Lions 16, Vikings 13

The Vikings fell to the Lions 16-13 today in Detroit.  The Vikings fall to 6-5 on the season with this loss.  What a fall from that 5-0 start to the season.  The fact that the Lions won this one on a game ending field goal after an interception deep in Vikings territory makes it an even tougher loss.  The Vikings are keeping games close but their injury depleted offensive line has really decimated their offense.  They can't run the ball, they can't throw deep because Bradford doesn't have the time to throw so they are stuck with a short passing game that has very little margin for error.  It's tough watching them lately.

Observations:

• These are 2 pretty evenly matched teams.  
• The Vikings should try throwing beyond the first down marker on third down. 
• Matthew Stafford killed the Vikings on 3rd down with his rushing skills. 
• Sam Bradford was 31-37 for 224 yards but only had a QBR of 40.2. 
• The Vikings offense desperately needs some explosive plays on offense. 
• Shouldn't the call have been holding of Kyle Rudolph not defensive pass interference? 
• The Vikings offense could have used Stefon Diggs today. 
• If the arm is coming forward it is an incomplete pass! 
• The Sam Bradford to Kyle Rudolph combination continues to shine. 
• Cordarrelle Patterson needs more touches on offense.  
• Andrew Sendajo is quietly putting together a very solid season. 
• T.J. Clemmings just may be the worst starting OT in the NFL. 
• The Vikings lost 2 more offensive linemen to injury today. 
• This is clearly Jeff Locke's best year punting the ball. 
• Laquon Treadwell is developing a talent for drawing penalties. 
• Are we sure that wasn't a fumble by Darius Slay late in the game? 
• The Vikings should go balls to the wall to acquire Joe Thomas this offseason. 
• Anquan Boldin has had himself a nice career. 
• Is it just me or did that Aretha Franklin National Anthem last forever? 
• Up next?  Dallas Cowboys in Minneapolis next Thursday night.