Minnesota’s defense stood up on third down time and time again against Detroit Sunday.
Fourth downs, however, were a mixed bag.
The Lions went for it on fourth down a whopping six times and converted four occasions.
The first was a fourth-and-5 from the Minnesota 32. It resulted in a 30-yard completion from Jared Goff to Amon-Ra St. Brown. Detroit scored on the following play for a 7-0 lead.
The Lions converted two fourth downs on their second touchdown drive, picking up a pair of fourth-and-1s (from the Minnesota 45- and 31-yard lines) with a 5-yard run by Jamaal Williams and a 17-yard pass to Josh Reynolds.
T.J. Hockenson caught a 5-yard touchdown pass two plays after the reception by Reynolds.
Detroit went for it again on fourth-and-1 from its 49 in the second quarter, but Eric Kendricks’ diving pass breakup on a pass for Hockenson gave the ball to the Vikings. Minnesota followed with its second touchdown of the day.
Detroit later picked up a fourth-and-3 with a 16-yard pass, but Minnesota rallied to stop Williams on fourth-and-1 with 3:30 left in the game.
2. Return of running game
The Vikings revved their running game, particularly in the red zone.
Cook finished with 17 carries for 96 yards, and Metellus added 28 yards on seven carries. The touchdowns by each were the first rushing scores for Minnesota this season.
It seemed Minnesota was better able to marry the run and pass game in its third contest of the season.
3. Hicks, Kendricks & Metellus help middle
Detroit worked the middle of the field a considerable amount and tried to attack Minnesota’s linebackers Kendricks and Jordan Hicks with out-breaking passes.
Kendricks, Hicks and Metellus combined for 35 tackles (press box stats) and five pass breakups on the day.
4. Offense responded on quiet day from Justin Jefferson
The Lions were able to limit Justin Jefferson to three catches for 14 yards, but Minnesota was able to get the ball to other receivers.
Osborn finished with five catches for 73 yards, and Adam Thielen caught six passes for 61 yards.
Tight ends Irv Smith, Jr., (32 yards), Ben Ellefson (24) and Johnny Mundt (23) each recorded two catches and combined for 79 yards.
Jamaal Williams rushes for 2 yards (Austin Seibert kicks PAT) [6 plays, 54 yards, 2:36 time of possession]
Fourth down reward: The Lions went for it on fourth-and-5 from the Minnesota 32 and were able to have Jared Goff connect with Amon-Ra St. Brown on an in-breaking route for a gain of 30.
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