The Vikings put up zero points in the first half against the Lions’ D. It just so happens that the Lions may have the best defense in the NFL as of today. And they sure played like it.
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The Lions picked off Teddy Bridgewater twice, though the second pick was entirely the fault of Matt Asiata who let it bounce off his hands. The first pick was on Bridgewater for locking onto Cordarrelle Patterson in the end zone and failing to see the safety coming across.
Bridgewater did not have a good first half. He was under pressure a lot thanks to poor play from offensive tackles Matt Kalil and Phil Loadholt. And when he did have a little time, he couldn’t find any open receivers.
It was a very rookie-looking first half for Bridgewater, who is learning a lot today about frustration.
The only bright spot for the Vikes offensively was the play of Jerick McKinnon who was able to find a few open spaces and gain some yards. Overall though, the Vikings had a very hard time blocking the Lions’ front four, especially Ziggy Ansah who looks like a beast, and getting their receivers open against the Lions’ good corners.
Defensively, the Vikes looked brutal on the opening drive, but after that they locked it down. First half gold stars to Gerald Hodges, who recovered from a couple bad early plays to make some good players later, and Anthony Barr who was been very strong.
Don’t overlook corners Xavier Rhodes and Josh Robinson who also have been good, though it certainly helps the secondary to not have Calvin Johnson out there.
Tom Johnson and Brian Robison also did some good things up front. Matthew Stafford looks a little lost without Megatron and Reggie Bush.
We’ll see if the Vikings can get their offense going in the second half. It’s going to be tough against one of the most rugged, hard hitting defenses in the league.