Coming into Week 9, the Minnesota Vikings had a 3-4 record and were struggling to find any kind of identity. They were struggling to move the ball offensively and couldn't seem to find their rhythm on defense.
To make matters worse, their opponents this week were the Detroit Lions. Detroit is a team with an explosive offense and strong defense, and would be a huge test for the purple and gold. However, the Vikings came out on top in a 27-24 battle that came down to the final minutes.
Minnesota is looking like a team that might be figuring things out as they get healthy, particularly on the offensive line. Getting both offensive tackles back for this game was huge since it was J.J. McCarthy's return to Michigan and his return game after an ankle injury that sidelined him for several weeks.
Minnesota Vikings Winners and Losers from Week 9 win over the Detroit Lions?
Vikings Winner No. 1
J.J. McCarthy - QB
The rumblings of the Vikings needing to trade or sign a veteran quarterback to start can quiet down a bit. Statistically, his numbers aren't going to drop any jaws. Going 14 for 25 for 143 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception doesn't sound like a lot, but he added nine runs for 12 yards and another score.
He was efficient and made plays when he needed to. The interception is debatable as well, but it could have easily been called a completion instead. However, this will hopefully get fans and the media a bit more confident that he can be a capable starting quarterback in the NFL.
Vikings Loser No. 1
Tavierre Thomas - DB
When you're a role player and a special teams player, your mistakes can become what you are known for. Tavierre Thomas got called for a minor hold on a punt return by Myles Price that would have gone 99 yards for a score otherwise. Plus, he had another costly special teams penalty that really makes his spot on the team look questionable.
Vikings Winner No. 2
Eric Wilson - LB
Signing Eric Wilson was a great move this offseason for Minnesota. The veteran linebacker played determined defense on Sunday, notching three tackles for a loss (including two sacks) as part of his six total tackles.
He and fellow linebacker Blake Cashman provided a huge spark for the defense against a team that is typically explosive.
Vikings Loser No. 2
Jordan Mason - RB
Aaron Jones had a good day for the Vikings. He had 78 rushing yards on nine attempts and had two catches for 20 yards. On the other hand, Jordan Mason managed to gain 36 yards on 10 carries and caught one pass for one yard. There was a noticeable difference when the two backs were in the game, and that's not a good thing.
Vikings Winner No. 3
Javon Hargrave - DL
Up until this week, Javon Hargrave was entering the conversation as a bust free-agent signing. However, he and his fellow defensive linemen did a fantastic job bottling up Detroit's rushing attack.
Jahmyr Gibbs typically has a lot of success on the ground against Minnesota, but he only got 25 yards on nine carries. Meanwhile, Hargrave ended the game with eight total tackles, including two for a loss, with one of those being a sack.