For fans in general, this has to be one of the most entertaining seasons in a long time. All four NFC North teams can beat any of the others, depending on the day. Lions are the most mature, but Vikes, Pack, and even the Bears are rapidly developing. The battle for the North could wind up a see/saw\ affair, right to the end. We may not like how it ends, but it will be entertaining. Main factors that decided this game: 1) Goff is a mature QB at the top of his game, almost impossible to fluster. 2) Darnold has talent similar to Goff, but his experience as a starter on a good team is extremely limited. 3) TJ Hockenson might have provided a perfect check down target for Darnold. 4) Blake Cashman might have made a couple more key tackles. 5) B-Flo's D would be far better with a dominant DL. Then he could get pressure with just 4 rushers, instead of 5.
The play calling on our final offense drive where we could've put the game away, is baffling for a number of reasons. One of the plays was a sweep to the left where Jones nearly went OB, and in fact almost looked like he was trying to dive OB as he was getting tackled. And then on the rollout pass to Jefferson, even if caught for a first down, would've been OB, stopping the clock. When you're trying to run out the clock, you kinda want to avoid that white area and make your opponent burn their timeouts. Stopping the clock twice for the Lions because you went OB, might mean you have to convert an extra first down. There was a game earlier in the season too where we had 2 sideline plays when we were trying to milk the clock. One was that HB pass with Ty Chandler, he rolled out, didn't see anyone open, so he ran OB. These are baffling situational mistakes, and it seems like KOC isn't reminding his guys to stay in bounds. You'd think he wouldn't have to, but clearly he does because it keeps happening.
Trick plays work really well, and with great regularity, in college. Not so much in the NFL. Yeah, they look really cool when they hit and if you're at home the crowd goes crazy but they just don't work enough. It's not the end of the world. Not defending a single pass, giving up a 90% completion percentage, and not closing out the game when you have the ball with 4 minutes left were probably bigger issues yesterday.
Goff vs. Darnold was a lot of the difference. Our interior line on both sides are weak. The Lions are just a smidge better all around. Agree 100% with your view.
Jared Goff's performance was astounding; the Lions offensive line was near perfect --- Vikings still had a great chance to win. Excellent measuring stick game at the ideal time of the season.
I don’t think that on either side of the ball, the Vikings are in a good matchup against the Lions. It just seems like the schemes the lions use are more effective than what the Vikings use. In the NFL it’s not always about talent, but the matchup and I don’t think that the Vikings match up very well against the Lions. To the degree that I don’t know if we could beat them in a playoff game whether it’s home or away.
17:03 I don’t understand why they don’t have any quick game play calls to get them into a rhythm after having the lead. It seems O’Connell calls too many shot playsinstead of short quick play, bleeding the clock while still moving the ball down field to at least get in position for a field goal. That strategy seems like it has not changed since the first year and it is really difficult when they’re behind to keep having pass play that require a precision throw or a wide receiver to make a spectacular sideline boundary catch. If they had quick game play calls in these situations they can keep the clock moving and reduce the number of third and longs they have. This all or nothing strategy is a major reason why teams are able to come back from being multiple scores down in the second half.
Lions loss HAS to change expectations from being on a path to a potential number 1 seed, first round bye and home field in playoffs to at best a wild card berth, no first round bye and all playoff games on the road. Huge swing. If you don’t win the North you’re for sure on the road in the playoffs and I don’t see the Vikings catching the Lions!
17:31 bullshit I disagree with you buddy. Know one ask darnold to go out and our dual Geoff. All he had to do was pick up a few first downs on that last drive. Or get that 2 point conversion. Or not throw that pick.
Just get the 1st down. Don’t need a 15 yard throw when you need 5! Chiefs get it. Lions get it. We just get 5 yards and we “probably” run out the clock and win. Don’t need a flashy play every time. Quick slant to JJ, mammoth TE in the flat, frustrating!
Was a very close game and it could have gone the Vikings way just as easy as it went the Lions way. If anything lions made very few mistakes and Vikings slipped a little here and there in Q2 & Q3. 30 more seconds on the clock and Vikings would have kicked the winning field goal (as but one example....). They will meet again and we will see.
you heard it here first. I'm a vikes fan btw. Vikes will lose the Detroit on the second visit, but will make the wild card and upset the lions in the playoffs. I rather lose 2 in regular season and upset 1 in the playoffs.
Temporarily, until the Lions beat the Titans on Sunday. But KOC's teams aren't the sharpest on the short Thursday weeks. They're barely sharp coming off a bye xD.
Not being able to do something has nothing to do with not knowing how to do something. None of us are able to play QB at this level, but we all understand how the position works and what success looks like, and if a QB isn't playing well, why can't someone criticize their performance? We're not comparing them how we would personally perform, we're comparing them to their piers and well established standards. I don't need to be a rocket pilot, to understand that crashing a plane is not good.
For fans in general, this has to be one of the most entertaining seasons in a long time. All four NFC North teams can beat any of the others, depending on the day. Lions are the most mature, but Vikes, Pack, and even the Bears are rapidly developing. The battle for the North could wind up a see/saw\ affair, right to the end. We may not like how it ends, but it will be entertaining.
Main factors that decided this game: 1) Goff is a mature QB at the top of his game, almost impossible to fluster. 2) Darnold has talent similar to Goff, but his experience as a starter on a good team is extremely limited. 3) TJ Hockenson might have provided a perfect check down target for Darnold. 4) Blake Cashman might have made a couple more key tackles. 5) B-Flo's D would be far better with a dominant DL. Then he could get pressure with just 4 rushers, instead of 5.
The play calling on our final offense drive where we could've put the game away, is baffling for a number of reasons. One of the plays was a sweep to the left where Jones nearly went OB, and in fact almost looked like he was trying to dive OB as he was getting tackled. And then on the rollout pass to Jefferson, even if caught for a first down, would've been OB, stopping the clock. When you're trying to run out the clock, you kinda want to avoid that white area and make your opponent burn their timeouts. Stopping the clock twice for the Lions because you went OB, might mean you have to convert an extra first down.
There was a game earlier in the season too where we had 2 sideline plays when we were trying to milk the clock. One was that HB pass with Ty Chandler, he rolled out, didn't see anyone open, so he ran OB. These are baffling situational mistakes, and it seems like KOC isn't reminding his guys to stay in bounds. You'd think he wouldn't have to, but clearly he does because it keeps happening.
Great post
Trick plays work really well, and with great regularity, in college. Not so much in the NFL. Yeah, they look really cool when they hit and if you're at home the crowd goes crazy but they just don't work enough. It's not the end of the world. Not defending a single pass, giving up a 90% completion percentage, and not closing out the game when you have the ball with 4 minutes left were probably bigger issues yesterday.
Goff vs. Darnold was a lot of the difference. Our interior line on both sides are weak. The Lions are just a smidge better all around. Agree 100% with your view.
Jared Goff's performance was astounding; the Lions offensive line was near perfect --- Vikings still had a great chance to win. Excellent measuring stick game at the ideal time of the season.
Good take Matt totally agree
It was a playoff type game and the QB with the most playoff experience won.
"They sort of had a bye, they played the Raiders" 😂
Man you guys are really good 😊
Week 18 is a long way off... either one of these teams could fall off by then.
I don’t think that on either side of the ball, the Vikings are in a good matchup against the Lions. It just seems like the schemes the lions use are more effective than what the Vikings use. In the NFL it’s not always about talent, but the matchup and I don’t think that the Vikings match up very well against the Lions. To the degree that I don’t know if we could beat them in a playoff game whether it’s home or away.
do not sleep on the commanders! they are top 3 for sure. Skol
17:03
I don’t understand why they don’t have any quick game play calls to get them into a rhythm after having the lead. It seems O’Connell calls too many shot playsinstead of short quick play, bleeding the clock while still moving the ball down field to at least get in position for a field goal. That strategy seems like it has not changed since the first year and it is really difficult when they’re behind to keep having pass play that require a precision throw or a wide receiver to make a spectacular sideline boundary catch. If they had quick game play calls in these situations they can keep the clock moving and reduce the number of third and longs they have. This all or nothing strategy is a major reason why teams are able to come back from being multiple scores down in the second half.
Lions loss HAS to change expectations from being on a path to a potential number 1 seed, first round bye and home field in playoffs to at best a wild card berth, no first round bye and all playoff games on the road. Huge swing. If you don’t win the North you’re for sure on the road in the playoffs and I don’t see the Vikings catching the Lions!
17:31 bullshit I disagree with you buddy. Know one ask darnold to go out and our dual Geoff. All he had to do was pick up a few first downs on that last drive. Or get that 2 point conversion. Or not throw that pick.
Just get the 1st down. Don’t need a 15 yard throw when you need 5! Chiefs get it. Lions get it. We just get 5 yards and we “probably” run out the clock and win. Don’t need a flashy play every time. Quick slant to JJ, mammoth TE in the flat, frustrating!
I'm surprised we didn't get one of KOC's special razzle dazzle plays that look like busted plays that go nowhere xD.
This lots isn't on Darnold. Period. The DBs weren't good enough.
The 2 Qtr defense was horrible
The difference between the Texans and Lions is the Lions have a WAY better offensive line and better skill players.
Was a very close game and it could have gone the Vikings way just as easy as it went the Lions way. If anything lions made very few mistakes and Vikings slipped a little here and there in Q2 & Q3. 30 more seconds on the clock and Vikings would have kicked the winning field goal (as but one example....). They will meet again and we will see.
Go Lions!
Goff isn't going to complete 80 percent all the time he'll come down to earth just like sam
😂😂😂 hater
you heard it here first. I'm a vikes fan btw. Vikes will lose the Detroit on the second visit, but will make the wild card and upset the lions in the playoffs. I rather lose 2 in regular season and upset 1 in the playoffs.
The Vikings can retake the #1 seed on Thursday with a win. I am excited to see Hockenson back out there. Let's start a new winning streak.
Lions fan: 😂😂😂
Temporarily, until the Lions beat the Titans on Sunday. But KOC's teams aren't the sharpest on the short Thursday weeks. They're barely sharp coming off a bye xD.
KOC and His Vikings tried too much to entertain the fans. Miserable was the resylt. Be honest!😊
People that can't do something go on podcasts and criticize people that get paid to do something they can.
And what about the people that critically comment on podcasters who criticize people that get paid to do something? Complete non-sequitur.
People forget the number of big games Goff has already played in. A Super Bowl and 2 NFCG
Not being able to do something has nothing to do with not knowing how to do something. None of us are able to play QB at this level, but we all understand how the position works and what success looks like, and if a QB isn't playing well, why can't someone criticize their performance? We're not comparing them how we would personally perform, we're comparing them to their piers and well established standards. I don't need to be a rocket pilot, to understand that crashing a plane is not good.
we gave you 14 points on a silver platter
There's only one great team in the nfc and that's the Detroit Lions