6 biggest takeaways from the Vikings loss to the Rams in Week 16
By Adam Carlson
The Vikings defense gives up yards but can limit points
One glance at the stats would make fans think the Minnesota Vikings defense had a great day. The team intercepted Matthew Stafford three times and had opportunities to get even more picks that didn’t quite work out.
Those three takeaways were huge in keeping the Vikings in this game. Plus, the Rams average 392.8 yards of offense per game, but Minnesota was able to hold them to 356 yards on the day and held Stafford to 197 passing yards when they average 276.1 per game.
In addition, the defense only allowed two touchdowns on the day to the high-powered Rams offense, with one coming on the ground from Sony Michel and the other coming on a pass from Stafford to Odell Beckham Jr.
Minnesota might have been able to keep pace with Los Angeles if they hadn’t given up a special teams touchdown. The Vikings allowed Brandon Powell to return a punt 61 yards and essentially put the game out of reach.