Vikes Views: Nincompoop of the Week – Vikings at Lions

The Minnesota Vikings got destroyed by the Detroit Lions 31 – 9 on Sunday Night Football.

Sam Darnold

Darnold had 8 over throws in the 1st half. This game was shaping up to be the typical Vikings game this year. The Vikings dominated the first half (after the Lions TD). They should’ve easily scored 2 or 3 TDs and been up by double digits. Darnold was terrible. The worst we’ve seen him all year. The last time in his career he was that inaccurate, was against the Patriots in 2019 and he was “seeing ghosts”. This game probably cost Darnold more than anyone else. However, he has a chance to redeem himself in the playoffs.

Kevin O’Connell

I’ll be honest, I don’t think he was the worst. I don’t think he was “outcoached” by the Lions D Coordinator. Jefferson was wide open several times and the Vikings just didn’t execute. However, when the team overall isn’t executing, the Head Coach will always get some blame. Maybe they got a little too fat and happy after the Packers win. Like Darnold, we’ll see how they respond.

Will Reichard

The missed field goal happens. That end of the first half kick out of bounds is a mistake that is inexcusable. The field is 160 feet wide. I know he’s trying to angle it so they can’t get a return, but that just can’t happen. It almost happened on the previous kickoff. Rookie mistake, from the rookie.

Andrew Van Ginkel

Some may be surprised to see one of the top defenders on this list, but he deserves it. That coverage on the Gibbs receiving touchdown was Pee Wee Football level. I don’t know if he didn’t expect Gibbs to run a route and stay in and block or if he just had a momentary lapse of judgement, but that was bad. He also had a chance at a pick-6 that would’ve changed the game. Van Ginkel just wasn’t able to make the plays needed to win.

Offensive Line

To steal a Dad joke, their play was offensive. Darnold was under siege all game. This wasn’t some amazing D-Line that just out-manned the Vikings. This was a group of backups, cast offs and Za’Darius Smith. Za’Darius Smith smacked you. The biggest game in the regular season basically ever and Za’Darius Smith clowned you on national TV. Not good enough. Need better or the Rams will be celebrating Monday night.

Honorable Mention

Anyone who just gave up last night. The night is darkest before dawn. This team didn’t have 14 fluke wins. Sam Darnold is 18-6 in his last 24 starts. If that game hurt you, you might not want to take the tags off the Vikings gear you just bought.