The Viking Age
FanSided

6 biggest takeaways from the Vikings loss vs. Lions in Week 14

By Adam Carlson

Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson rushes Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins during the second half of the Lions' 34-23 win over the Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022, at Ford Field.Lionsminn 121122 Kd 6586
Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson rushes Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins during the second half of the Lions' 34-23 win over the Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022, at Ford Field.Lionsminn 121122 Kd 6586 /
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Minnesota Vikings
(Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) Dalvin Cook /

The run game was absolutely atrocious

It felt like every series the Minnesota Vikings started against the Detroit Lions was kicked off with a Dalvin Cook run straight ahead for no gain. It was not only predictable but an extremely ineffective strategy.

Minnesota ran the ball 17 times for a total of 22 yards. Not only is that stat line disappointing, but the longest run of the day for the Vikings was five yards. 1.3 yards per carry isn’t going to get a team anywhere.

In their previous meeting against the Lions, the Vikings found success by attacking the edge but instead, Minnesota looked to run behind their backup center and waste a down before ever getting started.

The Vikings picked up two first downs against the Lions. To put that in perspective, Minnesota had three first downs because of penalties, making it their third most effective way to move the chains. Something needs to change.

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