Detroit Lions no match for Minnesota Vikings, fall 20-7
The Detroit Lions lost for the fifth consecutive time and are in danger of going winless against its NFC North rivals for the first time since 2012.
In a lost season, a road matchup against a contending team seemed like a grim combination for the reeling Detroit Lions. That proved to be true on Sunday.
The Lions were held to a season-low 231 total yards of offense and fell to the Minnesota Vikings 20-7 at U.S. Bank Stadium. Detroit lost for the ninth time in ten games and drop to 0-5 against the NFC North this year. They must win at home against the Green Bay Packers in Week 17 to avoid their first winless season against their division since 2012.
A week after impressing in his first NFL start, Lions quarterback David Blough scuffled, as Detroit gained just 70 yards on offense in the first half. Blough finished 24/39 for 205 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.
The Lions narrowly avoided their first shutout loss in over a decade when Blough found receiver Kenny Golladay for a 10-yard score late in the fourth quarter. It was Golladay’s tenth touchdown of the season, doubling his previous career-high from a year ago. His 58 yards through the air also put him over 1,000 for the second straight year.
Detroit came up empty on each of their five first-half drives, including a missed 45-yard field goal from Matt Prater. That miss allowed the Vikings to score a late touchdown by running back Dalvin Cook right before halftime, giving Minnesota a 17-0 lead through two frames.
Longtime Lions killer Danielle Hunter terrorized Detroit in the first half, sacking Blough three times. Blough was brought down five total times in the game.
Bo Scarbrough led the Lions with 65 rushing yards before leaving in the fourth quarter with a lower-body injury. Offensive tackle Rick Wagner and safety Tracy Walker also left with injuries and did not return for the Lions.
Quarterback Kirk Cousins went 24/30 for 242 yards and one touchdown for the Vikings. Cook led Minnesota with 62 rushing yards.
The Lions return home to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers next Sunday, December 15th at 1:00 P.M. EST.