10 quick thoughts on the Vikings win over the Lions in Week 3
By Adam Patrick
More quick thoughts from Minnesota’s win over Detroit
Defense still has plenty to fix:
In Week 2, Minnesota’s defense was torn apart by the Eagles. The Vikings had zero answers for Philadelphia last week, and on Sunday, they also struggled to contain the Lions’ offense.
Minnesota’s defense did struggle mightily at first against Detroit, but to their credit, the Vikings were able to make some much-need adjustments to slow down the Lions’ attack in the second half.
It wasn’t pretty, but Minnesota’s defense did come up with key stops when the team needed them to. So they have that to hang their hat on as they head back to the drawing board this week.
Joseph is human: After a stellar performance in training camp and during Minnesota’s first two games of the season, Vikings kicker Greg Joseph missed his first two kicks of the 2022 campaign on Sunday.
Joseph lined up to attempt a 56-yard field goal in the first quarter, but the kick sailed wide right. Then in the third quarter, he attempted another 56-yard field goal, and that kick also missed to the right.
Cousins struggling with accuracy: After completing more than 70 percent of his passes in Week 1 against the Packers, Kirk Cousins struggled in Week 2 against the Eagles as he only completed 58.7 percent of his throws.
For whatever reason, Cousins’ accuracy problems continued on Sunday as he was only able to complete 58.5 percent of his passes against the Lions. Accuracy has been one of Cousins’ strengths, so it’s been pretty strange that it’s been something that he’s been struggling with so far this season.
Oruwariye couldn’t keep his hands off Vikings players:
Against Minnesota on Sunday, Detroit was called for a total of seven penalties. Lions cornerback Amani Oruwariye was the biggest culprit on the Lions as he was flagged six times against the Vikings, and four of these penalties were accepted.
Oruwariye played great in 2021, snagging six interceptions, but on Sunday, he couldn’t figure out how to stop Minnesota’s receivers without grabbing them.