Minnesota Vikings Best and Worst: Week 7 vs. Detroit Lions

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 20: Kyle Rudolph #82 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates his fourth quarter touchdown with Josh Kline #64 and Pat Elflein #65 while playing the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on October 20, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. Minnesota won the game 42-30. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

4 of 5

Detroit Lions wide receiver /

The worst thing

The way the Minnesota Vikings ended the first half of this game was embarrassing. With a 21-14 lead, the purple and gold played conservative defense and allowed Detroit to get deep into their territory.

Sadly, a duo of stupid penalties kept Detroit alive. The first was a play with Everson Griffin hitting his hand into Matt Stafford’s face resulted in a new set of downs and gave up half the distance to the goal line.

Next, Anthony Barr led with his helmet directly into Stafford on third down after the ball had been thrown. This one was even worse than Griffen’s because the head was lowered and the ball was completely released.

It’s only one touchdown, but controlling the clock, limiting plays, and going into the half with a lead would have been huge for the purple and gold. Sadly, the struggling defense couldn’t keep the Lions out of the end zone because they gave so many opportunities.

Home/Minnesota Vikings News