Vikes Views: Nincompoop of the Week (Lions at Vikings)

The Minnesota Vikings are certainly disappointed in the loss to the Detroit Lions. There is plenty of blame to go around. As always, it doesn’t sit on one person, but here’s who I suggest has the biggest piece of the pie.

Kevin O’Connell

Why is KOC a nincompoop? He is too predictable. The most obvious play calls come at the most obvious times. The third-down play on the last true offensive drive was terrible. I believe Addison was in the wrong spot, but still, the play stunk.

A better option may have been play-action to a tight end, a screen play, a short crossing route to Jefferson, etc. There are so many options for the Vikings to get it in the hands of the playmakers and they don’t.

Also, the team has a habit of building leads and trying to hang on. The opposing coaches can adjust faster than him. The team isn’t scoring touchdowns anymore, either. The offense scored five times on Sunday (two touchdowns and three field goals). The Lions had four touchdowns and a field goal to win.

Even with a defensive score, the team can’t overcome that difference. Also, that two-point conversion call was terrible. They wasted an opportunity to extend the lead, and it cost them.

Cam Bynum

Why is Bynum a nincompoop? His tackling is atrocious. Jahmyr Gibbs made a simple cutback, making Bynum look like he was playing on ice. He’s the last line of defense, and that is terrifying. He’s the worst spot on the defense. Theo Jackson might need to warm up a little.

Sam Darnold

Why is Darnold a nincompoop? He made too many bad decisions. Aaron Jones was wide open during the interception when he targeted Addison. Also, when the team needs that first down to end the game, they never seem to get it.

He depends on the defense to win the game every week. He missed the throw to Jefferson on third down to extend the last drive, with a likely poor route run from Addison. He’s not completely to blame, but his play has been mediocre the last several weeks.

He’s not getting the best interior offensive line help, but the skill position and offensive tackles are up there with the best in the league. The team needs better from Darnold if they are legitimate contenders. The effort on the two-point conversion was a throw with zero chance of completion. It’s just a wasted opportunity to score.

Jordan Addison

Why is Addison a nincompoop? It wasn’t Addison’s best game. He can be a game-changer and disappear for quarters at a time. Addison appeared to run the wrong route on the interception. He didn’t seem like he was in the game on Sunday. I don’t know if he was frustrated getting shut down or if he was just off. Hoping Addison can bounce back on Thursday against the LA Rams.

Ed Ingram

Why is Ingram a nincompoop? He’s the worst right guard in the league. I challenge anyone to watch his tape and tell me differently. He stinks. He is going to the bench when Dalton Risner comes back. I am hoping that day is Thursday. It can’t come soon enough.

Honorable Mentions

Brian Flores, when your defense gives up four straight touchdowns, you deserve some criticism. He’s drastically improved this defense, so I will give him a pass for one week.

Once again, the officiating was inconsistent. Darnold got smacked in the head after a slide, and there was no flag. Last week, Jordan Love got brushed against his helmet after a slide, and there were flags all around. It’s an issue every week. The Vikings were on the bad side this week and have benefitted other weeks.

2024 Nincompoops

Week 1: Joe Schoen (Giants GM)

Week 2: NFL Experts

Week 3: Laremy Tunsil

Week 4: Jalen Nailor

Week 5: Aaron Rodgers

Week 6: Bye