The Detroit Lions hosted the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field on Sunday, November 2, in a high-energy matchup that didn’t go as the home team had hoped. Despite being favored, the Lions fell to the Vikings 27-24, handing Detroit their third loss of the season and leaving them with a 3-5 record ahead of their upcoming game against the Washington Commanders on November 9.
Rivalry games are always heated, and this one was no exception. The Vikings’ victory not only gave them bragging rights but also added to the disappointment for the Lions, who had entered the matchup as 9.5-point favorites.
J.J. McCarthy Takes a Subtle Shot at Dan Campbell
Following the game, Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy didn’t hold back on celebrating the win. For context, McCarthy is still early in his NFL career, with only three games under his belt, so some might find his post-game confidence surprising.
On Monday, November 3, he posted a series of photos from the game on Instagram with the caption, “Knee caps are intact,” referencing Detroit coach Dan Campbell’s well-known introduction as the Lions’ head coach in 2021.
Despite facing heavy pressure—18 pressures and five sacks, which ranked among the league’s highest this season—McCarthy completed 7 of 11 passes for 91 yards and a touchdown. His performance helped Minnesota secure their first win over the Lions since 2022, marking one of the season’s biggest upsets according to ESPN’s Kevin Seifert.
Bright Spots for the Lions
Though the loss stings, Detroit had some highlights. Running back David Montgomery recorded his 30th touchdown with the Lions, while Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs became the first running back duo in the Super Bowl era to each rush for 30 or more touchdowns across any three-season span.
Linebacker Jack Campbell also stood out, becoming the first Lions off-ball linebacker since Antonio London in 1995 to record at least one sack in three consecutive games.
The Lions will look to build on these positives as they prepare to face the Commanders on Sunday, November 9, in a matchup between Detroit (5-3) and Washington (3-6).
