Disappointment a Sign of Vikings’ Rapid Progress
It was built up as a heavyweight battle, and it didn’t disappoint. A back-and-forth tussle for the lead in the NFC North went the Detroit Lions‘ way. The disappointment is a sign of the Vikings’ rapid progress this season. The Vikings weren’t supposed to be in this position when the season started.
Disappointment a Sign of Vikings’ Rapid Progress
Minnesota was seen by most as the bottom dwellers in the division, but an excellent 5-0 start against a strong schedule turned that narrative on its head. The visit of the Lions was the last of the early season big tests and possibly the biggest test of them all. The Vikings started strong and smothered the Lions offense in the early goings. And in the second and third quarters, the Lions dominated and looked set for a comfortable win. The Vikings’ defense fought back, and Ivan Pace recovered a fumble caused by Josh Metellus and ran in a touchdown on either side of defensive stops to give the Vikings a late lead.
In a game where the Vikings matched the Lions in every metric, the two drives that followed are where this disappointment lies. The Vikings had the ball with a chance to see out the game. They failed to do so in what is an all-too-regular occurrence for Kevin O’Connell’s Vikings. Two runs and a failed third-down conversion have a feeling of Groundhog Day in this situation, and this is one of the areas O’Connell is open to criticism.
His defense has come good for him many times, but not on this occasion, with only a field goal needed. The Lions didn’t have to go far to get into field goal range and did it with ease while leaving barely any time left on the clock. The Vikings had 15 seconds to try and get into field goal range and failed to do so. It was a deflating way to end the game after doing so well to get back in front, but Vikings fans shouldn’t be downbeat.
Optimism for the Season
This team is better than I expected, but it also has some glaring holes that the team is trying to cover up. The interior offensive line, interior defensive line, and cornerback all need improving. TJ Hockenson is also a significant missing piece to the offense – we wait to see if he finally returns this week against the Rams. We also wait to see if Dalton Risner replaces Ed Ingram to give the Vikings a better pass-blocker at right guard.
Then there is the looming trade deadline. Will the Vikings make a move? With only a first and two fifth-round selections in 2025 at this time, I don’t see a path to a “significant” trade being made unless a player becomes available that leads Kwesi Adofo-Mensah to be willing to do away with next year’s first-round pick. Whatever the Vikings do, they are firmly in the playoff mix this season, which is better than most expected.
Optimism for the Future
This was supposed to be a transition season. It’s not a case of Super Bowl or bust this year for the Vikings as a perceived Super Bowl window closes—far from it. The Vikings are playing ahead of schedule, and that should bring optimism. Minnesota has plenty of cap space to shop to fill those aforementioned holes next year, and the core of this team is also young and under contract.
Camryn Bynum is the only key player due for a contract extension before next season. There is the matter of extending O’Connell’s contract, which will expire at the end of the 2025 season. It would be a surprise if that is not resolved in the offseason. In the here and now, it is a quick turnaround for the Vikings, who head to the West Coast to play a 2-5 Rams that have been struggling with injuries. It affords the Vikings an immediate chance to bounce back from their first loss of the season.
The Vikings and Rams will kick this week’s football off on Thursday night in primetime.
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