The Vikings had a game that they needed to win on Friday. Not only did the team lose, it was dominated on defense.
The Saints ran over the Vikings 52-33. New Orleans running back Alvin Kamara had six rushing touchdowns.
From missed tackles to a lack of pass rush, the weaknesses of the Vikings defense were well on display. The defense had two interceptions, but other than that, there were too many mistakes.
Mike Zimmer talked about the loss with reporters recently:
“We didn’t do a good enough job, I didn’t do a good enough job getting those young kids ready to play,” Zimmer said, via Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press. “They can play way better than what they played, and I put that on me more so than on the players. That’s my job, and I need to get it done better.”
Minnesota now has a game with no playoff implications against Detroit in Week 17. The Vikings have clinched third place in the NFC North as well. So, really, it’s just about pride and a draft position on Sunday.