Lions vs. Vikings: Everything we know
The Lions were definitely the Lions on Sunday.
Detroit came into the Week 5 matchup against Minnesota with a winless record. The Lions made countless mistakes at U.S. Bank Stadium, giving the Vikings a relatively easy chance to ice the game out at the end.
Unfortunately for Minnesota, the Vikings were the Vikings.
Minnesota made too many miscues to put away Detroit early. The Vikings even outdid themselves when Alexander Mattison fumbled in the fourth quarter, leading to a Lions go-ahead score.
The Vikings got the ball back, with just over 30 seconds left in the fourth quarter. Minnesota, of course, got into field-goal range, setting up what seemed like another heart-breaking, gut-wrenching loss with a missed kick at the end.
Then, Greg Joseph did something that I’m sure surprised Vikings fans — he made the kick as time expired.
Minnesota’s victory moved them to 2-3, a record that’s just promising enough to keep the hope in the hearts of Vikings fans for at least another week.
Final score: Vikings 19, Lions 17
Minnesota Vikings kicker Greg Joseph (1) celebrates with teammates after kicking a 55-yard field goal during the second half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Keys to game:
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) fumbles the ball as he is hit by Minnesota Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter (99) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King)
Vikings defense comes up big: Minnesota made Jared Goff look like Jared Goof on Sunday. Minnesota held Goff to 203 passing yards, no touchdown passes and one interception.
Mattison makes due: Alexander Mattison, filling in for Dalvin Cook, had a decent day in the running game. The Vikings backup running back had 113 rushing yards and a receiving touchdown.
Just another NFC North game: This was not a shootout. This was not a cleanly played game. This was a game the Vikings needed to win, and they won in an ugly fashion.
Stars of the Week:
Oct 10, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Alexander Mattison (25) and quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) celebrate a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
*** QB Kirk Cousins: Cousins and the Vikings started their final offensive drive with 33 seconds in the fourth quarter. For the Lions, that was too much time to give. Cousins marched the team down the field, which led to the game-winning field goal. He finished with 275 passing yards, a touchdown and a pick — not a perfect day, but he did enough to get the win.
** K Greg Joseph: He went 4-for-5 on field goals, including the game-winner as time expired.
* RB Alexander Mattison: He averaged 4.5 yards per carry.
* DE Everson Griffen: Griffen had two sacks after getting the starting nod this game.
What's next?
Nov 8, 2020; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey (22) scores a touchdown during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
The Vikings go on the road to play the Panthers Sunday at noon.
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