Minnesota Vikings: Five things we learned in the loss to the Detroit Lions

5. Kai Forbath is likely on the hot seat.

This is more of a hunch than a known fact, but I don’t see how this couldn’t be the case. Forbath missed a 39-yard field goal late in the third quarter after missing two extra points in the first three games.

If Forbath would have made the field goal, the Vikings likely would have kicked another short field goal with 2:19 remaining instead of going for it from the Detroit 14. As a result, the Vikings would have been down one point with another made field goal. That way, the offense would only have to drive for a field goal to win the game with a defensive stop.

Instead, the Vikings were forced to go for it since they were down 14-7. Basically, kicking a field goal in that situation would mean they’d still have to score a touchdown if they were to get the ball again. So, they made the decision to go for it, which didn’t work.

Now, I don’t expect to hear Forbath get cut this week, but I do believe he’s on the hot seat. If he misses another short range field goal or extra point, I’d start being real concerned if I were the veteran kicker. Known to be an accurate kicker, Forbath doesn’t boast a powerful leg, which further justifies cutting the kicker if he doesn’t convert his opportunities.

After last season’s kicker debacle, don’t expect Mike Zimmer to have a very long leash with Forbath. In other words, the kicker better start converting otherwise he’s going to be shown the door.

Next: Vikings are in trouble without Dalvin Cook

Next week, the Vikings face the Chicago Bears in a Monday night showdown at Soldier Field. Check back with Sporting Sota for more news on the Vikings throughout the week!