MINNEAPOLIS -- A few thoughts on the Minnesota Vikings' 17-3 loss to the Detroit Lions at TCF Bank Stadium on Sunday:
What it means: The Vikings had some reason to hope their offense would get back on track with Teddy Bridgewater returning to the field Sunday, but against the league's top-ranked defense, Bridgewater got his first indoctrination into what it's like to struggle in the NFL. The Vikings couldn't protect him against heavy blitz packages from the Lions all afternoon, and Bridgewater had just five completions to receivers in the first 50 minutes of the game. In a game where the Lions let the Vikings hang around, despite three Bridgewater interceptions, Minnesota couldn't take advantage of its opportunities.
Stock watch: The Vikings' offensive line had been one of the league's worst in pass protection before Sunday, allowing quarterbacks to be pressured on 30.9 percent of dropbacks, according to ESPN Stats & Information. The group was no match for a relentless Lions pass rush, which blitzed Bridgewater for much of the day and took away any hope the Vikings had of recreating the downfield passing success they enjoyed two weeks ago against Atlanta. Bridgewater was sacked eight times, hit on several other plays and harassed throughout the afternoon. The rookie QB certainly made his fair share of mistakes, but it's hard to expect him to do much without consistent pass protection.
McKinnon supplants Asiata: Rookie running back Jerick McKinnon took over for Matt Asiata as the Vikings' top running back, and though it isn't saying much on a day when the Vikings couldn't establish much, McKinnon was the most productive player the Vikings had on offense. He carried 11 times for 40 yards, catching all six passes targeted to him for an additional 42 yards.
Game ball: It's hard to find one on a day like Sunday, but we'll give it to middle linebacker Jasper Brinkley, who registered his first career sack on a well-timed blitz and did an effective job of reading the Lions' play-action pass on the play. Brinkley also did a solid job in run support and finished the day with five tackles.
What's next: The Vikings (2-4) travel to Buffalo to face the Bills next Sunday.
