Vikings-Lions Burning Questions: The Detroit Lions taking the lead, then playing giveaway to start the Minnesota Vikings on the way to a 27-9 victory at Ford Field on Sunday.
Question: Did the Vikings win the game, or did the Lions lose it?
Answer: The Vikings won it, fair and square. They were the better team, just like they were in their 24-9 win over the Lions in the first meeting in Week 9.
But the Lions contributed with breakdowns and misplays that let the Vikings score two touchdowns in the last two minutes of the first half. The Vikings wiped out a 9-0 deficit and took a 14-9 lead after being outplayed by a wide margin in the first 28 minutes of the half.
It was some of the worst football the Lions have played this season, and that's saying something.
View in-game photos from the Detroit Lions Week 16 game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Detroit Lions running back Zach Zenner (34) on special teams during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Zach Zenner (34) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Zach Zenner (34) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Zach Zenner (34) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Zach Zenner (34) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Frank Ragnow (77) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions guard Kenny Wiggins (79) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions center/guard Graham Glasgow (60) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tackle Rick Wagner (71) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Andy Jones (17) downs a punt inside the 2-yard line during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive back Tracy Walker (47) downs a punt inside the 2-yard line during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Nevin Lawson (24) celebrates a sack with Detroit Lions defensive end Romeo Okwara (95) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions special teams celebrates downing a punt at the 2-yard line during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions long snapper Don Muhlbach (48) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions kicker Matt Prater (5) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions Academy principal Alean King is surprised with Super Bowl tickets during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions Academy principal Alean King is surprised with Super Bowl tickets during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Zach Zenner (34) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Christian Jones (52) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions kicker Matt Prater (5) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions long snapper Don Muhlbach (48) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Bud Light Knight participates in the Cub Cam during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions punter Sam Martin (6) kicks off during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive tackle Damon Harrison (98) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tight end Levine Toilolo (87) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions punter Sam Martin (6) punts during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Jarrad Davis (40) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Nevin Lawson (24) sacks Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back LeGarrette Blount (29) takes the handoff from Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Zach Zenner (34) takes the handoff from Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions punter Sam Martin (6) punts during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive back Quandre Diggs (28) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive tackle Damon Harrison (98) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Christian Jones (52) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tight end Jerome Cunningham (86) on special teams during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tight end Luke Willson (82) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions punter Sam Martin (6) kicks off during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive back Quandre Diggs (28) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ricky Jean Francois (97) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ricky Jean Francois (97) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Jamal Agnew (39) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back LeGarrette Blount (29) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker (68) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tight end Levine Toilolo (87) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws a block during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Nevin Lawson (24) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive end Romeo Okwara (95) sacks Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Frank Ragnow (77) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Andy Jones (17) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions safety Miles Killebrew (35) on special teams during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Kelvin Sheppard (51) on special teams during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay (23) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive back Quandre Diggs (28) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Christian Jones (52) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions punter Sam Martin (6) punts during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
A fan receives a surprise from Santa Claus during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
A fan receives a surprise from Santa Claus during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Former Lions running back Joique Bell with Detroit Lions safety Glover Quin (27) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Former Lions running back Joique Bell ignites the engine during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Former Lions running back Joique Bell during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Brandon Powell (10) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive tackle John Atkins (99) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive back Tracy Walker (47) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
US Navy electricians mate third class Ed Wozniak is honored as the Applebee's hometown hero during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive back Tracy Walker (47) on special teams during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defense during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay (23) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver Andy Jones (17) on special teams during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back LeGarrette Blount (29) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions punter Sam Martin (6) punts during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions defensive end Romeo Okwara (95) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions linebacker Christian Jones (52) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions fan during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions running back Theo Riddick (25) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Jamal Agnew (39) returns a kickoff during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions wide receiver TJ Jones (13) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matt Cassel (8) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matt Cassel (8) and Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matt Cassel (8) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions tight end Jerome Cunningham (86) during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matt Cassel (8) scrambles during a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) and Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) following a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay (23) and Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) following a NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Detroit. (Detroit Lions via AP).
Q. Which units were responsible for the Vikings taking over the game?
A. All of them. There was a big penalty on special teams, two breakdowns on defense that gave up big gains and the offense doing what the offense has done in the second half of the season – nothing.
The bottom line: It doesn't mean the Vikings wouldn't have gotten it together in the second half and won anyway, but what the Lions did at the end of the second half was an absolute giveaway. There's no other way to put it.
It was like giving them a gift card with no limit. Get what you want, and the Lions will pay for it.
Q. Lions lead: The Lions had a 9-0 lead until the Vikings took over late in the first half. Should they have been satisfied with that?
A. Yes and no. Yes, with the way the defense played – shutting out the Vikings to that point. And no for the offense – not being able to find the end zone, and continuing some questionable play calling, specifically the frustrating short passes and running plays on third and long.
Q. The start: What started the Vikings' rally?
A. It was a breakdown in the secondary on a third and 17 in coverage that let Adam Thielen get wide open down the right sideline for a 40-yard catch to the Lions' nine-yard line with 1:41 left.
It was only the second first down of the half for the Vikings. It looked like there was a miscommunication on the play between DeShawn Shead and Darius Slay that left Thielen with nobody near him.
Two plays later, Stefon Diggs was open in the end zone for an eight-yard catch that cut the Lions' lead to 9-7.
Q. Offense: How did it help the Vikings in the rally?
A. It could have run out the clock to keep the Vikings from getting the ball back, but it managed only one first down and had to punt the ball.
Q. Special teams: Any excuse for Tracy Walker getting a 15-yard penalty for interfering with the return man on the punt?
A. No excuse for running into a return man before the ball got there. None. Leave it at that. It let the Vikings start their final possession of the half at the 30 instead of their 15. That's a big difference, especially the way the Vikings' offense had struggled most of the first half.
Q. Hail Mary: Any excuse . . .
A. Don't bother to finish. No excuse for letting Kyle Rudolph catch a 44-yard pass in the end zone for a touchdown on the last play of the half. The Lions even sent 6-foot-4 wide receiver Kenny Golladay out to play deep safety on the play, and he never got involved in it.
Rudolph was in perfect position with two Lions defenders directly behind him and none directly in front to catch Cousins' pass with no time left on the clock.
That made it 14-9. The Vikings had their first lead, and they steadily pulled away in the second half.
Q. Give and take: The Lions helped the Vikings, but does that mean the Vikings didn't deserve to win?
A. No. They deserved it.
The bottom line on this year's two Lions-Vikings games is that the Lions didn't score a touchdown in either game. They had three field goals in the first one and three more on Sunday.
That is not winning football.
