.
When you lead in the fourth quarter five times and lose all five, it’s not bad luck. It’s a culture problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Jahmyr Gibbs’ performance compare to other NFL running backs this season?
Gibbs’ 264 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns against the Giants were the best single-game outputs by any running back in the NFL this season. Only Christian McCaffrey (2022) and Alvin Kamara (2021) have matched that combination of rushing, receiving, and scoring in one game since 2020. His 13 receptions also tied for the most by a RB in a game this year.
Why did the Giants choose to go for it on fourth down instead of kicking the field goal?
Interim coach Mike Kafka believed a touchdown would end the game and avoid overtime, where the Lions had shown momentum. Kicking a field goal would’ve tied it at 27-27, forcing Detroit to score a TD to win. But with 1:15 left and no timeouts, the Giants thought they could get one more first down. They didn’t — and the decision has since been heavily criticized by analysts and former players alike.
What does this loss mean for the Giants’ future coaching decisions?
The Giants’ fifth fourth-quarter collapse has intensified scrutiny on Mike Kafka’s play-calling and decision-making. With GM Joe Schoen publicly stating he’s evaluating "all aspects of the program," Kafka’s interim status may become permanent — or he could be replaced before the season ends. The team’s inability to close games is now the central issue in their rebuild.
Can the Detroit Lions still make the playoffs?
Yes — but they need help. At 7-4, they’re one game behind Green Bay and two behind Chicago in the NFC North. They’ve got three home games left, including matchups against Minnesota and Chicago. If they win four of their final five, they’ll likely clinch a wild-card spot. Their defense has improved, and Gibbs’ emergence gives them a legitimate offensive weapon to carry them deep into January.
How significant is Ford Field as a home-field advantage for the Lions?
Ford Field has become one of the NFL’s toughest venues for visiting teams. The Lions are 5-1 at home this season, and their crowd noise has consistently disrupted opposing offenses. In this game, the roar after Patterson’s field goal was so loud, Giants players said they couldn’t hear the snap count on the final drive. The atmosphere is now a tangible weapon — and a big reason Detroit is 4-1 at home since Week 5.
What’s next for the Giants and Lions?
The Giants travel to Tampa Bay next week to face the Buccaneers, still searching for their first road win. The Lions host the Minnesota Vikings on Thanksgiving Day — a divisional rivalry game with playoff implications. If Detroit wins, they’ll be tied for first in the NFC North. If they lose, their path gets much tougher.
Author
Arlo Beaumont
Hello, my name is Arlo Beaumont, and I am a passionate chef with expertise in cooking and creating innovative recipes. I enjoy exploring various cuisines and experimenting with new ingredients to create delicious dishes. I love sharing my culinary knowledge and experiences by writing about recipes and cooking tips. My goal is to inspire others to develop their skills in the kitchen and to discover the joy of cooking.