Aidan Hutchinson Delivers Game-Winning Sack Against Giants
A thrilling overtime victory saw the Detroit Lions emerge triumphant over the New York Giants, 34-27, with defensive end Aidan Hutchinson delivering a stunning game-ending sack. Following the contest, the Lions’ locker room buzzed with reflections on the victory and the collective effort that led to it.
Dan Campbell on the Game-Tying Field Goal
Head Coach Dan Campbell praised kicker Jake Bates for his clutch performance, especially his game-tying field goal.
“That was a big kick, big time,” Campbell said. “For him, there again, he’s clutch. When we need him most, he goes out there and makes the kick for us. That’s not an easy kick. I mean, I don’t know what that was, 60 yards? It took a lot of our guys making big-time plays in critical moments. Those were the things that did go right, and that’s what wins in this league.”
Jared Goff on Jahmyr Gibbs’ Impact
Quarterback Jared Goff was equally impressed with the performance of running back Jahmyr Gibbs, highlighting his electric presence on the field.
“Man, that dude is as good as they come in our league,” Goff said. “He’s making his claim across our league as one of the best players, regardless of position. We are lucky to have him. For him to be able to do that to supplement some of the struggles we were having was awesome.”
Jahmyr Gibbs on Team Mentality
Gibbs himself downplayed the need to carry the offense, emphasizing teamwork over individual accolades.
“I just do whatever it takes to win, whatever they call me for,” he stated. “It was a must-win. I think the next six or seven more games are must wins, so we’ve got to keep going.”
Amon-Ra St. Brown’s Resilience
Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown displayed a mentality focused on the next play, even after facing two drops during the game.
“Yeah, stuff like that happens,” he noted. “But I don’t stress too much about those. I move onto the next play. A coach once told me in college, ‘So what? Now what?’ I kind of live by that.”
Penei Sewell on Overcoming Adversity
Offensive tackle Penei Sewell spoke on the team’s ability to navigate adversity throughout the game, recognizing the importance of focus.
“There are going to be ups and downs in everything,” Sewell said. “It’s just another job, and you’ve just got to do your job. Everything else will fall into place, and that’s what we try to focus on.”
Aidan Hutchinson Reflects on His Game-Winning Play
Hutchinson shared his emotions following the critical sack that sealed the victory.
“I was fighting all game,” Hutchinson explained. “In OT, we got a lot of pass-rush situations. We had one more on that fourth down and made the most of it. Guys were sticky in coverage, and Alim had a great bull-rush. That’s what happens when guys are covering and your whole d-line is rushing hard. Eventually, you reap the rewards.”
He further expressed gratitude for his comeback season after facing challenges earlier in the year.
“It’s a blessing, it really is,” Hutchinson said. “This journey on this road to recovery this year, it feels like my comeback season. It makes me really think about how grateful I am for this moment and the opportunity to play football having moments like that.”
Jack Campbell on Team Focus
Linebacker Jack Campbell remained unfazed by the outcomes of other teams, emphasizing a singular focus on improvement.
“I don’t really pay attention to that,” Campbell stated. “All I’m focused on is taking it one day at a time, being where my feet are, and just trying to put the team in the best position to win.”
Derrick Barnes on Finishing Games
Linebacker Derrick Barnes reflected on the team’s progress in finishing games, recalling past struggles.
“The fact that we went out there and finished the game — our coaches put us in situations like that,” Barnes noted. “We were prepared for it, and I think Dan did a wonderful job preparing us this week.”
Amik Robertson on Starting Strong
Cornerback Amik Robertson recognized the need for a faster start in future games, acknowledging a pattern of slow beginnings.
“Every time I start slow, that s**t be contagious,” Robertson said. “Hats off to the Giants; they came up with a great game plan. We were just the team that fought harder at the end.”
Jake Bates on His Game-Tying Kick
Kicker Jake Bates described the thrill of his 59-yard game-tying kick, attributing his success to the team’s efforts.
“Sometimes, it’s better to be lucky than good,” Bates admitted. “The line did an unbelievable job blocking all day, and it was just time for me to do my job.”
As the Lions celebrate their hard-fought victory, the focus turns to maintaining momentum in the weeks ahead. The road ahead is filled with challenges, but the team remains committed to their goals and the spirit of teamwork that brought them this win.
