Sanders reaches 2,000 yards in the Lions’ victory!
It took overtime to do it, but Detroit Lions’ running back Barry Sanders became the third player in the history of the game to rush for 2,000 yards in a season.
Sanders accomplished the feat on a 3rd-down play. He had 97 yards at that point in the game, and the Lions were faced with a 3rd down and 8 at the Vikings’ 33-yard line. With the fans in the Metrodome roaring, QB Scott Mitchell audibled to a draw play. Sanders took the handoff and blew through the defense for a nine-yard gain eclipsing the 2,000-yard mark!
Unfortunately for the Lions, Mitchell threw an interception two plays later at the Viking 22-yard line thwarting the Lions chance to score. After a three & out by the Vikings, the Lions got another chance. This time, Sanders ripped through the Viking defense and set the Lions up deep in Viking territory. K Jason Hanson kicked the game-winning 34-yard field goal to give the Lions the 27-24 victory.
Sanders is now the 3rd player in history to run for over 2,000 yards. He joins OJ Simpson and Eric Dickerson. Sanders now has 2020 yards on the season and 15 TDs. Clearly, the frontrunner for the league’s MVP honors.
The Lions are now 12-3 on the season and have clearly locked down the #4 seed in the NFC Playoffs and will host a Wildcard game. They host the NY Jets in the season finale. As for the Vikings, they are now 7-8 and out of the playoffs. They will host Indianapolis next week.