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The Minnesota Vikings‘ Week 18 match up against the Detroit Lions proved disastrous for the team aiming to win the NFC North division title. A 31-9 defeat certainly derailed their ambitions for winning the NFC North, but just as bad was the outcome in terms of getting to the No. 1 seed in the playoffs. While most of the game was one-sided early, they couldn’t muster a stop when it mattered most, particularly in the red zone.
The Moment They Lost It All
The Vikings had their chances—plenty of them—but their inability to capitalize on red-zone opportunities was their downfall. Minnesota made it to the Lions’ 10-yard line four times but could only muster up six points from those chances. To make matters worse, quarterback Sam Darnold was uncharacteristically off his game when it mattered most. On nine red-zone attempts, he completed only one pass for three yards. He also missed some crucial throws, including four failed end-zone targets aimed at star receiver Justin Jefferson.
“I’ve got to watch the tape and see what I was doing wrong,” Darnold said. “I think maybe I could have been a little more settled on some of those throws. I might have been backpedaling or moving laterally when I needed to plant.” If only those “ifs” could’ve helped the Vikings finish a drive or two—because the red zone was the difference-maker in this loss.
Defense Fought Hard, But Fatigue Took Over
The offense was a struggle for Minnesota, but the defense certainly didn’t lie down. The Vikings’ defensive unit came up big early on, forcing Detroit’s Jared Goff into two interceptions. By the third quarter, the Vikings had held the Lions to just 10 points, and there was a real sense that a timely stop could swing the momentum back in their favor. But as the game wore on, fatigue set in. The Lions’ explosive Jahmyr Gibbs found space in the second half, scoring four touchdowns and ultimately putting the game out of reach for Minnesota.
Vikings Shift Focus to the Playoffs
Even though the game was a loss, there is no time to sulk. The Vikings still go into the playoffs with a great 14-3 record, becoming the first wild-card team in NFL history to ever win 14 games. Darnold summed up the situation best: “Losing sucks, but it is what it is.” The Vikings now face an uphill battle as they prepare for a tough playoff matchup against the Los Angeles Rams and their veteran quarterback, Matthew Stafford.
The Vikings have to quickly pick themselves up for this bitter loss, however, if they want to go deep into the playoffs. Besides, with how hotly competitive the NFC is looking, it will take a few blockbuster plays to make it to the Super Bowl.
Also read – Where Could Tyreek Hill Land If He Leaves the Dolphins? Here’s the Top Contender for His Next Move
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