Studs and duds after the Vikings’ Week 7 loss to the Detroit Lions

Defense has been the Minnesota Vikings’ calling card in 2024 and was a big part of their undefeated record heading into Sunday’s game against the Lions. Unfortunately, the defense faltered and that was one of the main reasons they lost their first game on Sunday to the Lions.

In the first quarter, it was the running game that failed the Vikings as they allowed Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs to rush them. They did a good job keeping the other running back, David Montgomery, in check, but Gibbs was a killer early, averaging more than 10 yards per carry in the first half and scoring two touchdowns.

In the second and third quarters, the Vikings defense’s pass defense faltered after a strong performance in the first quarter. As they have done all season, the Vikings attacked Lions quarterback Jared Goff early and often, but unlike previous weeks, Goff had all the answers to the Vikings’ blitz packages after a shaky first quarter. In the second and third quarters, Goff pushed the ball downfield with ease, leading the Lions on three consecutive touchdown drives before the Vikings finally answered.