5 biggest takeaways from the Vikings win vs. Patriots in Week 12

Nov 24, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8), wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18), and wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) celebrate the win against the New England Patriots after the game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 24, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8), wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18), and wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) celebrate the win against the New England Patriots after the game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Minnesota Vikings
(Photo by Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports) Harrison Smith /

This defense needs work

This has become a running part of the takeaways, but the defense really had some major problems against a Patriots passing attack that really doesn’t boast any terrifying pieces to deal with.

Mac Jones connected on 28 of his 39 pass attempts, but that doesn’t really tell the story. He had four passes of 37 or more yards or more with two of those going for scores, something that shouldn’t happen in this defense.

Minnesota plays what many like to call shell or umbrella coverage to prevent big plays but that scheme or the players were definitely falling short of executing this scheme the way the defensive coordinator intended it to.

It is hard to win in today’s NFL when You give up 409 yards and 26 points. Thankfully, Minnesota was able to match New England’s firepower this week. However, they won’t be able to do that against some other opponents, meaning something has to change.