MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 1: Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota Vikings scores a five yard rushing touchdown in the second quarter of the game against the Detroit Lions on October 1, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
The Good Stuff
Dalvin Cook running the football. Good things happen when the young running back get the ball in his hands. Whether it is making people miss or gaining yards after contact, Cook looks to be a fantastic asset to the Vikings offense.
Minnesota’s pass rush. The Vikings hadn’t been lighting up the sack scoreboard in the first 3 weeks of the season, but they sure got after Matt Stafford in this game, frustrating him and attacking the Lions offensive line every single drive.
Offensive line play. The Lions are no slouches when it comes to getting to quarterbacks or plugging the line of scrimmage. Still, the Vikings did a great job of keeping Keenum upright and making holes in the run game on a regular basis with only a few miscues.
Containing an explosive offense. Holding the Lions to only 1 touchdown should be considered a major accomplishment. The Vikings secondary did a great job of playing the Lions receivers, even though they couldn’t capitalize on a few passes with interceptions.
Keeping it close. Despite turnovers and an injury, Minnesota continued to hang with Detroit until the final moments of the game. It’s amazing considering how good of a team the Lions are that Minnesota kept it as competitive as they did.
