The Minnesota Vikings defeated the Detroit Lions last Sunday, 27-24. It’s the first time the Vikings have won at Ford Field since 2021, and the first win against the Lions in five matchups. On their heels and facing adversity, it was always going to be a game where the Vikings had to reveal what they were made of. Questions surrounding the team heading into Week 9 were bleak, and the overall operation felt overwhelmed by the opposition.
The Vikings answered the call and looked like the team fans, coaches, and players expected them during training camp. In all three phases and across all four quarters, the Vikings played with grit and executed their playcalling at their highest clip all year.
Minnesota’s offensive and defensive lines were more physical than Detroit’s, and the Lions are notoriously physical at the line of scrimmage. Kevin O’Connell and Brian Flores seemed to be in lockstep when it came to situational game calling, and the energy that quarterback J.J. McCarthy provided was undeniable.
The Vikings team that showed up at Ford Field last Sunday can compete with anyone in the league, anywhere.
When McCarthy puts on that eye black and starts to get what is quickly becoming a famous look in his eye, everyone is going to want to go all-out for him. McCarthy looked the most comfortable he’s been all season in just his third start and was playing with swagger.
There are a few instances where McCarthy should have led the receiver a bit more downfield. Still, his decision-making in the intermediate game allowed the offense to move the ball consistently.
He missed several throws, too. But it's hard not to get excited about the upside when you see a guy do stuff like this, in career start No. 3, against one of the league's top teams.
J.J. McCarthy's best plays vs. Lions: pic.twitter.com/Kvl8M6Rj0N
— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) November 3, 2025
Thanks to a great overall performance from the interior offensive line, McCarthy could shift his weight in the pocket with time to deliver on the deep out and corner routes. That was another piece of the puzzle that fans were eager to see. When the interior line gives McCarthy enough time, the early sample size is promising.
McCarthy’s spark on offense was a result of playing smart. When to run, when to check at the line to call a blitz beater, and how fast the ball needs to come out on a fade to Justin Jefferson for the first touchdown of the day. All of these elements contributed to McCarthy’s methodical success.
On the other side, Minnesota’s defensive line finally showed its teeth in a tenacious effort to overwhelm Jared Goff and the quick-hitters that the Lions thrive with on offense. It felt like a return to form for Brian Flores, given the simulated pressures that he called all day. That use of quick pressures, which were called at a season-high 35.7%, allowed for matchups to exploit Detroit’s running back Jahmyr Gibbs all game long.
Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs had a rough time in pass pro against the Vikings' blitzing linebackers. 7 pressures allowed on 15 snaps, per PFF. pic.twitter.com/B3vPVHe7fI
— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) November 3, 2025
Javon Hargraeve and Jonathan Allen were providing push all day long. Once you collapse on the inside in that fashion, it allows Andrew Van Ginkel to loop and stunt inside.
Van Ginkel elevated the entire pass-rush operation in his return from a neck injury. With five total sacks on the day and relentless pressure packages, it was all clicking for the front four, who were going against one of the most sturdy offensive lines in the league. The linebacker play from Blake Cashman and Eric Wilson also reached a crescendo. They combined for 20 tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks, and one forced fumble.
Andrew Van Ginkel is such a special player. pic.twitter.com/NVGdCZMPTI
— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) November 4, 2025
Myles Price had a total of 164 return yards, not including a 99-yard kick return touchdown that was called back due to a hold. With Price providing shorter fields all day and Will Reichard having another perfect day, special teams lifted the Vikings.
It was a coming-out party for the team, which had high expectations going into the season. With players gradually getting healthy, if the Vikings execute on all three levels like this, they can compete with anyone in the league. That should be the mentality going forward, in what feels like a team with a brand new outlook on the season.
However, the margin for error is still slim, and the Vikings will need to be prepared for another physical game against the Baltimore Ravens, who heating up themselves with the return of Lamar Jackson.