Nov 6, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Golden Tate (15) is tackled by Minnesota Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr (55) during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
Nov 6, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings kicker Blair Walsh (3) kicks a field goal during the second quarter against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
The Bad Things
No offensive line push. The Vikings aren’t going to be able to run the ball until they can create holes. It looks like center Joe Berger can get some movement, but otherwise, the line collapses and the gap is gone. You can’t run in situations like that.
Run defense when showing blitz. It’s hard to pick at the Vikings defense, but they’ve given up big plays in back-to-back games when crowding the line. I’m all for confusing the opposing offense, but making sure the team doesn’t get burnt up the gut needs to be in the back of their minds as well.
Penalties. When you get the ball with only 19 yards to go until the end zone, it isn’t good when you end up punting. False start, block in the back, and other penalties were drive killers this game, and defensive penalties like hands to the face hurt in a big way too.
Depleted by injuries. As if the current crop of injuries and players lost for the season weren’t bad enough, losing THREE defensive backs during this game was a real kick in the naughty bits. The Vikings depth was tested in a big way during the game, but it is never quite the same as when the starters are available.
The kicking game. It’s been a while since I’ve dogged on Blair Walsh, but his consistency in recent history has been rough. The hope is that it is just a slump, but he’s missed too many extra points and field goals (and had one blocked this game) to not worry about it.
