The Lions, The Vikings, and The Glaring Difference that Fuelled the Week 7 Loss
The Lions got the better of the Vikings in Week 7. The game was a battle of NFC heavyweights, fittingly ending by a razor-thin margin of just 2 points.
Step back for a minute, though, and consider how the rosters have been constructed. The Lions have done a masterful job of drafting and developing in recent seasons. Minnesota, in contrast, is a team led by players Kwesi Adofo-Mensah inherited or signed in free agency. In Week 7, Detroit’s approach came out on top.
The Glaring Difference Between the Lions and Vikings
Start off with the exceptions.
Jared Goff played a tremendous game. Detroit’s QB1 is a trade acquisition and has largely thrived since calling Michigan home. The veteran passer finished his day having gone 22/25 for 280 yards and 2 touchdowns. Very seldom did he ever look flustered or not fully in control of the game.
Consider, as well, running back David Montgomery. Fumble aside, Montgomery is an excellent runner. Someone like Alex Anzalone also stands out, a linebacker who has settled in nicely for Aaron Glenn’s defense after beginning his career in New Orleans.
Surely, there are other examples.
Regardless, turn the attention toward who was drafted by Brad Holmes, someone who has done exceptionally well in recent years. Before going too far, consider that EDGE1 Aidan Hutchinson (No. 2 in the 2022 NFL Draft) wasn’t even in the game.
Think of Jahmyr Gibbs, the No. 12 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Any chance Detroit wins the game without the shifty, explosive runner? The sophomore finished the day with 15 carries, 116 yards, and 2 touchdowns. He also turned 4 targets into 4 catches for a satisfying 44 yards.
Amon-Ra St. Brown, the No. 112 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, turned his 8 targets into 8 receptions for 112 yards and a touchdown. Put simply, Minnesota didn’t have anyone who could hang with the fiery competitor who runs tremendous routes.
Brian Branch, the No. 45 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, was a menace on the back end of the defense. He lines up all over the place and offers tremendous coverage, made evident in both his interception and the broader sticky coverage.
Remove even one of these recent draft picks and the Lions don’t win in Week 7.
Of course, the story doesn’t stop there. There were strong plays from linebackers Jack Campbell (No. 18 in the 2023 NFL Draft) and Malcolm Rodriguez (No. 188 in the 2022 NFL Draft). Alim McNeil (No. 72 in the 2021 NFL Draft) is a monster in the middle. Penei Sewell (No. 7 in the 2021 NFL Draft) is arguably the best tackle in the NFL.
Kick it back a bit further and you could even toss in players like Frank Ragnow (No. 20 in the 2018 NFL Draft).
Meanwhile, Minnesota was left with just a small taste of what strong drafting can do. Will Reichard was absolutely brilliant, continuing to demonstrate that he’s nearly unflappable and has one of the most impressive legs in the NFL. Jalen Nailor made some plays, Jordan Addison had the long catch, and UDFA add Ivan Pace Jr. had some strong moments, most notably in his touchdown.
For the most part, though, Minnesota is being led by players who were brought aboard by Rick Spielman or who were added via free agency. Just imagine what could be accomplished if the Vikings actually put together strong drafts in recent seasons.
Even still, the Vikings find themselves at 5-1 and in a nice spot for the playoffs in 2024. Ideally, some more of the young players — Ty Chandler, Dallas Turner, Jay Ward, etc. — will find of way of pushing Minnesota over the top in the close games that await on the schedule.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference helped with this piece.
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K. Joudry is the Senior Editor for Vikings Territory and PurplePTSD. He has been covering the Vikings full time since the summer of 2021. He can be found on Twitter, as a co-host for Notes from the North, and as the proprietor at The Vikings Gazette, a humble Vikings Substack.