The Detroit Lions (4-1) and Minnesota Vikings (5-0) square off this afternoon in Minneapolis with early control of the NFC North on the line. The Vikings are one of just two remaining undefeated teams in the NFL (Kansas City) and are playing some of the best complementary football in all three phases early in 2024.
Handling the blitz
Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores dials up pressure more than any coordinator in the NFL. Minnesota has blitzed 106 times in five games, or 41.1 percent of their defensive snaps, which is the most through the first six weeks of the season. Minnesota isn't just blitzing to blitz, they are getting home on the blitzes. Flores' unit leads the NFL in hurries (34) and quarterback knockdowns (30) and they are third in sacks (20).
The Vikings' defense is also tops in interceptions (11) and second against the run (67.2 ypg), so it's one of the most balanced units in the NFL. It's a formidable defense that puts a lot of pressure on opposing teams. Detroit's high-powered offense is in for its biggest test of the season to date.
Playing without Hutchinson
There's no replacing Aidan Hutchinson, who broke his leg last week in Dallas and is out for the foreseeable future. He was leading the NFL in sacks and total pressures before the injury and his loss is a blow for this defense.
But head coach Dan Campbell has always had a next-man-up mentality and it's no different in this instance. Josh Paschal, Levi Onwuzurike, Isaac Ukwu, James Houston and others will have to step in and step up. Campbell said Friday he didn't expect the newly acquired Isaiah Thomas to be ready to play today.
Lions defensive line coach Terrell Williams raved Friday about the way Paschal has played the last couple weeks and said he's had his best week of practice leading into today's contest.
"Josh Paschal has been unbelievable," Williams said. "The way he's worked and competed. I know sometimes we look at the numbers, but Josh Paschal has been one of our most impactful players the last couple weeks when you look at it overall."
Players like Alim McNeill and DJ Reader inside need to step up their play and productivity too. McNeill had two sacks and seven pressures against the Cowboys. The Lions are looking for more of the same today.
Secondary test
Detroit's secondary and pass defense were terrific last week in the win over Dallas, holding Cowboys All-Pro wide receiver CeeDee Lamb to seven catches on 14 targets for 89 yards and no touchdowns. Detroit will be looking for a similar effort this week against Minnesota's Justin Jefferson, who Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn called the best receiver in the game. In his last three games vs. Detroit, Jefferson has caught 29 passes for 553 yards and two touchdowns.
Quarterback Sam Darnold is distributing the football all around as six different players have a touchdown catch through Minnesota's first five contests.
Injury report
Speaking of Detroit's secondary, veteran cornerback Carlton Davis III has been dealing with a quad injury that forced him to miss practice Wednesday and Thursday. He returned to the practice field on Friday and Campbell said he's trending in the right direction toward playing today.
Davis is coming off his best game of the season in Dallas and has really solidified that outside cornerback spot for the Lions opposite rookie first-round pick Terrion Arnold. Minnesota has a terrific one-two punch at receiver with Jefferson and Jordan Addison, so having the services of Davis would certainly be preferred this week.
Campbell wasn't as optimistic about right guard Kevin Zeitler, however, who injured his groin in practice Thursday. Campbell didn't go as far as to completely rule Zeitler out, but said Friday, "I think it'll be hard to say he's playing."
If he can't go today, Kayode Awosika will likely step in like he did Week 4 when center Frank Ragnow was out and left guard Graham Glasgow moved to center. Awosika allowed just one pressure in that game.
Running game
The Vikings have done a really good job this season limiting opposing running backs and rushing attacks. Only once this season has Minnesota's defense allowed 100 yards rushing in a game – 102 to San Francisco Week 2. Their 67.2 average rushing yards allowed per contest so far through five games is No. 2 in the NFL.
What's made Minnesota's defense so successful this season has been their ability to play with the lead and make opponents one-dimensional offensively by stopping the run. It's allowed them to create 13 takeaways.
Detroit comes into the contest ranked fourth in rushing (157.3 ypg) as Lions running backs have combined to produce 148 rushes for 726 yards (4.9 avg.) and nine touchdowns this season. Detroit's at their best offensively when they are versatile and complementary on that side of the ball. Running the ball effectively early on will also help slow down the Minnesota blitz.
Lions Inactives
The Lions announced that the following players will be inactive:
- Safety Loren Strickland
- Defensive lineman Isaiah Thomas
- Tight end Parker Hesse
- Offensive lineman Giovanni Manu
- Guard Kevin Zeitler
- Receiver Isaiah Williams
Vikings Inactives
The Vikings announced that the following players will be inactive:
- Quarterback Brett Rypien
- Cornerback Akayleb Evans
- Cornerback Dwight McGlothern
- Running back Myles Gaskin
- Defensive lineman Levi Drake Rodriguez
- Linebacker Blake Cashman
- Tackle Walter Rouse
It's a Big One
This game has major playoff implications and is shaping up to be one of the most exciting matchups of Week 7. The Lions are looking to prove themselves against one of the NFL's best teams, while the Vikings are looking to extend their undefeated streak. It's a game that will have a huge impact on the NFC North standings.
