It wasn't always pretty, but the Vikings keep rolling
The Minnesota Vikings have won four consecutive games following their four-game losing streak. Detroit's playoff hopes were dashed as the Vikings' defense forced six turnovers, while doing just enough on offense to secure a 23-10 win. Max Brosmer struggled under center, but the Vikings' smothering defense provided the offense with enough opportunities to capitalize on.
Here are three takeaways from the Vikings win on Christmas Day:
Minnesota's passing offense disappears
Seven sacks, 3.2 YPA, 9/16, 51 yards, and a 62.2 NFL QB rating were how Brosmer's day ended. To put it another way, the Vikings finished with three net passing yards. On the seven sacks, the Vikings lost 48 yards. It is tough to wrap your head around those numbers.
Aaron Jones and Jordan Addison added rushing touchdowns. Addison's was a 65-yarder on a reverse play. Justin Jefferson led the team with 30 receiving yards on four catches. This has been a season to forget for Kevin O'Connell and the Vikings' passing offense.
Six turnovers is the key on defense
Five of the Lions' six turnovers were charged to Jared Goff, including two interceptions and three fumbles lost. Jahmyr Gibbs lost the other fumble as the Lions lost their grip on their playoff chances. With 20 pressures, the Vikings regularly harassed Goff into six sacks, three QB hits, and 11 hurries to go with the turnovers.
Harrison Smith notched another interception to lead all active players in the NFL. Dallas Turner enjoyed a great game with five pressures, a sack, four hurries, and tackles. Also, chipping in four defensive stops and a forced fumble, Turner was great on Thursday. Turner led all pass rushers with a 32% win rate and 27.3% in true pass sets.
Blake Cashman is a tackling machine
Cashman has been tackling like a man possessed. Add 17 more tackles for the linebacker with a sack and a TFL. Cashman has three games with over ten tackles and 92 on the season, which is a new career-high. On 64 snaps, it felt like the linebacker was at the bottom of every pile.
His 92.1 run defense grade was the highest on Sunday. Cashman is on pace for his best season as a tackler with a PFF grade of 82.2. The final two games are a perfect time for Cashman to continue his hot play and stack up more career-highs. The Vikings' defense was a lot of fun to watch on Thursday.