DETROIT -- A few thoughts from Ford Field after the Minnesota Vikings' 16-14 loss to the Detroit Lions:
What it means: The Vikings fell to 6-8, meaning they will have their fourth non-winning season in the past five years. They remain winless (0-5) in the NFC North. And they'll spend some time explaining some curious game-management decisions late in the game.
Bridgewater Watch: For better or worse, Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was the most significant participant in this game. He started off hot, completing 13 of 16 passes in staking the Vikings to a 14-0 lead early in the second quarter. Interceptions on consecutive possessions later in the quarter both gave the Lions possession deep in Vikings territory and allowed them to pull within 14-10 at halftime. The Vikings went scoreless after the 10:05 mark in the second quarter despite a 290-yard day from Bridgewater. While he is still trending upward, Sunday was another example of the ups and downs a team must endure when starting a rookie quarterback.
Walsh Watch: Before last week, Vikings place-kicker Blair Walsh had never missed two field goals in a game. He has now done it in consecutive games. Sunday, he missed far wide right on a 53-yarder after the Vikings' first possession and then had a 26-yard attempt blocked in the fourth quarter. The latter kick would have put pressure on the Lions' winning drive, which ended in Matt Prater's 33-yard field goal. It's almost unfair to include it, but Walsh's 68-yard attempt on the final play fell short. Officially, he's missed five of his past six.
Patterson Watch: Long-forgotten receiver Cordarrelle Patterson made a sudden return to the Vikings' fortunes late in the game, returning a kickoff 51 yards and then catching two passes for 16 yards after replacing the injured Jarius Wright. Bridgewater even targeted him on a fourth-and-4 play, but the ball fell incomplete.
Game ball: I can't give it to Bridgewater, so we'll go with tight end Kyle Rudolph, who caught seven passes for 69 yards. Both were by far season highs.
What's next: The Vikings will travel to play at the Miami Dolphins (7-7) next Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
