The Detroit Lions may have only scored 19 points against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, but what they were able to do to a previously impenetrable defense was jaw-dropping. Especially because going into this game, the Vikings were talked about as one of the best defenses in this league’s history.
The Lions’ second-half running game—23 carries for 164 yards (7.1 YPC) and 1 touchdown—not only broke through the 2026 Vikings defense, but they did some stuff that has almost never been done to a Vikings defense led
by coordinator Brian Flores.
According to Shawn Syed,the Lions’ 16.2 explosive play rate on Sunday was the highest mark of the Flores’ era with the Vikings. According to the FOX broadcast, the Lions forced more missed tackles than any team against this Vikings defense. Colton Pouncy was the first to point out that Detroit’s 230 total rushing yards were the second-most ever allowed by any Flores-led Vikings defense.
Or, if you’re a more visual learner, just look at the butt whooping the Lions put on the Vikings via most advanced metrics:
To recap, in the second half, the Lions:
- Had a 31.7% higher success rate than Minnesota
- Had 1.25 more points per drive
- Had 0.765 higher EPA/designed run
- Had 4.4 MORE yards per carry
- Had a 51.2% higher rushing success rate than Minnesota
It was a truly outstanding performance from the Lions offense, despite the low score. On this week’s PODcast, we break down how the Lions broke through the Vikings’ fortress. We also talk about our thoughts on the Jack Campbell injury, the strides the defense continues to make, and the odd officiating in the game, as well.
Check out the entire show on your favorite podcasting platform, or listen using the Spotify embed below:
As always, you can catch the video version of the podcast—where we talk about some of the coaching decisions made in this game plus other NFL action from Sunday—over on our YouTube page and Twitch channel. There you’ll also see some of our Movember celebration in action, including me doing 10 up-downs and eating “dead fish” flavored jelly beans.
Thanks to everyone who donated on Sunday night, especially the flood of $46 donations after the game. For more on our Movember campaign, including links to donate, check out our 2026 Movember explainer post.
