10 quick thoughts on the Vikings win over the Lions in Week 5

Despite being a heavy favorite this week, the Minnesota Vikings needed a game-winning field goal to escape with a victory over the Detroit Lions on Sunday.

A disaster almost took place on Sunday inside U.S. Bank Stadium as the Minnesota Vikings edged the Detroit Lions by a final score of 19-17. The Vikings had a commanding lead during most of the game, but they played way too conservative throughout the day, and it almost led to an embarrassing loss to a winless Lions team.

Luckily, Minnesota got the victory and their record improved to 2-3 this season. However, they’re not going to win many more games this year if they perform like they did against Detroit.

Quick thoughts on the Vikings win over the Lions in Week 5

Joseph redeems himself – Back in Week 2, Vikings kicker Greg Joseph had the opportunity to give his team a victory over the Arizona Cardinals if he made a field goal from 37 yards away. Unfortunately, Joseph missed the kick, and his name was just added to the long list of disappointing moments by a Minnesota kicker.

But on Sunday against the Lions, Joseph came up huge for the Vikings. Not only did he knock down four of his five field-goal attempts during the matchup, but he kicked a 54-yard field goal as time expired to give Minnesota their second win of the year.

In a few months, we might look back on this game and remember it as the time when Joseph saved the season for the Vikings.

Mattison does well again as Cook’s replacement – For the second time in three weeks, the Vikings took the field without running back Dalvin Cook. And for the second time in the last three weeks, Minnesota won a game without Cook in the lineup.

Thanks to the play of Alexander Mattison, who came up huge against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 3, the Vikings were able to get another win on Sunday without having their top running back on the field.

Yes, Mattison had a game-changing fumble late in the fourth quarter. But, luckily, Minnesota was able to recover from that devastating turnover.

Mattison finished with 32 touches for 153 yards and one touchdown. Even when Cook is ready to play again, Minnesota should seriously consider giving their No. 2 running back more opportunities to make plays for their offense. He’s earned it.

Peterson does what he’s supposed to do – This past offseason, Patrick Peterson was one of the surprising additions to the Vikings’ roster. It’s not that Minnesota didn’t want to sign him. Most, including the team, just didn’t think they had a shot at landing the All-Pro cornerback.

Peterson has had a few forgettable moments this season, but overall, he’s arguably been the best player on the Vikings’ defense. On Sunday against the Lions, he had another solid performance with three tackles and two pass breakups.

There is no reason for Hill to start anymore – For some reason, Minnesota decided to split up the starting left tackle snaps between Rashod Hill and Christian Darrisaw on Sunday instead of just rolling with one guy for the entire game.

In his offensive debut, Darrisaw looked solid. Of course, anyone is going to look like a Hall of Famer when they’re being compared to Hill. The Vikings began the second half with Hill in at left tackle and he immediately gave up a sack after being run over by a Detroit defender.

Against the Carolina Panthers next, Darrisaw should be Minnesota’s starting left tackle and Hill should be shifted back to his role as a backup.