DETROIT (Michigan News Source) – Jake Bates nailed a 44-yard field goal with 15 seconds left, leaving Minnesota with a sour taste of defeat. Detroit won the battle of the NFC North, 31-29. It was Minnesota’s first loss of the season, and Detroit moved to 5-1 and 3-0 in the NFC North.

“We talked about patience, keeping your composure, communication, and an attitude, and our guys did that. We didn’t bat an eye when things appeared to start going south,” said Detroit head coach Dan Campbell.

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Detroit was down 10-0 after the first quarter, but 21 second-quarter points gave the Lions momentum back. Both teams scored a touchdown in the third quarter, and Detroit held a 28-17 lead. Minnesota had 13 unanswered points in the fourth quarter, taking the lead, 29-28, with 5:50 to go.

The Vikings defense forced a three-and-out with 4:16 left in the game, giving Detroit the ball back. Detroit answered the call, holding the Vikings to just three plays and giving the ball back to the Lions with 2:32 to go on their own 30-yard line.

Jahmyr Gibbs played a big part in the drive, with 18 rushing yards and a 16-yard pass, as Detroit moved the ball to the Minnesota 22-yard line. Three kneel downs for Goff put the ball on the 27-yard line, setting up Bates’ 44-yard field goal with 15 seconds left in the game. Minnesota ran three plays to get to midfield, but time ran out as the Lions stayed perfect in the NFC North.

Gibbs finished with 116 yards rushing on 15 carries and two touchdowns, and Amon-Ra St. Brown had 112 yards receiving and one touchdown. Kalif Raymond also had a touchdown reception. Detroit’s defense had four sacks and one interception.

Campbell said of Gibbs, “He’s been so close to exploding, and we felt like this was the game.”

Detroit hosts Tennessee next Sunday at 1:00 p.m. on Fox.