The Lions Roar and the Vikings are Nearly No More
Vikings Territory Breakdown
The Vikings lost another one-score game (30-24 versus the visiting Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium). They lost it once again at the goal line in the final minute. And they lost it one more time due to shaky quarterback play and multiple turnovers. The loss was a disappointing one in a season of them. But somehow the hapless Minnesota Vikings remain alive (but on life support) for their post-season prospects.
Quarterback Nick Mullens played well at times, but too often he played down to his backup status. He made two great touchdown passes—both highlight plays—but he threw four interceptions and that last one, a pass to Justin Jefferson at the goal in their final drive, should have led his receiver to some wide open pay dirt but instead was thrown behind him and result in the game-ending pick.
The turnovers have been a debilitating problem for this team all season. The turnovers occurring in their eight losses numbered the following:3, 4, 2, 1, 3, 4, 2, 4. Couple them with the turnovers during the wins and the Vikings have set a season-high mark while flirting with the NFL record for turnovers in a season. (Keep a jaundiced eye on that in the remaining two weeks.)
The Vikings host the 7-8 Packers next Sunday and need to beat them to keep their playoff hopes alive (and the Packer fans at bay). The problem for the home team is suiting up a starting lineup. They lost four starters (Jordan Addison, ankle, T.J. Hockenson, knee, D.J. Wonnum, knee and Mekhi Blackmon, shoulder) to injury. How many will suit up is a pending concern. Plus, after Mullen’s 4-pick day, whether he remains the starting signal caller is a question ponder—pun intended.
And that what the fellas at the Vikings Territory Breakdown podcast (Joe Oberle, senior writer at vikingsterritory and purplePTSD and Mark Craig, NFL and Vikings writer for the Star Tribune and startribune.com) are on-hand to discuss. Tune into the podcast and check it out.
Listen to Vikings Territory Breakdown here or on you favorite podcast network.

The Worst Confirmed for T.J. Hockenson