DET-T.Wilson was injured during the play. C.Keenum pass incomplete deep middle to S. Play 4: Vikings ball, 1st & 10 at the Minnesota 36. With how the rest of the game played out, it could have been tied at 27 late if the Lions had shown a little more hustle kicking the extra point. The referees tried to gift wrap this game for Detroit several times, but the Lions inexplicably returned this one to sender. The Lions had to settle for a Matt Prater field goal to make the score 27-13. Instead, the referees finally called for a review and the play was correctly overturned. If the kick had gone through, reviewing the play wouldn’t have been possible. For whatever reason, Detroit took their time snapping the ball. However, the refereeing crew allowed the Lions to line up for the extra point, seemingly confirming the score. Initial replays showed that the ball hit the ground while making the catch, meaning it should have been ruled incomplete. Apologies for the quality on this one-NFL Game Pass wasn’t cooperating. T rae Waynes was momentarily sidelined with a shoulder stinger and the Lions wasted no time going right after Tramaine Brock. It looked like the Lions had pulled back to within 10 midway through the third quarter on this throw from Matthew Stafford to Darren Fells. (No Huddle, Shotgun) M.Stafford pass incomplete short right to D.Fells (T.Brock). The Replay Official reviewed the pass completion ruling, and the play was REVERSED. (No Huddle, Shotgun) M.Stafford pass short right to D.Fells for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Play 3: Detroit ball, 3rd & 10 at the Minnesota 14. Comparing his performance on Thanksgiving to what he looked like against the Lions in Week 4 is truly mind-boggling. For the past couple games, Keenum is flat out playing really, really well. For the first three or four games of this win streak, the Vikings were winning because of their defense and the weapons around Keenum. It gave the Vikings a commanding 17-point lead and the Lions never threatened the rest of the game that didn’t last very long thanks to the referees escorting Detroit down the field right before the half. This is what we like to call a “big boy throw.”Ĭase Keenum was absolutely pummeled as he threw and still delivered an absolute dime to Kyle Rudolph for his second touchdown of the day. (Shotgun) C.Keenum pass deep right to K.Rudolph for 22 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Play 2: Vikings ball, 1st & 10 at the Detroit 22. Finishing off drives like this more often than not could make a huge difference down the stretch.

But the overall results from the Vikings offense this season are nothing short of incredible. The Vikings finally had their red zone touchdown streak snapped at twelve later in the game, and Shurmur got too conservative for my liking after the first drive of the second half. The Vikings play caller has been putting on a master class in recent weeks calling the rarely-used read option here was absolutely brilliant.

With the limited space to work with as you near the goal line, misdirection and the element of surprise become much more important. Pat Shurmur is just showing off in the red zone lately. (Shotgun) C.Keenum left end for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Play 1: Vikings ball, 1st & goal at the Detroit 9. It’s time to look at how we got there by reviewing five of the biggest plays from Thursday’s game. The Vikings were able to overcome a fair amount of adversity that took several forms and got a big win that showcased their mental toughness. That makes it seven straight wins for the mighty purple, who haven’t lost since their last matchup against the Lions on October 1. The win means the Vikings are three games clear of Detroit with five games left to play. The Vikings started out hot and held on late for a 30-23 victory over the Detroit Lions on their second straight Thanksgiving trip to the Motor City. Far be it from us to count our chickens before they hatch-we’re Vikings fans after all-but it’s probably safe to start thinking about the possibility of an NFC North title.

Lions game winning touchdown reversed