By Moses Joshua 
A costliest collapse yet as the Lions’ high hopes take a hit against a revitalized Vikings squad
It just wasn’t the Lions’ day.
The Detroit Lions fell flat in their Week 9 divisional showdown against the Minnesota Vikings, and there was no single culprit — rather, a symphony of missteps. From a rocky start on special teams to a sputtering offensive performance, Detroit never found its rhythm. For a team many pegged as a Super Bowl contender, the loss was a stark reminder that no game in the NFC North comes easy.
The 37-10 defeat exposed cracks on both sides of the ball, leaving fans frustrated and coaches searching for answers. Still, amid the chaos, a few players managed to show heart — even if the positives were buried beneath a pile of miscues.
Loser: Lions Offensive Line
Jared Goff faced relentless pressure all afternoon, and while he shoulders part of the blame, Detroit’s offensive line simply crumbled under Minnesota’s heat. Brian Flores unleashed an aggressive blitz-heavy scheme, and the interior trio of Graham Glasgow, Christian Mahogany, and Tate Ratledge couldn’t hold the line.
Goff’s 43.8 PFF grade when blitzed told the story: the Vikings dictated the tempo, collapsing the pocket repeatedly and forcing rushed decisions. Injuries didn’t help, but protection breakdowns turned a manageable matchup into a nightmare.
Loser: Jared Goff
Statistically, Goff’s performance might look solid — 284 yards, two touchdowns, a 108.4 passer rating — but numbers alone can’t mask the unease in his play. His pocket presence wavered, his timing faltered, and his mobility against pressure was nearly nonexistent.
Goff absorbed five sacks, the most he’s taken since Week 1, and several of his throws sailed off target. Though far from the only issue, his inability to adapt against the Vikings’ swarming defense prevented Detroit from regaining momentum.
Loser: Arthur Maulet
The veteran cornerback had a forgettable outing, struggling mightily in coverage against rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy and star receiver Justin Jefferson. Maulet gave up multiple key receptions, including the backbreaking play that sealed Minnesota’s victory.
At 32, his experience should translate to discipline and positioning — traits that seemed to vanish in this matchup. With injuries already stretching Detroit’s secondary thin, Maulet’s lapses proved costly at the worst moments.
Loser: John Morton
Detroit’s offense has lost its spark — and much of that falls on offensive coordinator John Morton. His overreliance on short screens and predictable play calls left the Lions’ attack lifeless and one-dimensional.
Minnesota’s defense anticipated nearly every move, snuffing out runs and limiting Jahmyr Gibbs’ explosive potential. Once one of the league’s most creative offenses, Detroit’s play design has become stagnant. As a result, Morton found himself thoroughly out-coached by Brian Flores, whose adaptability was the game’s deciding factor.
Winner: Jack Fox
In a game where nearly everything went wrong, punter Jack Fox stood tall — literally and figuratively. His booming 58-yard punt flipped field position in the first half, and later, he made a crucial open-field tackle that prevented a Vikings touchdown after a long return.
Fox’s hustle and execution might not make headlines, but his efforts embodied the grit that Detroit fans have come to respect.
Winner: Jameson Williams
Wideout Jameson Williams finally showed flashes of the explosive potential that made him a first-round pick. After coaches publicly emphasized the need to get him more involved, Williams responded with 66 yards and a touchdown on six targets — his third-highest involvement this season.
Williams’ speed stretched Minnesota’s defense late in the game, giving Detroit brief life in an otherwise dismal performance. If anything, this outing proved the Lions need to lean into his talent more consistently moving forward.
The Bottom Line
The Lions’ Week 9 collapse wasn’t about one play — it was about a lack of rhythm, creativity, and composure. While players like Fox and Williams offered glimmers of hope, the broader issues up front and in play-calling painted a worrying picture.
For a team with championship aspirations, Detroit’s performance in Minnesota was a wake-up call: talent alone won’t carry them through the grind of divisional battles. If they want to live up to the hype, the Lions must rediscover their edge — fast.