4 reasons why the Vikings will beat the Lions in Week 14
By Adam Carlson
Detroit is not a big play team
This season, the recipe for beating the Minnesota Vikings has included making big plays on offense and taking advantage of a conservative system that has struggled to contain their “shell” and “umbrella” coverages.
On the season, Detroit has six plays of 40+ yards and 43 plays of 20 or more yards. Those big plays have led to points more often than not against Minnesota and if the Lions can’t test the secondary, they will need to rely on breaking tackles to get extra yardage.
For opponents of the Vikings, putting together long, sustained drives is challenging. Minnesota is good at containing the first and second levels but has been known to make some mistakes in the secondary.
The Vikings’ defense can be frustrating to watch, especially when they give up the occasional big plays that lead to the opposing team taking the lead or making it a one-possession game to raise the blood pressure of anyone who supports the purple and gold.