Vikings offense and line overwhelmed in loss

Detroit's front four dominated Vikings line

October 12, 2014 at 8:14PM

And you thought the Vikings offense against the Green Bay Packers was bad?

The Vikings offense did zilch against the Detroit Lions in a miserable 17-3 loss at TCF Bank Stadium. Only a meaningless field goal with 4:53 left in the game saved them from a shutout.

The blame for their ineptitude on offense should be shared, but this game came down to one area: The Lions defensive front manhandled the Vikings offensive line.

The Vikings couldn't run the ball and Teddy Bridgewater felt constant pressure every time he dropped back to pass. Bridgewater struggled with three interceptions and looked like a rookie facing an elite defense. He was awful.

But his protection failed him, allowing eight sacks for the game.

The Vikings gave up four sacks in the first half. They had 77 total yards of offense at halftime. They looked overwhelmed by Detroit's massive front four.

It felt like the Vikings could've played until Tuesday and not scored a touchdown against the Lions. They had no chance.

about the writer

about the writer

Chip Scoggins

Columnist

Chip Scoggins is a sports columnist and enterprise writer for the Minnesota Star Tribune. He has worked at the Minnesota Star Tribune since 2000 and previously covered the Vikings, Gophers football, Wild, Wolves and high school sports.

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