The Minnesota Vikings went into Detroit and brought home a win against the Lions. They beat the Lions in every phase of the game. The defensive front finally looked like what we were promised. The team was the healthiest it has been since Week 1—and it showed.
The offense wasn’t perfect, but it was efficient enough. J.J. McCarthy made some good throws and missed a few as well. Special Teams had a return without a penalty and a touchdown that was called back. It wasn’t perfect, but it didn’t have to be. The Vikings had the Lions off balance all day. It was a sloppy performance from Detroit.
The Vikings are now 2–0 in the NFC North, with both wins coming on the road.
Javon Hargrave
Hargrave had a sack and another tackle for loss against the Lions. He was a major factor in the Vikings’ strong run defense all day. He finally played like the player the team expected when they signed him.
Aaron Jones
Jones unfortunately left the game early due to injury. The offense was rolling with him on the field. He finished with 9 carries for 78 yards and 2 catches for 20 yards. Hopefully, the injury doesn’t keep him out long. At 30, he’s at the age where the hits start to add up for most running backs.
Eric Wilson
Speaking of players in their 30s, Wilson had a fantastic day. He recorded 2 sacks and added another tackle for loss that forced a three-and-out. Wilson and Cashman together form a duo this team can be excited about.
J.J. McCarthy
McCarthy wasn’t perfect, but he did what the team needed. It was an up-and-down day for the second-year QB, but he avoided the big mistake. He played within his ability and got the team to the finish line. I’m looking forward to seeing what McCarthy can become—he’s figuring out how to win his way.
Blake Cashman
Cashman elevates this defense to another level. He and Wilson were everywhere on Sunday. Gibbs and Montgomery had nowhere to run, which disrupted Detroit’s game plan. The defense struggled mightily without Cashman, so it was great to see him back in action.
Andrew Van Ginkel
Van Ginkel’s return was highly anticipated, and it’s easy to see why. He was a Defensive Player of the Year candidate at this point last season. He made a key stop during Detroit’s two-minute drill at the end of the first half. While it wasn’t a game full of splash plays, he was instrumental in containing a potent run offense.
Myles Price
Price set the tone early with a 61-yard return to the Detroit 35 on the opening possession. He also had a 99-yard touchdown called back due to a penalty. Price has had several big returns negated by flags this season. When the Lions opened with a touchdown and the crowd was roaring, it looked like it might be a long day for the Vikings. But Price shifted the momentum—and it was mostly sunshine from there.
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