Vikes Views: Nincompoop of the Week Lions at Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings are certainly disappointed in the loss to the Detroit Lions. There is plenty of blame to go around. As always, it doesn’t sit on one person, but here’s who I suggest has the biggest piece of the pie.

Kevin O’Connell – Why is KOC a Nincompoop? KOC is too predictable. The most obvious play calls coming at the most obvious times. The 3rd down play on the last true offensive drive was terrible. I believe Addison was in the wrong spot, but still, the play stunk. A play action to a TE, a screen play, short crossing routes to Jefferson, etc. So many options for the Vikings to get it in the hands of the playmakers and they don’t. Also, the team has a habit of building leads and they trying to hang on. The opposing coaches are able to adjust faster than him. The team isn’t scoring TDs anymore either. 5 scores from the offense on Sunday (2 TDs and 3 FGs). The Lions had 4 TDs and the FG to win. Even with a defensive score, the team can’t overcome that difference. Also, that 2 pt conversion call was terrible. Wasted an opportunity to extend the lead and it cost them.

Cam Bynum – Why is Bynum a Nincompoop? His tackling is atrocious. Jahmyr Gibbs did a simple cut back and it made Bynum look like he was playing on ice. He’s the last line of defense and that is terrifying. He’s the worst spot on the defense. Theo Jackson might need to warm up a little.

Sam Darnold – Why is Darnold a Nincompoop? Too many bad decisions. Aaron Jones was wide open on the interception he targeted Addison on. Also, when the team needs that 1st down to end the game, they never seem to get it. He depends on the defense to win the game every week. He missed the throw to Jefferson on 3rd down to extend the last drive, with a likely poor route run from Addison. He’s not completely to blame, but his play has been mediocre the last several weeks. He’s not getting the best interior OL help, but the skill position and OTs are up there with the best in the league. The team needs better from Darnold if they are legitimate contenders. The effort on the 2 pt conversion was a throw with 0 chance of completion. Just a wasted opportunity to score.

Jordan Addison – Why is Addison a Nincompoop? It wasn’t Addison’s best game. He can be a game changer and he can also disappear for quarters at a time. Addison appeared to run the wrong route on the interception. He didn’t seem like he was in the game on Sunday. I don’t know if he was frustrated getting shutdown or if he was just off. Hoping Addison can bounce back Thursday against the LA Rams.

Ed Ingram – Why is Ingram a Nincompoop? He’s the worst RG in the league. I challenge anyone to watch his tape and tell me different. He stinks. He is going to the bench when Risner comes back. I am hoping that day is Thursday. It can’t come soon enough.

Honorable Mention:

Brian Flores, when your defense gives up 4 straight TDs, you deserve some criticism. He’s drastically improved this defense, so I will give him a pass for one week.

Officiating once again was inconsistent. Darnold got smacked in the head after a slide and no flag. Last week Jordan Love got brushed against his helmet after a slide and flags all around. It’s an issue every week. Inconsistent. The Vikings were on the bad side this week and have benefitted other weeks.

2024 Nincompoops:

Week 1: Joe Schoen (Giants GM)

Week 2: NFL Experts

Week 3: Laremy Tunsil

Week 4: Jalen Nailor

Week 5: Aaron Rodgers

Week 6: Bye