Detroit Lions get pushed into the NFC Championship Game by former Alabama players.
Detroit, Michigan, is experiencing a joyful mood.
To put themselves in a position to potentially make a Super Bowl appearance, the Lions only needed to select players from the University of Alabama and appoint a former Crimson Tide player as defensive coordinator. Dan Campbell and Detroit are one victory away from playing in the National Football League’s championship game. Former Alabama players Brian Branch and Jahmyr Gibbs led the team to a 31-23 victory over the Tampa Bay Bucs on Sunday in the NFC Divisional Playoff Game at Ford Field. Running back Gibbs scored another touchdown from scrimmage, this time with almost 100 yards. He demonstrated all of his skills as a pass blocker, receiver, and runner.
The native Georgian finished with 13 touches for a score, 40 yards receiving, and 74 yards rushing.
In addition to averaging 8.2 yards per run and 10 yards per reception, Gibbs also had a few plays when he outran linebackers to buy Jared Goff extra time to complete passes. Gibbs’ coverage made it possible for Goff to complete two touchdown passes. As a rookie, he has more than 1,000 yards from scrimmage (1,443), but Gibbs also has 1,044 yards on the ground. For the season, he has tallied 11 touchdowns in all.
Tampa Bay’s offense was easily exploited by defensive back Branch. With nine total tackles, he led the defense. He also recorded a quarterback hit, two tackles for loss, and a sack. Branch, an NFL Draft selection in the second round in 2023, filled a variety of roles in Alabama’s secondary. He helped lead the Crimson Tide to an Allstate Sugar Bowl triumph in 2022 and was maybe their greatest player.
Former Alabama wide receiver Jameson Williams recorded two catches for 35 yards, including a first-down reception for 24 yards.
It took him just one season (2021) at Alabama to demonstrate his uniqueness to NFL scouts. Williams led the Alabama offense to an SEC championship and the team’s trip to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game with 79 receptions for 1,572 yards and 15 touchdowns. For the Lions, he, Branch, and Gibbs have been outstanding, and they are getting closer to winning the Super Bowl.
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