The Viking Age
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Schmidt’s Week 4 game grades: Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions

By Jordan Schmidt

(Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) Linval Joseph
(Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) Linval Joseph /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – NOVEMBER 6: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions is hit by Danielle Hunter #99 of the Minnesota Vikings while throwing during the first half of the game on November 6, 2016 at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – NOVEMBER 6: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions is hit by Danielle Hunter #99 of the Minnesota Vikings while throwing during the first half of the game on November 6, 2016 at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /

Vikings defensive grade: B+

The Vikings defense was the real bright spot for the Vikings on Sunday. The defense kept the Vikings in the game and did all they could to give the Vikings a chance to win.

The number one thing that stood out was the front seven for the Vikings. They got a push and pressure on the Lions’ quarterback throughout the game. The Vikings were able to record six sacks which are a season-high for this unit.

Linval Joseph, Eric Kendricks, Everson Griffen, Danielle Hunter all recorded sacks for the Vikings. Joseph and Hunter picked up their first sacks of the year. Also, Kendricks and Hunter both recorded two sacks against the Lions.

Hunter has been quiet so far through the first three games but really came alive against the Lions. Hopefully, the two-sack performance will get him going and give the Vikings defense another weapon.

The secondary did their job as they held all every Lions’ receiver under 50 yards receiving. They didn’t give up the big play. Andrew Sendejo led the secondary and the Vikings defense with 11 tackles.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 1: Anthony Barr #55, Andrew Sendejo #34, and Eric Kendricks #54 of the Minnesota Vikings join their teammates in linking arms before the game against the Detroit Lions on October 1, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 1: Anthony Barr #55, Andrew Sendejo #34, and Eric Kendricks #54 of the Minnesota Vikings join their teammates in linking arms before the game against the Detroit Lions on October 1, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) /

The one negative from the Vikings defense was their three misses to pick off the Lions’ quarterback. Anthony Barr, Trae Waynes, and Mackensie Alexander dropped interceptions. Barr had a tough one but he made a diving attempt but went through his hands.

For Waynes’ interception opportunity, he dropped an interception after getting in front of the wide receiver in the end zone. Alexander had an interception hit him in the hands but he bobbled it before securing it out-of-bounds.

Overall, the Vikings defense proved they are elite and keep the Vikings’ in games. A couple of missed opportunities to get turnovers hurt them. But when your offense only scores 7 points, it is hard on a defense.

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