US EditionPFF Grades, Snap Counts: Lions Offense and Defense at Polar Opposites in Minnesota
Minnesota's defense forced six turnovers and scored on four, disrupting Detroit's top-ranked offense and securing a 23-10 victory, the Vikings' second game this season with five or more takeaways.
- On Thursday, the Minnesota Vikings forced six turnovers and converted four into points, upsetting the Detroit Lions 23-10 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Week 17.
- Pressure and schematic adjustments forced mistakes from the Lions' offense as Brian Flores, Vikings defensive coordinator, drew up a nearly perfect, pressure-heavy plan that produced takeaways.
- A series of individual defensive plays — including Byron Murphy Jr.'s fumble recovery and interception — sustained Minnesota's advantage, while Andrew Van Ginkel ignited the turnover spree with two recoveries and a strip sack.
- The victory moved Minnesota Vikings to an 8-8 record and into company with the Pittsburgh Steelers, joining only those teams with multiple games forcing five or more turnovers this season.
- Despite offensive struggles, the defense delivered a win and the Vikings still hit milestones as Minnesota's defense decided the game while the offense was held to 96 total yards.
23 Articles
23 Articles
Takeaways from the Vikings’ 23-10 win over the Lions
If the Vikings weren’t going to be able to compete for a Super Bowl, they wanted to make sure neither were the Detroit Lions. That mindset served as motivation for the Vikings on Thursday afternoon at U.S. Bank Stadium en route to a 23-10 win that officially eliminated the Lions from the playoffs. Though the Vikings’ offense failed to move the ball for most of the game with rookie quarterback Max Brosmer under center, the defense put forth an ot…
Vikings Fan Favorite Gets Honest Amid ‘Emotional’ Message After Historic Day
The Minnesota Vikings pulled off a stunning upset of the Detroit Lions in Week 17, and, just as he often has for the past 13-plus seasons, Harrison Smith was a big reason why.After the game, Smith spoke candidly and emotionally.The six-time Pro Bowler and 2017 First Team All-Pro is approaching a crossroads not just with the Vikings, but in his career. That reality was not lost on Smith in the Vikings’ locker room after they played the role of sp…
Pine Journal
Smith, Vikings' dominant defense upset Lions
MINNEAPOLIS — This might be the end of the road for veteran safety Harrison Smith. Though he hasn’t made any formal announcement, garnering a farewell tour — or really even hinted at his plans for the future — it wouldn’t surprise anybody if Smith decided to retire upon the conclusion of this season. It’s fitting then that Smith turned back the clock on Christmas in what could end up being the penultimate game of his career. Never mind that Smit…
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