Vikings Close Down Metrodome With 14-13 Win Over Lions

Dec 29, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) runs with the ball to score a touchdown during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

The Vikings’ final game at the Metrodome will go down in the books as a victory. The Vikes edged out the Lions 14-13 in the 2013 season finale, mostly thanks to rookie sensation Cordarrelle Patterson (with a little assistance from the lackluster Lions).

Patterson got the scoring started in the first half on a brilliant reverse-field 50-yard TD. The Vikings had a chance to pad their lead later in the first half but Matt Cassel threw an end zone interception and the game went into halftime 7-0 Minnesota.

You had to wonder what kind of effort the Lions would give coming out in the second half. Turns out, the Lions had enough pride to at least put up a battle. They drew even on a Reggie Bush TD reception, then took a lead in the fourth quarter on a pair of David Akers field goals.

But the Vikings weren’t going to let the Lions close down the Metrodome by stealing the victory. Once more it was Cordarrelle Patterson to the rescue. Matt Cassel hit Patterson for an 8-yard TD to give the Vikings a 14-13 lead.

Now it was up to the defense. Coming in, the Vikings knew they needed to surrender fewer than 17 points to avoid giving up the most points in a single season in team history. Whether it was defensive pride or just Lions ineptitude that ultimately made the difference, no one can say. Either way, the Vikes were able to stand tall late on the defensive side.

Final score, Minnesota 14, Detroit 13. Vikings avoid the worst defensive performance in team history by four points.

The Vikings finish the season 5-10-1. They will pick 8th overall in the 2014 draft. The Lions fall to 7-9.

Now the Leslie Frazier watch begins. Jay Glazer of Fox reports that Vikings ownership will meet with Frazier on Monday and that the coach is expected to be fired.

The regular season is over, the Metrodome is history. Now let the offseason madness begin.

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