The Detroit offense was driving in the fourth quarter, but the Minnesota defense came up with yet another timely interception.
For the third time in the game, a Vikings defensive back intercepted a Lions quarterback. This time, Harrison Smith came up with the play to give the Vikings the ball back, up 34-13, with the game appearing well out of reach.
Not so fast, said the Vikings punt protection. Detroit blocked its second punt of the game once Minnesota got the ball back. The Lions later scored to make it 34-20.
On the team’s next drive, Dalvin Cook and Alexander Mattison helped run out the clock to make the game all but over.
Some have questioned the decision to bring Cook out for the Vikings next drive. Cook had plenty of carries already and the team was still up by 14.
The Vikings running back talked with reporters about the team’s choice to bring him out for the next drive. Asked about whether he would have stayed at 190 rushing yards and been out of the game had the Lions not come back, he agreed.
“(The score) was giving them a chance to get back in the game, and we wanted to end the game as quick as possible,” Cook told reporters, via the Vikings. “Coach threw me back out there. They had a chance to make a play, but we just made another one.”
Cook finished with 206 rushing yards. I think anyone who watches the Vikings offense this year should know just how much better it is with Cook in the backfield.
The Titans and Seahawks defeats should be reminders that the Vikings can let opponents back into games. This game was different, thanks to Cook.
