Sep 20, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) drops back for a pass in the first half against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
The Bad
- Giving up 3rd and long. Detroit’s first drive got bailed out by a Golden Tate catch on 3rd and 10. After that, the Lions converted nearly half their third down tries and kept the chains moving. 3rd down has always been a problem for the Vikings, but they need to tighten things up.
- Pass rush. While I think that Everson Griffen and Brian Robison are a solid pair of defensive ends, they got pushed around by these Detroit Lions offensive tackles. Griffen was almost invisible until his sack on Stafford. Minnesota did get some good hits on Matthew Stafford, but only ended up recording one sack on the day.
- Fumblitis. Adrian Peterson is a monster, but he needs to hold on to the football. Peterson lost the ball three times in this game. One of those occasions was on the goal line and could have cost the team points, but was bailed out by a Detroit penalty. He recovered one of his own fumbles as well.
- We need competition for Blair Walsh. I know he just got a big deal, but he needs to know that the team is losing patience with him. Missing extra points is more common now that they have been moved to a longer distance, but for a kicker that is paid what he is, the team shouldn’t have to worry about him missing those.
- DraftKings is being shoved down our throats. Are you guys as sick of DraftKings as I am? I know they’re a partner of the Minnesota Vikings, but I just don’t want anything to do with them anymore. I play FanDuel, and I’m almost ready to quit playing that too just because of these ads!
Next: The Confusing