The Vikings couldn’t get out of their own way and, along with too many injuries, cost them in Detroit. The Minnesota Vikings suffered their first loss within the division on Sunday by a score of 34-23 to the Detroit Lions
The game early on was more of a back-and-forth, but mistakes from the Vikings ended up being costly. The Lions were ahead 14-7 at the half due to the Vikings getting a little too cute and trying a running back jump pass. Unfortunately, Dalvin Cook fumbled and the Vikings didn’t get another touchdown until there was 2:49 left in the fourth quarter. By that point, it was too late. The Lions found a way to convert too many third and fourth downs
Jared Goff was an excellent distributor on Sunday. He saw the field well and was accurate in doing so. He completed 27/39 for 330 yards and three touchdowns.
The running game for the Lions also came up big for them, but no play was bigger than C.J. Moore’s 42-yard fake punt run. That extended the Lions drive which resulted in a touchdown.
The Vikings’ offense was still effective, as quarterback Kirk Cousins was really good throughout. The big plays didn’t happen consistently but Cousins stood in the pocket and found receivers down the field. He finished 30/40 for 400 yards and two touchdowns.
The real star of the game was Justin Jefferson. He broke out in a big way with some monster numbers. Jefferson finished with 11 catches for 223 yards, which is a new career high and first time topping the 200-yard mark in his young, brilliant career. It also sets the Vikings’ team record for yards in a game as well.
212 receiving yards also marks a new career-high for Jefferson, passing his previous high (193, 11/13/22 at BUF).#ProBowlVote https://t.co/9208lAqxC2
— Vikings Communications (@VikingsPR) December 11, 2022
The Vikings got within eight points after a touchdown pass to K.J. Osborn with just under three minutes remaining, but the key play of the game came on a third and seven coming out of the two minute warning. They lined up with four players lined up out wide with right tackle Penei Sewell lined up to the far left.
Sewell motioned to the right and like a split-zone play action, Goff found Sewell in the flat for the conversion. The game was essentially over at that point, as the Lions got a field goal to go up 11 with 17 seconds left.
The biggest factor for the Vikings was missing those three key starters. The offensive like struggled with keeping a consistent pocket for Cousins and the safeties made a huge miscommunication blunder.
This loss is frustrating, but also reminiscent of why the analytical models had this team being frauds. They didn’t have all the swing plays go their way and made uncharacteristic mental mistakes.
Up next is the Indianapolis Colts whom the Vikings will host this upcoming Saturday.
