With the roar of the Minnesota crowd still echoing, Harrison Smith celebrated a career-highlight moment as the Vikings edged the Lions 23-10 on Thursday night.
Game Overview
The Vikings finished the game 8-8, their fourth straight win, while the Lions fell to 8-8 and were eliminated from playoff contention.
Defensive Dominance
Harrison Smith recorded one of the two interceptions and one of the five sacks on Jared Goff, adding three pass deflections, two tackles for loss and a quarterback hit. “When you can get out there with a defense like that and a play-caller like that, it’s just fun. I don’t care what day it is. I don’t care what’s on the line. I don’t care what’s at stake. We play a really aggressive style of football that I absolutely love,” said Smith.
Key Players
Jordan Addison capped the win with a 65-yard jet sweep touchdown with 3:43 remaining, after the Vikings forced six turnovers. Goff was held to 18-for-29 for 197 yards and one touchdown pass to Isaac TeSlaa, but lost three fumbles-once on a sack and twice on errant snaps by backup center Kingsley Eguakun.
Turnovers
The Lions’ coach Dan Campbell summed up the game: “The story of the game is turnovers,” he said. “You can’t turn the ball over six times and win in this league.”
Offense and Special Teams
Undrafted rookie Max Brosmer started for injured J.J. McCarthy at quarterback, completing 9-for-16 for 51 yards while allowing seven sacks. The Vikings had only 75 net yards before Addison’s touchdown, but Brosmer’s protection helped set up Will Reichard’s three field goals.
Injuries
Lions injuries included linebacker Alex Anzalone and safety Thomas Harper, both sidelined by concussions, and safety Avonte Maddox with a back injury. Eguakun was promoted to start in place of Graham Glasgow, while Taylor Decker was inactive with a shoulder injury and Alim McNeill aggravated an abdominal injury. Vikings injuries saw Myles Price miss the opening kickoff due to an ankle injury and RB Jordan Mason remain inactive.
Future Games
The Lions will travel to Chicago for Week 18, while the Vikings host Green Bay on either January 3 or 4.
Key Takeaways
- The Vikings’ 23-10 win was built on a defensive outburst, with Smith’s two interceptions and five sacks.
- Jordan Addison’s 65-yard touchdown was the game-sealing play.
- The Lions’ six turnovers cost them a playoff spot.
With the season over next week, Smith reflected on the season’s defensive success and the fans’ support: “We’re out of the playoffs. Everybody shows up in white. They do their part,” he said, adding, “And one of these days, they’ll get it.”
