2. The patchwork OL allowed pressure on just 29 percent of Bridgewater's dropbacks, according to Pro Football Focus. Against the NFL's best defensive line, a patchwork group for the Vikings may not have been perfect, but their effort was commendable. The line benefitted from Turner's game plan that got the ball out quick or moved Bridgewater out of the pocket to neutralize the Lions' front four. When Bridgewater stayed in the pocket, the Vikings often kept an extra blocker or two in order to double team two or three rushers. "As receivers we knew we had to beat their defensive front," Charles Johnson said. "That's really who we were competing with. They have some great guys up there, we have to make sure we're getting off the ball fast and getting open quicker."
Game ball: Brian Robison, Xavier Rhodes -- Robison and Griffen may be one of the NFL's best defensive end tandems, and both have the ability to play on the inside, which Robison showed on Sunday. Rhodes' play on Johnson won't get him any Canton votes, but he passed the test his first time around.
“Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it's much more serious than that.” --- Bill Shankly