The Detroit Lions head to Minnesota on Sunday for a potential date with fate; at 10-4, they require one more win to seal their first division title in 30 years. It is arguably the biggest game in recent Lions history.
However, the Minnesota Vikings will not lie down for the Lions. At 7-7, the Vikes know they must defeat Detroit to win the NFC North. There is no turning back for Minnesota now. They will push the Lions to the limit. Here are three keys to victory for Dan Campbell’s team.
Beat the Blitz
The Minnesota Vikings lead the NFL in blitz rates. Blitzing is their identity, and defensive coordinator Brian Flores will send his defense after Jared Goff. Minnesota’s blitz percentage sits at over 50%, and they are excellent at disguising blitzes and causing confusion. The Vikings also lead the league in drop-8 playcalls. Flores wants to confuse the offense. The smoke and mirrors he employs can create havoc in a quarterback’s head.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell said this about Minnesota’s defense:
“They’ve given a lot of quarterbacks trouble with the nature of how they play defense and what he calls and how they disguise. Between max coverage, max pressure, a look that — one look can give you three different things. That’s what they do well.”
Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson said this about the Vikings:
“Hey, they’re either max coverage or max pressure,’ as a general philosophy. A lot of teams do that down in the red zone, but Flores has kind of taken that to a new extreme, at any time, at any moment. It’s been fun this week trying to dissect their defense.”
Nonetheless, the Lions can attack Minnesota’s blitz. Detroit has already played two heavy-blitzing teams, the Denver Broncos and the Tampa Bay Buccanneers. Jared Goff’s QBR in those games were 76.2 and 73. When blitzed by the Broncos, Goff completed 14 passes for 178 yards. The Vikings have also surrendered 14 touchdowns when blitzing.
With Frank Ragnow back in front of Goff, the veteran quarterback should find it easier to diagnose Minnesota’s blitzes and drop-8 plays. Moreover, the Lions can use multiple weapons to get Minnesota off balance.
Sam LaPorta is a big target for Goff and a reliable catcher. Using Jahmyr Gibbs’ speed out of the backfield on screen plays and swing routes could confuse the Vikings. And in Amon Ra St. Brown, the Lions have arguably the best hot-route option.
Jahmyr Gibbs
The NFL is now about generating explosive plays, and the Lions possess a walking explosive play on their roster. Jahmyr Gibbs is second overall amongst running backs for explosive plays. Gibbs is a ferocious runner with a turbocharged engine. The Vikings have allowed just one 20-yard+ run all season.
Gibbs is the kind of player that can change that quickly. If the Lions can unleash Gibbs, Minnesota might get away from their aggressive blitz defense. Gibbs is a home run waiting to happen. As a catcher and carrier, the Lions must find ways to involve Gibbs.
Do Not Fear the Moment
Sometimes, the final step is the most challenging. At 10-4, the Lions have earned the right to play for the division title. It is a momentous occasion. The Lions have never won the NFC North, and they are three-point road favourites. It is one of the biggest games in franchise history.
But they cannot ponder on the enormity of the occasion. Instead of riding the rollercoaster, the Lions must stay mentally locked in. The Minnesota fans will make it as hostile and as loud as possible. There will be plays that go wrong and tough moments.
The Lions cannot afford to lose themselves to the pressure. It is a day for ice-cool heads and mentality monsters. Staying present and focused is the big key.