Minnesota Vikings Best and Worst: Week 9 vs. Detroit Lions

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Nov 8, 2020; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Detroit Lions defensive back Mike Ford (38) tackles Minnesota Vikings wide receiver K.J. Osborn (17) in the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver K.J. Osborn – Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

The Worst

It’s a good thing the Minnesota Vikings won the battles on offense and defense because they absolutely stunk on special teams. For a roster with so much talent to do so much so poorly against Detroit is hard to believe, but it did happen.

The lowlights of the game came when the Lions were able to block two of Minnesota’s punts and change the field position in a big way. This could have been disastrous for the Vikings, but thankfully the defense was extra stingy on Sunday.

Plus, special teams blocking and decision-making from kick returner K.J. Osborn made for some rough plays. Since Osborn is considered to be a return specialist, expectations were a bit higher for some sparks to give the offense more advantages.

Punt returns were even worse. Only one punt was fielded by Minnesota and it was Osborn who went backward two yards, effectively hurting the team by not waving for a fair catch. The only bright spot was a nice Chad Beebe return for 19 yards on a short kickoff.

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