The Minnesota Vikings would lose their first game of their 2024 campaign, losing at home to division rival Detroit, after Detroit kicked a field goal to capture the victory, and the lead of the NFC North 31-29.
The Vikings would get off to a good start leading 10-0 after the first quarter, while keeping quarterback Jared Goff in check, but the Detroit offensive motor would rev up scoring 21 unanswered points in the second quarter to lead 21-10 at half. Both teams traded touchdowns in the 3rd quarter, and in the fourth the intensity would raise.
In the fourth quarter, down a touchdown, Detroit running back David Montgomery would fumble the ball that was recovered by the defense, Ivan Pace ran in the score to make it 29-28 with a two point conversion attempt that was no good. Detroit got the ball back and did nothing with it, and in an attempt to run some clock and hopefully steal the win, the Vikings would go 3 and out, giving the ball back to Detroit with plenty of time left in the game. Jared Goff led the Lions offense down the field to set up kicker Jake Bates for the 44 yard field goal, and the victory. Sam Darnold had one last chance to heave the ball into the end zone but was sacked before he could even set up the throw. Giving the Vikes their first loss, and Lions a lead of the division.
Sam Darnold finished the day going 22-27 for 259 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He also ran 4 times for 39 yards, but was sacked 4 times against a Detroit defensive front who was missing star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson.
Aaron Jones would return from his hip injury, and carried the ball 14 times for 93 yards and 1 touchdown. Many were expecting Ty Chandler would be involved more with the injury of Jones but Chandler would only carry the ball 2 times for 4 yards.
Justin Jefferson would lead the team in receiving catching 7 balls for 81 yards, and one touchdown. Jordan Addison and Jailen Nailor would be involved in the pass game as well combining for 7 catches, and 142 yards.
The Vikings fell to 5-1, and will have a short week as they prepare to hit the road for a Thursday Night Football matchup between them and the Los Angeles Rams who are coming off a 20-15 win against the lowly Las Vegas Raiders. Can Minnesota bounce back and get back on the right track as they continue on in the long NFL season?
Photo Credit: The Detroit Lions, and ESPN
Comments