Vikings-Lions

Well, that was a different sort of win for the Minnesota Vikings. The offense carried the day against the Lions in Detroit, 42-30. When things have gone well during the five years and seven games that Mike Zimmer has coached the Vikings, the defense has kept games winnable and the offense has done just enough to win them. Yesterday wasn't that sort of game. It was the offense that won this game.

Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (30/45, 364 yards, 4 touchdowns) often seemed to have his way against the Vikings' defensive backs. Marvin Jones (10 catches, 93 yards, 4 TDs!) had his best pass-catching day since his Cal days. That's really not accurate but I was fond of him doing this sort of stuff in Berkeley. I haven't been fond of him doing it for the Lions. Due to those receiver-covering struggles through most of the game it was great to see cornerback Trae Waynes seal the game with an interception.

Enough of the Lions. This is about the Vikings securing their fifth win of the season.

"You like that!"

Kirk Cousins has played the last three weeks like the quarterback that the Vikings paid heavily to be in a difference-maker. In his press conference, Zimmer said that Cousins is presently playing his best football. That's clear. Cousins is throwing with confidence. A lot of confidence. As a result, the offense looks confident. Every third-and-8 feels like short yardage. The Lions were moving the ball and scoring in the first half and the Vikings just stepped on the field and went about their business. They kept answering the Lions' scores. In the second half, the Vikings offense opened up a lead and they kept that lead. The missed touchdown pass to Stefon Diggs early in the fourth quarter and the missed field goal that followed didn't feel like a big deal. It was disappointing but it wasn't deflating. In the past that sort of missed opportunity would often torpedo the Vikings. That was due to the simple fact that scoring opportunities were often hard to come by. This current Vikings offense creates scoring opportunities. They haven't been hard to come by the past three weeks. This can't just be a nice offensive stretch. It has to be the norm. It has to come against the top teams. And it has to come against the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears when those teams come to Minnesota in Weeks 16 and 17.

Cousins matched Stafford with four touchdown tosses. The best thing about those four touchdown tosses was that they went to four different receivers.

1. Adam Thielen, 25 yards
2. Olabisi Johnson, 1 yard
3. C.J. Ham, 5 yards
4. Kyle Rudolph, 15 yards

It was an equal opportunity passing game. Four players had at least 40 yards.

1. Stefon Diggs-7 catches, 142 yards
2. Irv Smith Jr.-5 catches, 60 yards
3. Kyle Rudolph-5 catches, 58 yards
4. Olabisi Johnson-4 catches, 40 yards

The Vikings have some tight ends! Word around the media honks was that the team only had extra offensive linemen. The offense needed some pass catchers to step up as Adam Thielen was injured in the first quarter on his 25-yard touchdown catch. The injury is reportedly a hamstring injury. Players stepped up against the Lions but the Vikings need Thielen on the field. Unfortunately, it's a very short week. They host the Washington Redskins on Thursday night. Hopefully, Thielen is ready.

Bold play:
After slicing the Vikings lead to 35-30 with just over three minutes to play, the Lions defense was gearing up for three quick run stops, some efficient time outs, and getting the ball back to their hot offense. After a five-yard run by Dalvin Cook, the Vikings had a 2nd-and-five. Instead of another Cook run, the Vikings decided to wrap up the game on their terms. Cousins threw deep to Diggs for 66 yards. Two plays later, Cook was in the end zone and the Vikings had a 42-30 lead. It was the sort of bold play made by teams with a confident offense. And a very confident quarterback. The game-sealing Trae Waynes interception a few aggravating plays later sealed the 42-30 win.

Game Balls
The whole offense deserves game balls. Cousins was crisp, accurate, and excellent. The offensive line was strong-no sacks and opened holes. Cook was terrific. Diggs and the pass catchers stepped up. I'll separate the following for special mention:

The offensive line. This was the best I can recall seeing a Vikings offensive line play in a very long time. Game balls to Riley Reiff, Pat Elflein, Garrett Bradbury, Josh Kline, and Brian O'Neill. Reiff even showed a nasty side during the game-ending kneel downs.

Kirk Cousins: 24/34, 337 yards, 9.9 avg/att, 141.4 rating

Dalvin Cook: 25 carries, 142 yards, 2 TDs

The defense wasn't great but one player continued his strong season-long play.

Eric Kendricks: 12 tackles, 1 TFL, 2 pass defense.

If Kendricks continues playing like he's been playing through seven games he deserves a Pro Bowl. He's been one of the best linebackers in the league.

Three straight wins has turned those dismal thoughts after the Bears game into a sad, distant memory. The Vikings are gaining momentum and confidence. They have to continue stacking up wins. They have a short week this week with the Redskins coming to Minnesota on Thursday. Hopefully, Thielen is back. If not, he has some extra time before Week 9. The offense is evolving into one of the most versatile in the league. The defense has to rebound from this performance against the Lions. I expect that they will.