Daily Norseman
The Minnesota Vikings defeated the Detroit Lions 27 to 24. The Lions seemed to be unable to adjust to the Vikings potent run defense. Flores’ defense and KOC’s scheme had them on the ropes early. The team was able to hang on at the end with some help of a blocked field goal and a few clutch plays. We’ve already had our Vikings of the Week, let’s take a look at who messed up with our Nincompoop of the Week.
(This isn’t that serious — it’s called nincompoop. Only a nincompoop would be offended.)
John Morton (Lions OC)
Morton didn’t have a response to the Vikings’ stifling run defense. The Lions on paper didn’t have that bad of a day, but 4 three and outs and several other short drives are what killed the Lions on Sunday. They were unable to sustain drives. It was big plays or punts. The Lions’ two longest drives ended up in FG attempts (one was blocked).
Matt Daniels (Vikings Special Teams Coordinator)
It’s hard to kill Daniels too much considering his unit provided a huge play in the blocked punt and a huge return to start the offense off right. However, the penalties are killing this team. They had a hold on a fair catch, a gunner running out of bounds and a hold on a kickoff return TD. Price has had returns of 99, 54, 42, and 37 called back because of penalties. Daniels needs to get his unit under control.
Dan Campbell
Campbell and KOC both made clock management look like it’s rocket science. At the end of the first half, the Lions called a timeout before a 3rd and 11 from their own 38. I thought for sure it was KOC calling the timeout trying to save time for the offense. They ended up punting, but Price fielded the ball at his own 4 and the poor field position led the Vikings to kneel down. The Lions also were sloppy all day. 10 accepted penalties, with many of them mental mistakes by the Lions. His “tough” mantra also slips through to players and you end up with plays like Aiden Hutchinson kicking J.J. McCarthy’s knee as Darrisaw blocks him. Campbell’s schtick may wear thin, much like Mike Zimmers did in Minnesota.
Josh Metellus
Metellus hasn’t had the best few weeks in coverage. He’s often charged with being the safety/linebacker hybrid, but his coverage skills are lacking. He gets beat regularly by Tight Ends. La Porta had a nice day enjoying the wide open middle of the field when Metellus was in on coverage.
Honorable mention to Greenard’s tackling. He went on social media and responded to a few criticisms. His pass rush is on point, just needs to finish!
