Pride of Detroit
Sunday afternoon’s battle doesn’t carry quite the same gravity as last year’s Week 18 clash for the NFC’s top seed. Still, coming off the bye — with the Minnesota Vikings returning to their planned starting quarterback of the future, J.J. McCarthy, and getting healthier across the board — this becomes a pivotal home game for the Lions as they enter a stretch of seven straight NFC matchups.
While Minnesota has dropped three of its last four (and two straight), Kevin O’Connell’s team has had extra time to prepare following their Week 8 Thursday night game and could finally be close to full strength. Both offensive tackles — Christian Darrisaw (who left Weeks 5 and 8 early) and Brian O’Neill (who missed both those contests) — are expected back, along with standout edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel (out since Week 3). Linebacker Blake Cashman and safety Harrison Smith also returned in Week 7, bolstering the defensive core.
With Brian Flores’ defense nearing full health, this shapes up to be a formidable test for Jared Goff and a Lions offense that has historically had Flores’ number. Detroit has scored 30-plus points in five straight wins over Flores-led defenses dating back to 2022.
This preview examines four key statistics that could determine whether the Lions can keep that streak alive against a potentially rejuvenated Vikings squad.
Note: Unless otherwise indicated, all statistics are sourced from NFL Pro, TruMedia, FTN Fantasy, or Pro Football Reference and exclude garbage time.
Brian Flores’ trademark defensive aggression continues to define the Vikings’ identity. Since taking over in 2023, his units have ranked among the NFL’s most blitz-reliant each season — leading the league at 51.9% in 2023, finishing 2nd at 43.8% in 2024, and currently pacing the NFL again at 46.9% through seven games.
Beyond their outside linebackers — Van Ginkel, Dallas Turner, and Jonathan Greenard, who are primarily pass rushers but also drop into coverage — the Vikings get creative pressure from a rotating cast of blitzers. Linebackers Eric Wilson (47 pass rush snaps), Ivan Pace Jr. (36), and Blake Cashman (20) all contribute, as does hybrid safety Josh Metellus (12). Pace Jr. has been especially disruptive, ranking 6th among off-ball linebackers with a 31.3% pressure rate, while Metellus’ 25.0% rate ranks 15th among safeties.
When blitzing, Minnesota’s results have been a mixed bag:
The Vikings still generate pressure, but their blitzes haven’t created quite the same level of chaos as they did in previous seasons. Not all teams had even been susceptible to their blitz, however.
Few teams have been more immune to Flores’ blitz-heavy style than the Lions. Over their last four meetings across the past two seasons, Detroit has shredded Minnesota’s pressure looks:
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