Every Friday morning, we'll answer Twitter and email questions submitted for these mailbags and our twice-a-week Access Vikings podcasts. Check out our latest podcast previewing Sunday's game against the Lions. You can subscribe on Apple and Google Play.
Q: How confident are you that the recent good play by the Vikings O line will continue? Or should we embrace for an emotional rollercoaster? — @MikeDigitalink
AK: Here's an odd stat: in a small sample size, the Lions defense has been particularly good against the pass at Ford Field. They've forced 10 sacks — nine in two home games, which were against Patrick Mahomes and Philip Rivers. They've allowed six passing touchdowns — none at home. Will Kirk Cousins and his offensive line bust those trends on Sunday?
The line has played well in spurts, the most consistent by far being right tackle Brian O'Neill, whose improvement in run blocking should not be overlooked. Left tackle Riley Reiff is expected to start on Sunday in Detroit, but his effectiveness could depend on the health of his ankle. Reiff tried to return against the Eagles, but it did not go well. He's been limited in two practices this week, and replacement Rashod Hill fared better against the Eagles.
Perhaps best friend to both will be running back Dalvin Cook against a Lions defense allowing 5.1 yards per carry. The offense looked great airing it out against a banged-up secondary playing ambitious coverages (and busting them), but they'll more than likely need Cook to be a difference maker again in Detroit. Run blocking has been the better scenario so far for this offensive line and rookie center Garrett Bradbury, whose 13 pressures allowed leads the Vikings, according to Pro Football Focus.
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Q: With the flexible scheming used vs. Eagles, do you think they've learned their lesson, or was the inflexibility used in Chicago them actually thinking they could win the same way every week? — @donraul007
AK: The Vikings' flexibility was gone in Chicago because they all but abandoned play-action passing (just 5 of 36 attempts) — a bread and butter concept for this system. You've seen deep play-action shots in the past two weeks, which has opened up the pass. It's seemingly revitalized the play caller's confidence in Cousins, who has responded to downfield play calls with big throws.
![Michael Fiddelke, Target CFO, at the downtown Target store Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2020, in Minneapolis, MN.] DAVID JOLES • david.joles@startribune.com Three years ago, Target laid out a bold plan to invest $7 billion into its business that paid off better than anyone could have imagined. Executives will head back to New York this week to lay out the next iteration of their strategy.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/SVPXUQT5IMZ577JHGLS5NYAPFI.jpg?&w=80&ar=1:1&fit=crop)
