The Lions sleepwalked against Minnesota and make a young Vikings QB look good
By Roy J. Akers — www.skyviewsports.net
Game Stats– by ESPN
Detroit, MIch. — The Lions are coming off a bye after a Monday Night Football win in 7. Minnesota is starting JJ McCarthy for only the third time in his two-year career after multiple injuries. Both Jared Goff and McCarthy have plenty of weapons.
Let’s go over the top storylines of the game.
One Up –
The connection of Goff to LaPorta scorched on Detroit’s opening drive, connecting three times for 66 yards and a touchdown. LaPorta and Brock Wright seem to have replaced Jameson Williams as a weapon in the Detroit offense.
Two Up
You know your team has had a tough day when your punter is your number one star. Five punts with a 47.6 yards average and a high of 58 yards.
Three Up
Jack Campbell puts together another terrific game. Nine total tackles, a sack, a TFL and a QB hit signal a good day. Minnesota kept Detroit off balance all day. Campbell showed up. Many Lions were ghosts for Halloween and were unrecognizable on Sunday. JC was NOT one of those players.
One Down
The Detroit Lions’ offense sputtered most of the day. The Lions’ opening drive showcased Goff to Sam LaPorta for three catches and a TD. LaPorta, like the rest of the Lions offense, they used a box of wet matches to call plays as they were certainly NOT on fire. Fox broadcaster and GOAT Tom Brady said this is the finest season of Goff’s career. Every time he said it, the worse he played. The Lions NO longer play with swagger and unpredictability.
Two Down
Minnesota’s defensive pressure on Jared Goff was very impressive. Blake Cashman had 9 TT by the end of the first half and added 6 TFL, two sacks, and a DP, and the Lions V-8 offense played like they had sand in the gas tank. Gibbs and David Montgomery combined for 10 rushes for 25 yards. Ouch.
Three Down
JJ McCarthy had a good game for basically a belated rookie. He shows good decision-making and the ability to make plays. JJ had a terrific first half before letting his running game take a load of of him. The numbers are not unlike other young QB’s. McCarthy benefited from officials calls that were cheesy in the first half and helped the Vikings to a first-half lead.
Bottom Line
Detroit looked unprepared to play this game. Too many players had subpar performances. Detroit drops to 5-3 on the season, losing more games halfway through 2025 than they lost in 2024.
What’s Next?
The Lions travel to play the Washington Commanders.
Roy J. Akers covers the Detroit Lions for www.skyviewsports.net
