The Vikings Complete the Comeback and Beat the Lions, 28-24
Josh Frey
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After last week’s blowout loss in Philadelphia, the Vikings went back home for a Week 3 divisional matchup with the Detroit Lions. Despite another very ugly start that put them in another early 14-0 hole, the Vikings ultimately completed their comeback with a Kirk Cousins dime to K.J. Osborn for a 28-yard touchdown in the final minute of the game.
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The Vikings defense opened the game looking just as porous as they were against the Eagles in the passing game. Jared Goff started the game on fire, completing four passes that went for 15+ yards in the first 15 minutes of the game. Goff ultimately finished the game 27/41 for 277 yards, a touchdown, and the interception on his Hail Mary at the end of the game.
On the other hand, the Vikings offense looked almost as stale as the defense. Justin Jefferson had a very quiet performance for the second straight week, catching just two of his five targets for 11 yards in the first half.
There were others that stepped up in his absence though, unlike last week. Ben Ellefson doubled his career reception total by catching two passes for 24 yards.
Additionally, Minnesota finally got Adam Thielen going as well after he caught just seven passes for 88 yards through the first two games. On Sunday afternoon, he caught six passes for 61 yards and his first touchdown reception of the year. Because of his 28-yard touchdown reception, it was actually Osborn that led the team in receiving yards with 73 as a result of his five catches.
With Cousins and Co. leading the offense, the Vikings came storming back in the second quarter. After a Dalvin Cook touchdown with 1:18 left in the first half, the Lions and Vikings went into halftime tied at 14.
The beginning of the second half looked very similar to the start of the game as Detroit scored 10 points on their first two possessions. Meanwhile, the Vikings punted, and Greg Joseph missed his second 56-yard field goal attempt of the day. Making things worse, Cook left the game with a shoulder injury after causing a turnover by fumbling away the ball.
All of that said, the Vikings defense went on to allow zero points over Detroit’s final five possessions, including a key 4th-and-1 stop on Minnesota’s 30-yard-line. Then, much like the second quarter, Cousins led two touchdown drives over the final 10:30 of the game to help the Vikings win. Then, Josh Metellus ultimately sealed the deal by intercepting Jared Goff.
Next week, the Vikings (2-1) head across the pond to take on the New Orleans Saints (1-2) in London. Meanwhile, the Lions (1-2) head back home to host the Seattle Seahawks (1-1).
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Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho with a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing as well as minors in History, Human Biology, and Journalism. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh can often be found training for a marathon, playing video games, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. For more of his takes, NFL and otherwise, check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken