Defense Proves Key for Vikings Over Lions

The Matchup

The Detroit Lions came in at 3-8-1, while down to their third-string QB; David Blough. Meanwhile, Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen missed yet another game trying to recover from a hamstring injury he initially suffered in October. 

The first matchup between these two sides was a shootout, with Minnesota coming out on top 42-30. The Vikings needed a win to keep pace with the Packers in pursuing the NFC North crown. On the other hand, Detroit searched for their first win without Matt Stafford this season. Unlike round one, the theme of this game would be the defense. 

First Half

The critical factor in this ballgame was defense, but that didn’t stop Minnesota from scoring early on. On their second possession of the afternoon, the Vikings marched down the field for a ten-play, 82-yard drive. The drive was a healthy mix of Kirk Cousins and Dalvin Cook but ultimately capped off by an unlikely source. Wide receiver Olabisi Johnson hauled in a 9-yard touchdown pass from Cousins, for just his third touchdown of the year. This was also Johnson’s lone catch in the ballgame. 

The Vikings defense harassed Lion’s quarterback David Blough from the start. Detroit’s first four possessions of the game all ended in punts. Near the end of the first half, the Vikings once again had the ball deep in Detroit territory. However, this time, it was the Lions defense making a crucial stop. Dan Bailey was brought in for a 27-yard field goal on 4th and goal, putting Minnesota up 10-0. 

Despite their struggles, the Lions offense had a chance to put points on the board on their next possession. After stalling near the red-zone, kicker Matt Prater came on for a 45-yard field goal attempt. But, his kick sailed wide right, keeping the score at 10-0 in favor of Minnesota. 

Just before intermission, the Vikings put a stamp on what was a dominant first-half performance. With 20 seconds remaining, Dalvin Cook found the endzone from 3 yards out. Overall, it was a quiet day for the Vikings workhorse, who totaled just 62 rushing yards on 18 carries. Nonetheless, Minnesota took a commanding 17-0 lead into the break as Detroit searched for offense. 

Second Half

The third quarter was sloppy offense for both sides. However, Minnesota’s defense continued to make plays. Late in the 3rd quarter David Blough gunned a pass down the middle for wide receiver Kenny Golladay. What Blough didn’t see was Viking’s safety Harrison Smith who picked off the pass. It was Smith’s second interception of the season. Minnesota cashed in the Blough interception for three points just a few minutes later, and Dan Bailey connected on a 50-yard field goal putting Minnesota up 20-0 on Detroit. 

The Vikings didn’t score from that point, but that was plenty for their defense to work with yesterday. The Lions did avoid the shutout at least, thanks to a touchdown on fourth and five from the Minnesota 10-yard line. David Blough hooked up with Kenny Golladay on a touchdown pass to finally break the ice for Detroit.

Though it was much too late for any comeback effort, the Lions had one more garbage time possession. Blough did nothing with it. With just 35 seconds remaining, Blough forced a ball towards Minnesota’s endzone, that was promptly picked off by Andrew Sendejo. 

After a promising Thanksgiving performance against Chicago, Blough looked uncomfortable all afternoon. He finished with only 205 passing yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. Kirk Cousins did not light the world on fire. Though, he did complete 24/30 passes for one touchdown and zero turnovers.

Final Notes

Minnesota once again looked impressive and improved their home record to 6-0. The Lions have been abysmal since Matt Stafford went down with a back injury, and are now 3-9-1 on the season. For Minnesota, all eyes will be on Adam Thielen to see if he can make his return next week from a hamstring injury. 

Minnesota is 9-4 overall, but still one game back of Aaron Rodger’s Packers in the NFC North. A week 16 showdown with Green Bay looms ahead, but first, the Vikings must hit the road again. Next Sunday, Minnesota will battle the Los Angeles Chargers, who are just 5-8 this year. 

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