CHRISTMAS CHEER

VIKINGS 23
LIONS 10

The Vikings hosted a Christmas Day game for the first time in over 30 years on Thursday, and after a season of giving out a lot of.coal, they pulled off one of the weirdest wins in recent memory, eliminating the fraudulent Detroit Lions from the playoffs in the process.

How weird was it? Well, the Lions had more turnovers than the Vikings had net passing yards. 

With JJ McCarthy probably done for the season, it was back to starting Max Brosmer for the first time since the Seattle debacle. And, I mean, I guess he wasn't as bad as he was in that game. He at least didn't turn the ball over, but between his inability to throw the football or avoid sacks, the Vikings had negative net passing yards until deep into the 4th quarter. Brosmer was 9 of 16 for 51 yards, playing behind an OL missing 3 starters, and without a couple offensive weapons available (Hockenson & Mason).

How the hell did the Vikings beat the high-powered Lions with such putrid offense? Well, the Lions, who had only turned the ball over 8 times all year coming in, coughed it up SIX times to the Vikings. Jared Goff fumbled 3 times and threw a pair of interceptions to Byron Murphy and Harrison Smith. The sheer volume of turnovers helped the Vikings scrape together enough points. 4 of the turnovers all but guaranteed the Vikings scores through field position alone. It helps when Will Reichard is nailing those long field goals. 

Aaron Jones grinded out some more tough yards, and Jordan Addison took an end-around late for a 65-yard touchdown that pretty much sealed the game.

The Vikings' defense, which has been one of the league's best in the last couple of months, put forth another stellar effort. Goff was consistently pressured, taking 5 sacks. The run defense again contained Jahmyr Gibbs. Andrew Van Ginkel grabbed 1.5 sacks and recovered a couple of fumbles. Harrison Smith had the kind of turn back the clock game that makes you wonder if he has another year left in him. 

The Tank Nazis (along with their new allies, the Schedule Nazis) don't like this, but there's value in this team not just sticking their collective tails between their legs and packing it in. It reflects very well on the coaches and the remaining players that they can finish strong. Maybe there will be a carryover, maybe not. But I'll take these games every time over a loss. 

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