Lions Have Disastrous Letdown, Lose 27-24 to Vikings

Lions' defense gashed early

Detroit's defense did not start the game executing well.

J.J. McCarthy, making his return to action, was able to lead the Vikings' offense on touchdown drives the first two occasions the team had the football.

Justin Jefferson, who re-kindled his rivalry with cornerback Amik Robertson, hauled in a one-handed grab to tie the game at 7-7.

Following a Lions drive that resulted in net yards loss, McCarthy quickly marched the Vikings down the field.

Jordan Addison had an explosive reception of 31 yards with safety Arthur Maulet in coverage that placed the offense deep in the red zone.

T.J. Hockenson, who started his career in Detroit, capped off the Vikings second drive, and gave his team a 14-7 lead, with a seven-yard touchdown reception in his return to Ford Field.

Kelvin Sheppard's defense early was not all that effective on third-down and were gashed along the interior on a couple of occasions in the run game.

Offense, offensive line have worst game of season

Detroit's opening drive was strong, but things turned sour after LaPorta's touchdown. After Myles Price's big kick return set up Minnesota's first score, the Lions got the ball back and began to struggle.

Hampered by predictable play-calling and pass-protection struggles, the Lions went three-and-out on their second drive and managed one first down on their third. In that span, the Lions allowed two sacks and five quarterback hits on their way to two punts.

Fortunately, the Lions were able to find a bit of a groove on their fourth offensive series, with Goff shedding another sack to find David Montgomery for a big first down.

The drive would end with the Lions facing a fourth-and-goal from the Minnesota one-yard line, with Montgomery punching in the one-yard score, tying the game at 14-14.

In the second half, running back David Montgomery turned the football over, fumbling. As a result, the Vikings started their possession on Detroit's 35-yard line.

McCarthy made the Lions pay, rushing for a nine-yard touchdown, extending the Vikings lead to 24-14.

The offensive line gave up far too many sacks and pressures and the rushing attack struggled for most of the Week 9 contest.

Christian Mahogany was carted off the field in the fourth-quarter after suffering a knee injury.

Terrion Arnold earns first career interception

Detroit's defense had a bright spot in the first half, as former first-round pick Terrion Arnold was able to secure his first career interception.

McCarthy targeted Jalen Nailor, but the former Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back wrestled the football away. After a review, the turnover was upheld, and Arnold was able to celebrate a career milestone in the end zone with his defensive teammates.

Officials were awful

Throughout the game, the officials became a growing story, as calls were announced wrong or made it difficult for Detroit to get into any sort of rhythm.

The officials were certainly not keeping their flags in their pockets, as linebacker Jack Campbell was flagged for unnecessary roughness, Aidan Hutchinson was called for

In the second half, Dan Campbell challenged a call that Jefferson secured a completion that would have extended a drive.

After review, it was determined the officials incorrectly ruled the play a catch.