Small errors added up to a costly mistake for the Minnesota Vikings, ending their five-game winning streak in a 31-29 loss to the Detroit Lions on October 20.
With the clock winding down and the ball at midfield, the Vikings spiked it, setting up rookie kicker Will Reichard for a 68-yard attempt that coach O’Connell was hopeful about.
However, only six players lined up properly, causing a five-yard penalty that pushed the Vikings out of Reichard’s range. On the next play, Sam Darnold was sacked attempting a Hail Mary, but the penalty sealed the Vikings’ fate.
It was their eighth penalty, with seven on offense. Although not the only reason for the loss, it highlighted Minnesota’s offensive struggles throughout the game, which included three holding calls, two illegal formations, a false start, and offsides.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell took responsibility for the mistakes, which played a part in the Vikings’ first defeat of the season.
“That’s on me,” O’Connell said. “To fix these mistakes… When competing at the level we want, we can’t give other good teams an edge. We need all 11 guys focused on execution in every phase, pre and post-snap. I’ll keep pushing the team every day.”
