The incredible shrinking football team wilted again on Sunday, blowing a 14-point lead to lose 34-31 in overtime to the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium.
The Vikings' offense scored two touchdowns in the first 16:45 of the game, then did not score another until 63 seconds remained in regulation. This continued a seasonlong trend of the Vikings thriving on scripted drives early and desperation drives late and doing nothing in between.
Vikings rookie Kene Nwangwu's kickoff return for a touchdown to open the second half briefly obscured the Vikings' offensive woes, but not for long, as Minnesota fell to 3-5 with games against the Chargers, Packers and 49ers looming the next three weeks.
Harrison Smith didn't take the field.
Smith owes his teammates an apology, if not a game check.
The Vikings' defense, missing four starters, played gamely, but was worn down by Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson's running and scrambling.
One of the starters they were missing was Smith, who is following protocols for unvaccinated players and was placed on the COVID-19 list on Sunday morning. He could have made all the difference on Sunday, and he would have been vital against the Chargers' big-play passing offense next week in Los Angeles. He is expected to be out at least 10 days.
Smith apparently was jealous of all of the wonderful publicity Aaron Rodgers received this week.
The Vikings built their lead on two early touchdown drives and an excellent defensive game plan that frustrated Jackson's running and scrambling, as he struggled to find his throwing accuracy.
The Vikings' second-half offense was epitomized by a third-and-18 play in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Kirk Cousins had plenty of time ... and threw a short pass to tight end Tyler Conklin about 16 yards short of the first down.
Don't blame all of the young players who were forced to take the field because of injuries and Smith's dereliction.
Don't blame the defense for getting worn down.
Blame the offense for not putting the game away early, and Smith for not being available at all.
