This game could have clinched a playoff spot and the division for the Vikings. The defense did what the defense has done for us lately, gave up A LOT of yards, and this time the points went with it. We were missing LT Darrisaw, C Bradbury, and S Smith which hurt more than it helped. Let’s take a look at how I think the game went on offense and defense.
The offense, started slow, and then the second half started. Yes, they scored in the first half but mistakes were made on play calls that ended up costing us points at the end of the first half. Dalvin was going for a jump pass and didn’t get it out and fumbled at the three. I don’t know why they would go for a play like that when you have Cook, Jefferson, Hockenson, and Thielen. The Vikings couldn’t get the running game going at all. They were only able to run for 22 yards, which allowed Detroit to pin their ears back and rush the QB. The line ended up giving up 4 sacks. Kirk passed for over 400 yards and 2 TDs. The Vikings went for 2, at a time I didn’t think was necessary and missed. Jefferson had 11 catches for a new Vikings-record 223 yards. The offense did everything they could to win the Vikings this game. The defense on the other hand:
The defense let up over 400 yards for the 5th game in a row. The big problem with this team is the defense, unless they get a turnover they don’t do much. The defense didn’t get 1 sack the entire game. The defense ended up giving up 464 total yards. I know people don’t like to blame coaches but I do believe the defensive woes fall on Ed Donatell. I just don’t think he is a good DC anymore. I know missing Harrison Smith didn’t help much but that’s 5 games in a row the defense has let up over 400 yards. If they aren’t going to blitz then the line has to get pressure on the QB. I do think the 3-4 works with this team, I just don’t think Ed Donatell is the right person for the job.
Next week the Vikings try to clinch the division again this time against the Colts (4-8-1).
Phil Kujawa
Records that happened for the Vikings in this game:
RB Dalvin Cook(5,758) passed RB Bill Brown (5,757) for the fourth-most rushing yards in franchise history.
WR Justin Jefferson has recorded at least six receptions in the first half of a game five times this season, marking the most in the NFL.
WR Justin Jefferson has now recorded 22 games with 100-plus receiving yards, tying WR Anthony Carter for the most 100-yard receiving games in franchise history, trailing only Cris Carter (40) and Randy Moss (41).
WR Adam Thielen has now recorded 55 career touchdowns, passing WR Anthony Carter (54) for the sixth-most TDs in franchise history.
Since 2015, QB Kirk Cousins has recorded 41 games with 300-plus passing yards, the third-most in the NFL during that span, trailing only Tom Brady (47) and Matt Ryan (46).
WR Justin Jefferson has recorded at least 170 receiving yards in five career games, marking the most by a wide receiver in franchise history and tied for the 14th-most in NFL history
WR Justin Jefferson’s 223 receiving yards set the new team record for most receiving yards in a single game, passing the previous record set by WR Sammy White (210, 11/7/76 vs. DET).
Per @ESPNStatsInfo, it has been 4 years since an NFL QB lost when passing for 400 yards, completing 75% and throwing no INTs.