zach bacharContributor IOctober 31, 2023
Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
The Detroit Lions’ rookies performed exceptionally well during the team’s 26-14 win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday Night Football.
Running back Jahmyr Gibbs finally had the game that many envisioned when he was selected 12th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, recording a career-high 152 rushing yards on 26 carries. This included a 27-yard touchdown that gave Detroit a two-score lead.
NFL @NFLJAHMYR GIBBS BREAKOUT GAME 🔥
📺: #LVvsDET on ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/3b1HZU34bs pic.twitter.com/Tk53pg167Z
He was a weapon in the passing game as well, securing five catches for 37 yards. The 21-year-old’s ability to produce as a dual-threat back on Monday night had only been matched by a franchise legend.
Detroit Lions PR @LionsPR.@Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs is Detroit’s first rookie RB to produce a game with 100+ rushing yards and 30+ receiving yards since RB @BarrySanders in 1989.#OnePride pic.twitter.com/nbJn89ZvN9
Tight end Sam LaPorta continued his stellar first season as quarterback Jared Goff’s safety valve, hauling in eight of his 10 targets for 57 yards and a score. It was his fifth game of the year with at least 50 receiving yards.
NFL fans were impressed with Detroit’s rookie duo, as Gibbs and LaPorta took full advantage of a Raiders defense allowing 316.4 yards per game entering the contest.
NFL @NFLLaPorta Party in the end zone! @Lions
📺: #LVvsDET on ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/3b1HZU34bs pic.twitter.com/360O2wGkyh
Detroit Lions PR @LionsPRWith six receptions tonight, @Lions TE @Samlaporta has logged 41 receptions this season.
This establishes a new franchise record for the most receptions in a season by a Lions rookie TE, passing the previous record of 40 receptions by TE Charlie Sanders in 1968.#OnePride pic.twitter.com/JMWwGe7arB
B/R Gridiron @brgridironJahmyr Gibbs has more rushing yards than the Raiders have total yards 🤯 pic.twitter.com/0NOTEnnDFZ
NFL Fantasy Football @NFLFantasy”Dad, what was it like when Jahmyr Gibbs broke out?” pic.twitter.com/VRPxOKPUF3
PFF @PFFJahmyr Gibbs tonight: 149 yards
Raiders offense tonight: 127 yards pic.twitter.com/0pHUXZmYZh
Sleeper @SleeperHQMe watching Jahmyr Gibbs pop off: pic.twitter.com/C7sKC1EebU
The Sporting News @sportingnewsJahmyr Gibbs had a breakout game ‼️
◽️ 31 touches
◽️ 189 yards
◽️ 1 TD pic.twitter.com/A483xuZ7nX
Grace @gracesporttakesI remember when people questioned why the Lions would draft Jahmyr Gibbs so high well there’s no need to question it anymore
Big Game Bengal @BengalYouTubeAnd this starts to make you wonder why a guy like Jahmyr Gibbs falls so far in the draft…
Nolan Bianchi @nolanbianchiJahmyr Gibbs having the time of his life lol pic.twitter.com/ANJr7SRspB
StatMuse @statmuseJahmyr Gibbs tonight:
31 touches
189 total yards
1 touchdown
First Lions RB with that many yards in a game since Reggie Bush in 2013. pic.twitter.com/ypxPDsppO9
LionsFanReport @lionsfanreportSam LaPorta aka the GREATEST rookie TE in NFL history! #OnePride
The Athletic @TheAthleticSam LaPorta already has four touchdowns on the season for the Lions, the second most among all rookies (Jordan Addison, 7) and one shy of matching his total during his entire college career at Iowa (five). pic.twitter.com/3Z4hsPAoaP
The Lions improved to 6-2 after the win, putting even more distance between themselves and the rest of the NFC North. While winning the division is important, it’s worth noting that Detroit now has the second-best record in the conference as a whole.
Heading into their bye, the Lions are looking primed to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2016.