Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images Handing out the game ball and unsung hero from the Lions’ win against the Vikings. The Detroit Lions, in their second Game #272 “Sunday Night Football” game in three years, mauled the Minnesota Vikings 31-9. The Lions’ commanding victory was thanks in large part to a 21-0 run to end the game. The win is Detroit’s fifth straight win against Kevin O’Connell’s Vikings, dating back to 2022 and completed a 6-0 sweep of the NFC North for the Lions. It was an all-hands-on-deck effort from the Lions as they achieved their franchise-leading 15th win. Thus, there was a swarm of worthy candidates for my game ball and unsung hero after the battle with the Scandinavian pirates. Game Ball: Aaron Glenn, Amik Robertson, Alex Anzalone, and Jahmyr Gibbs Four game balls for arguably the most monumental Lions regular season win in franchise history (Super Bowl Era). Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has had a rollercoaster season. It started off with rousing success, then he had to navigate a flock of injuries, and it finished with one of the most well-executed game plans of the entire season. The Lions defense had given up at least 31 points in three of their previous four games, gave up 29 points back in Week 7 in their first matchup with the Vikings, and needed a resounding performance in advance of the playoffs to get their mojo back. They got it back and then some. That necessary, and unexpected, defensive performance featured them holding the Vikings to a season-low nine points (after averaging 26+ points/game prior), a paltry 3-of-13 on third down, only six points on four red zone possessions, and a Week 18 league-leading 48.9% quarterback pressure rate. Per Next Gen Stats, the Lions were in man coverage on 66.7% of dropbacks (second highest of any defense in a game this season). Against man coverage, Darnold finished 10-of-28 for 125 passing yards (-20.1% completion percentage over expectation). Detroit also ramped up the pressure. The Lions specifically played Cover 0 on 14 dropbacks (most of any team in a game this season), allowing only five completions, and blitzed on 55.6% of dropbacks. Glenn won by staying true to his form, being physical with his pass coverage deployment, and attacking the quarterback. It paid off in one of the Lions’ best defensive performances of the Campbell-Brad Holmes era. In a season when an unprecedented number of Lions have filled in to embody their “next man up” mentality, Amik Robertson elevating his play—while also changing roles to outside cornerback—has been one of their prime examples for this season. Robertson was one of the physical aggressors in coverage, shadowing Justin Jefferson throughout the night (with some safety bracket help). Robertson was part of a coverage unit that held Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson to a combined six catches on 23 targets and 63 receiving yards. PFF had Robertson in coverage for six of Jefferson’s targets, allowing only two catches for 48 receiving yards, one first down, and a pass breakup. Robertson’s temperament and willingness to go toe-to-toe with Jefferson has melded in perfectly with the Lions’ defensive culture. Alex Anzalone coming back after breaking his forearm in Week 11, even if it were on limited snaps, would have been deserving enough for a game ball, but the Lions leader and defensive quarterback went out and had one of his best performances of the season. Anzalone played 64 snaps (out of 65), led the team with seven tackles, notched one quarterback hit, and one pass breakup. He was a tone-setter. It was quite apparent to witness the cascading effect that Anzalone has on the entire defense. Anzalone’s return allowed for Glenn to scheme him up in coverage with Hockenson—who would’ve given Detroit a potential mismatch without Anzalone in the lineup. Against Hockenson, Anzalone allowed only one catch for one yard on three targets. Anzalone was a critical factor in a defense that turned SAm Darnold back into a previous version of himself, not allowing him to get comfortable all evening, having him feel rushed in the pocket, having sloppy footwork, delivering consistent overthrows, and generally missing a handful of open reads. The Lions, however, couldn’t have manhandled the Vikings like they did and taken advantage of the defense’s other-worldly performance if they weren’t putting points on the board, and Jahmyr Gibbs was doing so in bunches. Against the Vikings, Gibbs tied a team-record with four total touchdowns in a game which gave him 20 total touchdowns on the season. That not only broke the Lions’ season record but also led the NFL. Gibbs gave the Lions early momentum with his explosive 25-yard touchdown run and provided the offense sparks throughout. In total, Gibbs ended with a season-high 139 rushing yards thanks in large part to four explosive runs that totaled 95 rushing yards. For the third consecutive week, in David Montgomery’s absence, Gibbs churned out over 150 total yards with his 170 total yard effort against the Vikings (second highest of his career). Gibbs continues to prove he is one of the best game breakers in football and will be a real weapon in the playoffs. Unsung Heroes: Al-Quadin Muhammad and the One Pride Productions team Defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad doesn’t get as much recognition as some of the other in-season additions, but the Lions might not be where they are without his contributions. Muhammad has been providing value that you wouldn’t expect from an eight-year veteran who spent all of 2023 on the Colts’ practice squad. Muhammad provided a handful of flash plays and quality pass rush reps against the Vikings. In Week 18, per NFL Pro, Muhammad recorded two tackles, both of which were defensive stops, and two quarterback pressures (including one sack) to help keep Darnold flustered throughout the contest. Expect those efforts from Muhammad to keep up as the Lions venture on their playoff run. The second unsung hero goes to the Detroit Lions’ One Pride Productions team. The team made an immense impact all season as an advantage for the Lions at home and was particularly effective again against the Vikings. In the season finale, the Lions defense was energized and confident while the Vikings offense was playing tight, uncertain, and never could get into a rhythm. A great deal of gratitude is owed to the people consistently engaging the best home-field advantage in the NFL. That’s the group who helps to fuel the Ford Field faithful with their well-orchestrated in-stadium experience. The Ford Field experience is wild. One break they introduce Calvin Johnson. The next, Barry Sanders. They play an Eminem song and show Eminem in a suite. Deafening reactions. They play Circle of Life and everyone holds their babies over their heads. They have the cringiest…— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) January 6, 2025 The One Pride Productions team has generated one of the most soul-shattering in-game experiences. From electric pregame player introductions to appearances from former Lions greats like Calvin Johnson and Barry Sanders during breaks to never let the party die, Detroit’s video crew is routinely reinventing ways to achieve the highest decibel levels. Against the Vikings on a key third down, the Lions video crew expertly cut to Aidan Hutchinson on the sideline, achieving the loudest moment of the night, culminating in a Darnold sack. The Vikings offense had a slew of delay of games—some called and some that went uncalled—and an early false start. You can bet the One Pride Productions team—and the Lions fans—will bring it again soon in the Divisional Playoff Round to give the Lions that extra edge.