MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 1: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions passes the ball in the first quarter of the game against the Minnesota Vikings on October 1, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /
The Bad Things
Picking up 3rd downs early. There were plenty of times the Vikings should have gotten things rolling early in the game, but couldn’t convert in the passing game. An early lead is how they put pressure on the Buccaneers and needed to repeat that performance.
Covering tight ends. Fells opened up the game with several great catches, taking advantage of mismatches. Still, the Lions do have a dynamic passing attack that means just about anyone can become Stafford’s favorite target at any time. Today was just all about Fells early on.
Burning two timeouts to punt. I get that you can try to make an opponent jump offsides and the safe play is a punt. But when you get the feeling that the first down can be picked up and the Lions are giving a lot of space to make it happen, it can get mighty frustrating, especially when timeouts are on the line.
Eric Kendricks missing tackles. Usually solid as a tackler, Kendricks missed three big tackles in the first half that would have stopped the Lions drives or at least slowed them down in a huge way. VERY uncharacteristic of him.
Wildcat tricks. By now, readers here know just how much I despise trick plays. With the Vikings running the ball well, there is no reason to mess with formations or take any unnecessary risks. Boneheaded play call and even worse execution.
