Vikings Must Quickly Turn Focus to Rams Revenge Game
It was a disaster in Detroit for the Minnesota Vikings, who were soundly beaten by the Lions despite a strong defensive display in the first half. The Vikings must quickly turn focus to Rams revenge game as they prepare for the wild card round of the playoffs.
Vikings Must Quickly Turn Focus to Rams Revenge Game
The team that lost Monday night’s game in Detroit would always have to face the disappointment of the loss and quickly turn around for the next game rather than enjoy a bye week. However, the results of the earlier games on Sunday sent the Vikings to the West Coast to face the only other team to beat them this season. As the Vikings struggled at full strength in Detroit, the LA Rams rested key players like Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp, and Puka Nacua.
The Rams lost to the Seattle Seahawks and dropped to the fourth seed thanks to Tampa Bay’s win earlier in the day. This set up the rematch from Week 8, which the Rams won 30-20. The match was not without controversy, with the Vikings possessing the ball with 1:46 left on the clock and down by 8. A missed facemask on Sam Darnold resulted in a sack in the endzone and a safety, ending the contest’s prematurity and stealing the Vikings’ chances of leveling the game.
In truth, Minnesota didn’t look like a team about to drive 95 yards for a touchdown and convert a two-point try. The Vikings ‘ offense stalled after starting the game on fire with two touchdowns in their first two drives. Only managing two field goals and punting the ball thrice, the Vikings had just 126 yards of offense the rest of the way. Minnesota particularly struggled in the second half after losing left tackle Christian Darrisaw to a season-ending knee injury just before halftime.
A Big Test for Kevin O’Connell
Minnesota was riding high going into the Lions game, and many finally touted the team as a genuine Super Bowl contender. The bubble burst in Detroit, not because the Vikings lost the game but because of how they lost. If the game had been a shootout, which the Vikings narrowly lost, then there would still be confidence in the Vikings making some noise in the playoffs. The immediate aftermath was full of negativity, however, the bookmakers still make the number 5 seed Vikings the favorites to advance.
It was a lousy night for Darnold, who was visibly rattled by the pressure of the Lions’ defense and continuously missed his throws. Belief in Darnold and the Vikings has nosedived, meaning this will be a big test of O’Connell’s coaching ability. His ability to keep Darnold confident and calm through rough patches this season has rightly earned the Vikings HC heavy praise. However, doing so after such a crushingly bad display will be no easy task.
If Darnold plays well, the Vikings will have a chance in LA. The Vikings’ defense gave the high-powered Lions offense a tough time until they ran out of gas, with no help from their offense and several stutters on special teams. The Vikings have the offensive weapons to cause the Rams plenty of problems, but they need to keep Darnold from getting flustered. It starts with the offensive line, particularly on the left side, where Cam Robinson and Blake Brandel combined for 17 pressures allowed in Detroit.
O’Connell also needs to consider his game plan. Minnesota didn’t run the ball effectively the first time around in LA, with Aaron Jones averaging just 3.1 yards per carry — that will need to improve. He may also want to consider more quick passes rather than the long-developing passing plays he favors so much. When the game starts on Monday night, all eyes will be on Darnold and the Vikings’ offense, and the early stages will be crucial. The Vikings need a good start.
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