By Moses Joshua 
In the wake of Detroit’s heart-pounding 34–27 overtime victory against the Giants, quarterback Jared Goff delivered one of his most revealing breakdowns yet — explaining why Jahmyr Gibbs’ breakout performance wasn’t just impressive, but a defining moment that proved the young star is rapidly becoming one of the league’s most dangerous and respected playmakers.
A Quarterback’s View: Goff Says Gibbs Is Becoming “One of the Best Players in the NFL”
If anyone has the perfect vantage point to judge a rising offensive star, it’s Jared Goff — the man handing him the ball. And after watching Jahmyr Gibbs dismantle the Giants’ defense on his way to 264 total yards and a walk-off 69-yard touchdown run, Goff didn’t hold anything back.
“Man, that dude is as good as they come in our league, and he’s making his claim across our league as one of the best players, regardless of position and we are lucky to have him, man,” Goff said, via Lions OnSI. “He’s so electric.”
Detroit’s offense had been uneven throughout the afternoon, stalling at key moments and struggling for rhythm. But Gibbs repeatedly became the spark Goff desperately needed.
“For him to be able to do that to supplement some of the struggles we were having was awesome.”
This wasn’t just a breakout game. It was a takeover.
Why Defenses Panic When Gibbs Touches the Ball
Goff made it clear: defenses don’t just react to Gibbs — they brace for him.
“A ton. A ton of energy and you can tell the fear in the defense when the ball gets in his hands, the way they rally to him.”
And once Gibbs clears the first wave? Goff says defensive backs start scrambling for survival.
“When he gets to the second level… you can feel the safety, the angle they start taking, and it’s a good feeling for us, hard for a defense.”
The quarterback also emphasized how quickly Gibbs is evolving as a pass-catcher.
“He’s doing a great job learning these routes… His hands are as good as they need to be.”
Goff even teased that he might have gone to him a bit too much.
“Sometimes you are playing quarterback, you’re trying to be a point guard, and he’s the hot hand… again, probably one too many times.”
When your quarterback can’t help feeding you the ball? That’s when superstardom becomes undeniable.
The OT Moment Goff Knew Was “Over” Instantly
On the first play of overtime, the Lions ran a familiar duo play behind Penei Sewell and rookie guard Tate Ratledge. Gibbs took the handoff, found daylight, and the stadium erupted.
But the best part? Goff knew it the second Gibbs broke through.
“I think I put my hand up, and he was about seven yards down the field.”
He saw the angles — and the advantage.
“You can see the angle he’s about to take and the angle the safety had. It’s over.”
Goff even reminded reporters that Giants safety Dane Belton isn’t slow by any means.
“24 on their team is not a slow player… and Jah ran away from him a couple of times. He’s got a different level.”
That wasn’t just a touchdown. That was a statement.
The Real Gibbs: Quiet in Public, Confident in the Locker Room
While fans sometimes see Gibbs as reserved, Goff made sure to clarify that the running back’s personality shines behind closed doors.
“He’s normal with us. He talks to us, and he’s great. He’s a great player, a great worker, a great teammate who does everything right.”
He may be soft-spoken on camera — but not when he’s around his teammates.
A Star Fully Arrived
Detroit didn’t just watch a promising young back take a step forward. They watched him seize control of a game, elevate an entire offense, and ignite a stadium.
Jahmyr Gibbs is no longer emerging.
He’s here.
He’s feared.
He’s explosive.
He’s dominating when Detroit needs him most.
And Goff summed up the truth better than anyone:
Gibbs is becoming one of the best players in the NFL.