The Detroit Lions defeated the Minnesota Vikings in Week 18. The 30-20 victory sees the Lions finish the regular season with a 12-5 record. It is the second time in the Super Bowl era that the Lions have finished a season with 12 wins. Here are the key takeaways from today’s win.
Injuries
The biggest talking point from this game was Sam LaPorta’s injury. Late in the second quarter, LaPorta’s left knee bowed. The rookie immediately grabbed his left leg. It did not look good. Mercifully, LaPorta did walk off the field, but the Lions did cart him down the tunnel. The team later ruled LaPorta out of the game.
Dan Campbell told FOX Sports’ Pam Oliver that the team will send LaPorta for MRIs on Monday. Nevertheless, only a miracle will see LaPorta suit up next weekend. With Brock Wright already battling a hip injury, Detroit’s tight end room took a big hit today. In his post-game press conference, Campbell said the following:
“The best way I can put it is it’s not as bad as it looked, but it’s not good news. We’ll know more tomorrow.”
Wide receiver Kalif Raymond also left the game with a knee injury. Raymond walked off the field with a heavy limp. While Jameson Williams and Donovan Peoples-Jones can fill the void, Raymond’s potential miss will hurt the special teams unit. He is an elite returner.
Brian Branch sustained a wrist injury, although he returned to the game after getting it checked. Lastly, Amon Ra St. Brown suffered a rib injury after a questionable move from Harrison Phillips. St. Brown stayed in the game, but the Lions will monitor these issues this week.
Ultimately, being a Monday morning quarterback in this situation is easy. But the decision for Campbell was not binary. The Lions did not want to lose two consecutive games. They also wanted to avoid losing rhythm or game sharpness. Injuries are a part of football, and with Wright’s injury, LaPorta would have still needed to play today. It is just an unfortunate situation.
Jared Goff Cooked Minnesota’s Blitz
The Vikings are an aggressive, blitzing defense, and they have caused headaches for some offenses this season. Moreover, analysts and experts have questioned whether Brian Flores had the upper hand over Jared Goff. Today, Goff torched Flores’ defense.
Per Next Gen Stats, Minnesota blitzed Goff 26 times. Goff went 18/26, throwing for 259 yards and two touchdowns. Goff was excellent all game. He played with rhythm, accuracy and trademark efficiency.
Overall, Goff threw for 320 yards and posted a 124.5 passer rating. The Lions quarterback was solid today.
Aidan Hutchinson’s Hot Streak Continues
Aidan Hutchinson enjoyed another excellent game today. Following a three-sack performance in Dallas, Hutchinson recorded two sacks, three TFLs and five quarterback hits. He was a constant menace. The sophomore star now has 11.5 sacks for the season.
Hutchinson playing this well this late in the season is a positive sign ahead of Wildcard Weekend. Hutchinson’s pressure is helping the defense create more opportunities.