Detroit Lions

Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions: Week 9 game review

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 9:10 p.m. ET

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The Minnesota Vikings lost to the Detroit Lions in week 9, but what were the good, bad, and interesting things about the exciting overtime matchup?

It’s been a while since I’ve done one of these game reviews. With many of the changes that were being put in place on The Viking Age, it seemed like efforts would be better used in other ways. However, for at least one week only, the Minnesota Vikings are going to get the good, bad, and interesting treatment.

This week, the Detroit Lions came to Minnesota in hopes of keeping the Vikings losing streak alive. Having lost to the Philadelphia Eagles and Chicago Bears in the last two weeks, the boys in purple needed this game in order to get the team back on track.

But that wouldn’t be an easy, as the Lions have a new look offense and a defense that can make big plays.

Sadly, the Vikings ended up on the losing end of this game, suffering their third loss in a row However, the Lions needed overtime and some huge plays to put the Minnesota Vikings away 16-22.

Let’s talk about the good stuff, bad things, and interesting occurrences from the week 9 game, starting with the good stuff!

Nov 6, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford (8) is pressured by Detroit Lions defensive end Devin Taylor (98) during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

The Good Stuff

Next: The Bad Things from Week 9

Nov 6, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings kicker Blair Walsh (3) kicks a field goal during the second quarter against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

The Bad Things

Next: The Interesting Occurrences from Week 9

Nov 6, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway (52) tackles Detroit Lions running back Theo Riddick (25) on a run in the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

The Interesting Occurrences

Next: Overall Impression from Week 9

Nov 6, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Golden Tate (15) is tackled by Minnesota Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr (55) during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Overall Impression

This game might have been more heartbreaking than any other Minnesota Vikings game this season. Having the win dangled in front of the team only to have it pulled away is sometimes worse than feeling like there is no chance.

Many fans will put this game on kicker Blair Walsh. The missed extra point, off-target block, and decision to go for it instead of kick the field goal left quite a few possible points on the field for the Vikings. However, there were other opportunities as well that were major contributing factors in the loss.

More from The Viking Age

What hurts the most is likely that Minnesota now knows what it is like to lose in U.S. Bank Stadium, and doing so to a division rival makes it even more painful. And having that happen in overtime in such a heartbreaking way makes it even worse!

Still, there are a lot of positive things to take out of this game. Cordarrelle Patterson and Laquon Treadwell are getting more involved. Sam Bradford is getting rid of the ball quicker. The offensive line is getting help and doing a better job in protection. And the Vikings scored a running touchdown!

It’s hard to find joy in a loss, but it’s obvious that there were definite improvements in the gameplan and execution coming into the game. So yes, this loss will sting, but there could be some much better stuff on the horizon.

Up next, the Minnesota Vikings will be travelling to the nation’s capital to take on the Washington Redskins. This will be another huge challenge for the struggling NFC North team, as they have now dropped 3 games in a row and the division is slipping through the cracks in their fingers.

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