Week Nine Reaction: Vikings vs Lions
Another week, another sombering performance by the Minnesota Vikings, this time at home. The friendly confines of U.S. Bank Stadium could not even stop the skidding Vikings as they drop their third straight game. Losing in overtime by the score of 22-16 to the Detroit Lions was not quite what the fans envisioned this week.
As most of the fans are working themselves into a tizzy over how atrocious the team has looked, they must realize the team they love is still atop the NFC North division. Has there been a division leader at a record of 5-3 at this point of the season that people have had less confidence in though? The answer right now seemingly has to be absolutely not, but there is still a glimmer of hope that Mike Zimmer can right the ship.
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Austin Erwin
What the Vikings did well
The Vikings offensive line protection was far better than the recent two weeks. Even so the Vikings managed to lose. Hopefully the linemen unit can take their momentum and build on it in week 10.
Favorite play
Rhett Ellison late run on an end around resulting in a touchdown. Too bad their lead wouldn’t last.
Players of the Game
Stefon Diggs
Linval Joseph
Chad Greenway
What Vikings did poorly
The Vikings played poorly on defense when they needed it most. The clutch play wasn’t there in week nine and the Vikings ended up giving away the game late. Missed field goal opportunities also hurt.
Bad play
Blair Walsh missed a field goal opportunity on a blocked kick that turned the tide late in the game. It resulted in a six point swing that could have changed the outcome for Minnesota otherwise.
Who Needs to Step Up Next Week
The entire defensive unit. The have to play better in the clutch. Offensively, the Vikings left two potential touchdowns off the board. They hurt themselves and missed opportunities to win the game convincingly.
Fallout
The Vikings have lost too many games to mope around. Someone has to pick up the attitude otherwise this season could be a loss. The good thing is, the Vikings have had opportunities to win each of those contests. Their worst enemy is themselves; Minnesota is never outlay on the field. The Vikings know their potential but it’s up to the entire team to play with a finishing effort.
Clayton Brooks
What the Vikings did well
The defense was was better this week as they showed spurts of the dominance they displayed over their first five games. The offensive line was better in pass protection this week, and Sam Bradford was more efficient in moving the football.
Favorite play
Adam Thielen’s drive-saving catch. He dove in front of a defender for an off-target pass that might’ve been picked off, which would’ve very likely ended the game then and their. That drive would eventually end in a touchdown, giving the Vikings a late 16-13 lead.
Players of the Game
Cordarrelle Patterson
What Vikings did poorly
They struggled with consistency on all levels. The offense had issues moving the ball most of the first, even coming up empty on a drive that started at the Detroit 18-yard line. The defense couldn’t get off the field at various times in the game, notably the second quarter and OT. Kicker Blair Walsh was a disaster, missing an extra point and having a field goal attempt block.
Bad play
Xavier Rhodes and Harrison Smith both missing the tackle on Golden Tate, giving up the game-winning touchdown. Missed tackles were a problem in this one, and it cost the Vikings dearly.
Who Needs to Step Up Next Week
Everyone. The Vikings have lost three straight. They’re only holding on to first in the division because the Packers lost this weekend as well.
Fallout
The Vikings are expected to bring in competition for Walsh after another shaky performance. The Vikings should be in desperation mode going into week 10. The offense needs to put something solid together to help take pressure off a defense that has seemingly faltered in parts of the last two weeks.
Justin Ekstrom
What the Vikings did well
It would be easy to say nothing once again this week; yet, their offense had much more urgency and a more torrid pace to it.
Favorite play
The rushing touchdown out of Rhett Ellison was a genius call and should have been the game-winner.
Players of the Game
Jeremiah Sirles
Stefon Diggs
Everson Griffen
What Vikings did poorly
The Vikings defense just does not seem to play the same as they did when they were winning. Only one sack again this week against a banged up and rookie riddled offensive line.
Bad play
Other than the missed kicks, the worst play was the last play of the game. Xavier Rhodes capped off his bad day with poor effort and Harrison Smith looked like a little kid trying to tackle Golden Tate.
Who Needs to Step Up Next Week
The obvious answer here would be Blair Walsh but who knows if he is even on the team next week.
Zimmer and his defense will need to step up in a big way when facing Kirk Cousins and the Redskins’ offense. The poor tackling angles and lackluster effort are rearing their ugly heads at the wrong times.
Fallout
Although the offensive line did much better and Bradford seemingly had time, touchdowns need to be scored. This most certainly had to be one of the few games in history that a team started a drive in the red zone and ended up punting.
Wrap it up
Nobody expected the defense to play the entire season at the level they did in the first five games. Likewise though, nobody expected them to play this poorly against three easily beatable teams after their bye week.
In order for the Vikings to get back to their winning ways, the defense will have to be more consistent and their offense will have to score touchdowns as no one has any faith in Blair Walsh.
Next up: The Viking try to put a halt to the skid by travelling to Washington to face the Redskins this Sunday at noon on FOX.
Justin Ekstrom can be followed on Twitter @thesportscrib21. Be sure to follow and comment about vikings32 on Facebook and Twitter.
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