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

Even more quick thoughts from Minnesota’s win over Detroit

Griffen makes plays, but he has to smarter – Minnesota has to be pleased with the production from Everson Griffen so far this season as he added four tackles and two sacks to his 2021 totals on Sunday against the Lions.

However, Griffen was also flagged for two preventable penalties that would have been costly against a more competent opponent. His return this year has been great for the Vikings’ pass rush, he’s just got to tidy up a few things moving forward.

What happened to Jefferson in the second half? – During the first two quarters of Sunday’s matchup, Justin Jefferson was unstoppable. He finished with five catches and 104 receiving yards in the first half and most expected him to continue dominating in the second half.

But that didn’t happen. Instead, the Lions held Jefferson to just two receptions for 20 yards in the final two quarters. Was this due to more to Detroit making adjustments or Minnesota not targeting Jefferson enough in the second half?

Zimmer is lucky – Mike Zimmer should buy Greg Joseph dinner or give him bag of his finest chewing tobacco after the kicker likely just prevented the Vikings head coach from losing his job in the middle of the season.

Had Minnesota lost to the winless Lions on Sunday, Zimmer’s seat would’ve been engulfed in flames, and next week’s matchup against the Panthers could’ve potentially been his final game as the Vikings head coach.

Thanks to Joseph, however, Minnesota’s playoff hopes for 2021 are still alive and Zimmer will likely remain on the team’s sidelines for the rest of the season.