The winless Detroit Lions go in search of their first win in Minnesota, where the 1-3 Vikings have had some issues of their own. The Vikings are a familiar foe in the NFC North, and they’ve won the last seven games in the divisional series.
What is going on with these Vikings through the first four weeks? Do the Lions have a chance to break into the win column and escape last place in the NFC North in one fell swoop? To get the answers to these and other questions, I turned to Vikings Wire and editor Jack White.
The Vikings are 1-3 but have played a difficult schedule. What’s the mood about the team in Minnesota?
I think people are pretty pessimistic at this point. The Vikings revamped their defense this offseason, only to be torched by the Bengals and Cardinals offense. There is a compelling argument to be made that the easiest part of Minnesota’s schedule is behind them. That spells trouble for down the road.
The pass rush has perked up from last year. Is it scheme, healthy talent or a combination of both?
Yes, the Vikings have improved their pass rush, but that was a low bar to clear. Danielle Hunter missed the entire 2020 season. Ifeadi Odenigbo, a breakout reserve from 2019, regressed in 2020. D.J. Wonnum, Jalyn Holmes and Shamar Stephen were all thrust into big roles. Offensive lines double-teamed Odenigbo, then let their team’s quarterback take their sweet time picking apart the Minnesota defense.
This year, Hunter is back, and playing very well. Everson Griffen reunited with the team this offseason. He’s offered some positive things in the pass rush. Even Michael Pierce, a nose tackle who opted out of 2020, has gotten involved in getting to the quarterback. The Vikings had an easy route to improvement.
What are some new additions that Lions fans need to know about?
The defense is a lot different. The Vikings made two big splashes in free agency with DT Dalvin Tomlinson and CB Patrick Peterson. They’re both starters. The Vikings also signed Xavier Woods, a safety who has been pretty good. On the offensive line, the team moved Ezra Cleveland over to left guard, plugged in Oli Udoh at right guard and put reserve OT Rashod Hill into a starting role. First-round OT Christian Darrisaw is still trying to get fully healthy and acclimated.
What is one thing about the Vikings that might give the Lions a chance to pull off the upset?
There are a variety of factors. For one, Dalvin Cook isn’t playing. Also, Minnesota’s defense has been picked apart by a few teams. QB Kirk Cousins played poorly in Week 4, too. The Lions have a lot of different areas where they can attack this inconsistent Vikings team.
Where is the biggest matchup advantage for the Vikings in this matchup?
Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen against the Lions DBs. The Lions’ highest-graded cornerback on PFF is Jeffrey Okudah, with just a grade of 53.0. Jefferson and Thielen can both feast on an inconsistent Detroit secondary.
Who wins and why?
The Vikings win and move to 2-3, not because this is a stellar team, but because the Lions are not set up for the short term. Minnesota 24, Detroit 10.