Minnesota Vikings Ready to Carve Lions
This Thanksgiving, at 11:30 a.m., the Minnesota Vikings are set to have their revenge against the Detroit Lions.
In Pat Shurmur’s first action as their offensive coordinator, the Minnesota Vikings revitalized their dormant offense against the Lions. This rebirth wasn’t flawless, but it did result in a methodical would-be game-winning drive. If it weren’t for a blend of Mike Zimmer’s admittedly conservative three man rush and a bit of luck, the Vikings would have been victorious against the rival Lions.
Now, the Minnesota Vikings have an opportunity for revenge. They should be thankful. Normally, Thursday games are difficult due to short preparation and minimal recovery times. Yet, the Vikings get to play against an opponent that they know very well and that should reduce some of the errors that go along with Thursday games.
Better yet, the Minnesota Vikings are coming off their first win since week five. Despite some weak periods in the game on both offense and defense, the Vikings were hold onto victory, leaning on three big plays. With a special teams touchdown, a pick six and trick play promptly followed by a touchdown, the Vikings started a return to form using impact from all three levels of the game.
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The Lions have certainly played an exciting brand of football this year. However, their tendency to play in close games is sure to bite them soon. After barely slipping by the Vikings and the Jaguars, the Lions are primed for a loss.
From a more analytical standpoint, the Lions have allowed a 108.5 passer rating average on the season–the highest in the league. With 22 passing touchdowns allowed, the Lions are third worst in that category.
Luckily for the Minnesota Vikings, passing has been the only working thing on their offense. The Lions are also toward the bottom of the league in opponent third down percentage with 46.5 percent.
If the Vikings can get ahead early, which they have done the past two weeks, the Lions’ defense will help them stay on the field. Despite their conservative game plan tendencies, the Vikings should still be able to retain possession against Detroit’s dragging secondary.
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The Minnesota Vikings have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. The Detroit Lions are the perfect opponent to keep the Vikings’ winning streak alive.