After Mike Zimmer recalled the three fumbles — the Vikings' biggest issue in Sunday's 14-7 loss to the Lions — he made sure to point out another key error in his postgame assessment.
"We missed the field goal in the third quarter," Zimmer said.
For the third time in four games, kicker Kai Forbath missed a kick. That's too much inconsistency for a Vikings organization fresh off jettisoning All-Pro kicker Blair Walsh for not settling into a groove.
On Sunday, Forbath dinged a 39-yard field goal attempt off the right upright, preventing the Vikings from cutting into Detroit's lead. Forbath had already missed an extra point in each of the first two games.
"It felt good leaving my foot," Forbath said, unsure of Sunday's mishap before reviewing the film.
Forbath has now missed a kick in five of 11 games since signing last year as the Vikings' midseason replacement for Walsh.
Just missed
The Vikings defense made life difficult for Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford, deflecting five of his passes in addition to taking him down for six sacks. A few of those deflections could've been had for interceptions, including one by cornerback Xavier Rhodes on a throw to Lions receiver Marvin Jones near the sideline.
Rhodes undercut Jones' route and got both hands on the ball for a would-be interception. But during an otherwise strong outing, the Vikings defense failed to get a takeaway for the third time in four games.