NFL Week 9 Refocused PFF: Minnesota Vikings 34, Detroit Lions 20 | NFL News, Rankings & Stats



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Dalvin Cook is gone for the second week in a row for the Minnesota Vikings, which puts up one of the league’s most conservative offenses for a big day every time it happens. The Vikings easily handled their division rivals, winning at home 34-24.

Editor’s Note: All PFF ratings and advanced stats for this game will be finalized and made available to ELITE subscribers within 24 hours of the final whistle.

History of the game

Cook finished the game with over 200 rushing yards, including 166 after contact as he broke six rushing tackles and scored two more touchdowns. His numbers could have been even higher, but some of the late work went to Alexander Mattison after the game was ruled safe.

Detroit was fortunate enough to keep pace in what became a shootout, but they returned the ball whenever they threatened – first with Matthew Stafford, then with Chase Daniel after Stafford was taken out of the game. for a suspected head injury.

Stafford had two interceptions and three turn-worthy plays, while Daniel followed up with a terrible interception from him to give the Vikings three free possessions and chew a clock for any potential comebacks.

Overall, the Vikings have only made 55 offensive plays, but have nearly reached 500 total yards at 8.8 yards per play. They are averaging 8.1 yards per carry as a team and have almost reached 300 yards. on the ground. Their passing game was a solid addition, but for the second week in a row, Minnesota’s running game was virtually unstoppable.

November 8, 2020; Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States; Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook (33) celebrates his fourth quarter touchdown against the Detroit Lions at US Bank Stadium. Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

This team’s offense has always been better than their record and early season performances, and the defense at least held their end of the bargain this week with turnovers to seal a comfortable win in the division.

Recruit watch

Detroit received offensive contributions from a few players this week. Jonah Jackson continued to start at guard but didn’t have his best game of the season. It allowed three total presses on 44 blocking shots.

Quintez Cephus caught his two targets for 31 yards, each moving the chains with a first down.

In backfield, D’Andre Swift had three catches for 33 yards and 13 attempts for 64 yards, including 24 after contact thanks to four broken tackles.

First pick Jeffrey Okudah had another tough day before injury forced him out of the game. He played a total of 26 shots, giving up three catches for 61 yards and a touchdown.

John Penisini also played 37 shots on the defensive line and was largely disappointing.

For Minnesota, Ezra Cleveland took another start at guard and will end up with a lower than average overall rating. Justin Jefferson caught three passes for 64 yards, one of which was an impressive play for Minnesota.

In defense, DJ Wonnum and Troy Dye each played important snaps, but didn’t do much to distinguish themselves, but first-round pick Jeff Gladney had one of the best games of his career. He still gave up six catches, but he was good at going up and tackling, racking up three defensive saves and avoiding huge plays against him for the most part.

ELITE subscribers can view player ratings, advanced stats, number of positional snapshots and more in premium 2.0 stats.

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