Detroit Lions vs Minnesota Vikings Week 7 Preview

The Detroit Lions are headed to Minnesota to take on the undefeated 5-0 Vikings. The Lions’ reality is now life without Aidan Hutchinson as they take on a Minnesota team that not only has the best record in the NFL but is also coming off their bye week. The NFC North rivals should put on a good show for their fans. The Lions may have a tough task without their superstar on the defensive side of the ball.

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Detroit Lions’ Life without Hutch

The Detroit Lions may have a tall task facing off against the undefeated division rival Minnesota Vikings in week 7. The team will be playing its first game since superstar Aidan Hutchinson broke his leg in the third quarter against the Dallas Cowboys in week 6. Hutch was on pace for a career-best season and possibly sack record. Coach Dan Campbell will execute a game plan with the “next man up” mentality to try to replace the All-Pro defensive end. The combination of James Houston, Josh Paschal, and newly signed Isaiah Thomas will most likely be on rotation to fill the Hutchinson void.

Detroit Lions rookie Terrion Arnold will have a huge task lining up against arguably the league’s best receiver, Justin Jefferson. Expect to have some help from the young corner to try to contain Jefferson throughout the day. It should be interesting to see how the Detroit Lions’ defense responds without their anchor. Hutch was leading the league in sacks and QB pressures before sustaining the gruesome injury. Coach Dan Campbell usually has his teams very well prepared for their opponent, but can you simply replace a player like Aidan Hutchinson with a committee of players?

What the Detroit Lions need to do Offensively

The Detroit Lions simply need to stick with their game plan and not stray from their identity of being a hard-nosed, gritty, physical team. Lean on the dominant offensive line and the newly nicknamed Sonic and Knuckles (Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery). Allowing these to eat and feast will open up the play-action for Jared Goff to cook. The Vikings’ pass defense is one of the worst in the league, giving up 263 yards per game. Look for Goff to have a good game through the air, especially if the Lions can establish the run early. That may be difficult because Minnesota’s defense is second in the league in rush defense.

A player to keep on the radar is wide receiver Tim Patrick. Patrick was signed to fill the role of wide receiver 3 on the depth chart. He earned Goff’s trust against the Cowboys with 3 receptions for 68 yards. So much attention will be put on Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, Patrick may have another standout game as the third receiver.

Final Thoughts

The Detroit Lions will enter week 7 as a road underdog against the undefeated Minnesota Vikings. This should be a dogfight for the NFC North supremacy. If the Lions can manage the clock and establish the run game, they should have a legitimate shot at dethroning the division leader. The story of the game will be how the defense responds to not having their leader in the trenches. Sam Darnold has had a great unexpected season so far. If the Lions can cause some turnovers and take care of the ball on their end, they should be able to win.

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This article was written by Bobby Kaboose