Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings: Everything we know
For the first time since Week 13 of the 2020 season, the Detroit Lions have won a game. It took until Week 13 of 2021, but the Lions finally secured the first victory of the Dan Campbell era as the team’s head coach with a 29-27 win thanks to a go-ahead touchdown on the last play of the game.
The thrilling comeback erased what was otherwise a forgettable second half for Detroit. The Lions raced out to a 20-6 halftime lead behind strong play from both QB Jared Goff and the young defense. Minnesota turned the tables in the second half and surged into a late 27-23 lead with under 90 seconds to play, but the Lions triumphantly answered the challenge.
Lions pull off the comeback, score last-second TD to beat the Vikings
Final score: Lions 29, Vikings 27
David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports
Keys to the game
(AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Detroit played a very impressive and inspired first half on both sides of the ball. Goff was aggressive and accurate, tight ends T.J. Hockenson and Brock Wright each caught touchdown passes on excellent throws. Minnesota was missing two starting LBs and the Lions smartly attacked the replacements. The Lions own defense was very good on third downs and prevented the big play nicely.
In the second half, the script flipped. The Lions got too conservative and tight, while the Vikings defense and QB Kirk Cousins each gained confidence. Cousins keyed in on standout WR Justin Jefferson (11 receptions for 182 yards, 1 TD) and the Lions simply could not stop the combination.
Some iffy decision from Goff and Campbell left the door open for the Vikings to stage a comeback, and that they did. They seized the lead for the first time all game with just under two minutes to play. But that was just enough time for Goff to rally the offense and hit Amon-Ra St. Brown in the end zone on the game’s final play. The Lions never quit, never felt sorry for themselves, and scored a resilient win as a result.
It was over when...
Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
For the fourth time this season, the Lions game was decided on the final play. For the first time, the Lions wound up on the right end of the outcome. St. Brown’s 11-yard TD reception as the clock expired lifted the Lions to victory.
Top 3 Lions stars of the game
(AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Honorable mentions: QB Jared Goff, TE T.J. Hockenson, S Tracy Walker
Third star: CB Jerry Jacobs – 7 total tackles, 2 TFLs, recorded three 3rd-down stops including ones to end Minnesota’s first two drives
Second star: OLB Charles Harris – 2 sacks, four total QB hurries, one forced fumble, drew two holding penalties
First star: WR Amon-Ra St Brown – 10 receptions on 12 targets, 86 receiving yards and the game-winning touchdown
Other key stats
(AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
What's next for the Lions?
Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
The 1-10-1 Lions head to Denver to face the Broncos in Week 14. The Broncos are 6-5 and play the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday night.
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