Lions 23, Vikings 16

The Vikings fell at home 23-16 in OT today to the Detroit Lions.  After starting the season 5-0, they are now sitting at 5-3 at the halfway point of the season.  This was another winnable game that they let slip away, they were done in by a missed extra point, a blocked field goal and the inability to take advantage of red zone opportunities.  The defense couldn't get off the field on third down in OT either.  Unless they can get their offense sorted out, they are going to be playing a lot of close games down the stretch.  I'm so disappointed in this team after that fantastic start to the season they had.

Observations: 

• You really shouldn't lose when you lead with 27 seconds to play. 
• How did the Vikings get no points off that Chad Greenway interception? 
• I wouldn't be surprised if this was the last of Blair Walsh in a Vikings uniform. 
• The Vikings defense played well enough to win this one. 
• It's nice to see Cordarrelle Patterson being used more on offense. 
• It looks like Pat Shurmur will rely on shorter quicker developing pass routes. 
• The margin for error for the Vikings offense is very small. 
• Sam Bradford's stats look better than they appeared on the field. 
• That late timeout by Mike Zimmer is not looking so good in retrospect. 
• Horrible officiating may be playing some part in the NFL's dropping TV ratings. 
• When Alex Boone is healthy, Jeremiah Sirles should replace T.J. Clemmings at OT. 
• 13 catches out of Stefon Diggs was nice, but he wasn't stretching the field.
• I detest the Prevent Defense, it should be banished from the playbook. 
• Your defense has got to get off the field on third down. 
• I like the look of Linval Joseph at fullback! 
• Trea Waynes has improved a lot since his rookie year. 
• I cannot believe that I'm longing for the days of Matt Kalil and Andre Smith. 
• If you can't make a first down on 4th and inches you probably deserve to lose. 
• It was nice to see Laquon Treadwell finally catch a pass. 
• Up next?  Next Sunday @ Washington Redskins.