8 Takeaways from Lions' 28-24 Loss Against Vikings
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Over the past few seasons, the Detroit Lions have not been very successful when matching up against the Minnesota Vikings.
Prior to the surprise victory in Week 13 of last season, the Lions had lost eight consecutive contests to their divisional rival.
On Sunday, the team battled for four quarters, weathered key players getting banged up, but was not able to hold on to a late lead on the road.
The team was seeking its first win on the road with head coach Dan Campbell at the helm.
Here are eight takeaways from the Lions' 28-24 loss against the Vikings in Week 3.
Dan Campbell's decision to kick a late field goal will be scrutinized
Leading by three, Campbell decided to rely on the foot of kicker Austin Siebert.
Unfortunately, the 54-yard attempt was unsuccessful.
Campbell had been previously aggressive the entire game, providing an outlet for criticism that the team could have went for it on fourth down or simply punted the football away.
The Vikings took advantage of the stop defensively, and scored the go-ahead touchdown.
Lions have scored touchdown in 18 straight quarters
Facing a fourth-and-5 decision early in the first quarter, head coach Dan Campbell decided to go for it.
An effective play design saw wideout DJ Chark open the lane for Amon-Ra St. Brown to secure a 30-yard reception on a crossing route out of the slot.
The Lions went on to take the early 7-0 lead, as Jamaal Williams capped off the drive with a rushing touchdown.
The Lions have now scored a touchdown in 18 straight quarters, a franchise and NFL record.
Aggressiveness pays off early
Lions started the game being ultra aggressive, going for it on fourth-down repeatedly.
In fact, Campbell went for it on four consecutive fourth-downs before Jack Fox punted the football.
Unlike years past, the team was able to execute at a high level in key moments in the first half.
After connecting with Josh Reynolds for a 14-yard gain early in the second quarter, the Lions successfully earned a first-down on their first three fourth-down attempts.
Goff and the offense were able to capitalize, as tight end T.J. Hockenson capped off the drive with a 5-yard touchdown reception to give the Lions a 14-0 lead.
Leading 14-7, Detroit was not able to convert on fourth-and-2 near midfield. Linebacker Eric Kendricks was quickly able to recognize that Hockenson was the target and broke up the play.
The Vikings immediately capitalized, and tied the game at 14.
Dalvin Cook capped off the drive with his first rushing touchdown of the season.
Lions' run defense deficient
Despite a concerted effort to try and limit the impact of Cook and the Vikings rushing attack, the Lions' defense did not execute well enough in their efforts to stop the run early in the game.
John Cominsky had surgery this week and the Lions' defense was able to slow down the offense for a brief period of time to start the game.
But, Cousins and the offense rallied, using the run game to move the football down the field in the second quarter.
Midway through the third quarter, the Vikings were able to average over 5.0 yards per carry.
Cook left the game prematurely, as he injured his shoulder and was not able to return.
Lions lose defensive leader
Safety Tracy Walker, who has emerged as a defensive leader, unfortunately left the game in the first quarter with an apparent ankle injury.
The 27-year-old was helped off of the field by trainers, but could not make it to the locker room on his own to be evaluated. He was eventually carted off the field.
He did not return to the game, as he was ruled out after being evaluated.
Detroit was thin at the position, as JuJu Hughes played alongside veteran DeShon Elliott.
If Walker should miss an extended period of time, the team has two young safeties waiting in the wings to step in: Kerby Joseph and Ifeatu Melifonwu. Both Joseph and Melifonwu have been added to the roster, via the NFL Draft, in the last two years.
Amon-Ra St. Brown banged up
Following his fourth reception of the game, Amon-Ra St. Brown limped to the sideline, as he apparently suffered a right leg injury.
After being evaluated by the medical staff, St. Brown re-taped his ankle, and returned midway through the second quarter.
His streak of eight consecutive games with eight or more receptions came to an end, however.
Jeffrey Becker, USA TODAY Sports
Kicking game shaky to start the game
After kicker Austin Seibert missed his first field goal attempt of the season, clanging the attempt off of the right upright, the Vikings first offensive drive ended with a similar fate.
Greg Joseph's 56-yard miss gave the Lions solid field position, starting on their own 46-yard line.
Detroit was able to capitalize, scoring first on their second offensive drive.
Amani Oruwariye struggles
The Lions were expecting the talented defensive back to take a significant leap forward this season.
In fact, the coaching staff was expecting the 26-year-old to become a "shutdown cornerback" this season.
Against the Vikings, Oruwariye, who tallied six interceptions last year, was flagged repeatedly for his tight coverage against the Vikings' receivers.
Yet, late in the game, leading by three, Oruwariye was actually not flagged on a key fourth-down play while covering Adam Thielen.
