Three and Out: Scheme vs. effort, not getting tricked by fool's gold, and embracing the value of finishing in last in NFC North
Here are three observations after a second viewing and a night to ponder the Detroit Lions’ 23-10 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
On scheme, execution and effort
Of all of Detroit’s losses during this incredibly frustrating season, the two most difficult to stomach were both to the Vikings.
Historically, Minnesota has dominated the rivalry. It’s wild how lopsided it’s been, with the all-time series now 82-45-2 in its favor. However, Detroit was in the midst of its most dominant stretch since the Vikings entered the league as an expansion franchise in 1961, winning five straight and six of seven.
That included last season’s finale, when both teams entered the contest 14-2 and the Lions smacked them around, 31-9, to secure the NFC North crown and the conference’s top seed.
That Vikings team had a capable quarterback. This year's version, not so much. Whether starter J.J. McCarthy, who started the Week 9 contest, or undrafted rookie Max Brosmer on Christmas, that alone gave the Lions a massive edge coming into the game.
Regardless of Minnesota’s personnel deficiencies this season, they won these games because they outcoached Detroit. Specifically, the Lions had no answer for Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores' game plans.
The Vikings defense abused Jared Goff in both meetings, sacking him five times in each. For context, that’s the most Goff has been sacked in a game this season and tied for the most he’s been sacked since joining the Lions in 2021.
On top of that, Detroit couldn’t run the ball in either matchup, gaining 65 yards on the ground in the first and 68 in the second.
The first loss cost offensive coordinator John Morton his play-calling duties. This one should have coach Dan Campbell thinking long and hard about whether he’s the best choice to do it beyond this season.
No one should be pushing back on the idea that the Lions were outschemed and outexecuted in these losses. But, after watching the game more closely a second time, I am throwing up a stop sign for those questioning Detroit’s effort in the contest.
Who can we reasonably say quit on Thursday?