The Lions’ offense took its time finding its feet in Minnesota on Thursday afternoon, but managed to tie the Vikings just before halftime.
Quarterback Jared Goff hit rookie wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa with a four-yard touchdown pass that made it 7-7 with 1:05 left in the first half. It was TeSlaa’s fourth touchdown in the last five games.
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The score came on the final play of a 19-play, 80-yard drive that took more than 10 minutes off the game clock. It included two fourth-down conversion runs by running back David Montgomery, including one that led to an unsuccessful challenge for a spot by Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell.
The Vikings got their touchdown after linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel fell on a fumble at the Detroit 16-yard line. Aaron Jones scored a few plays later, but was shaken as he was tackled on a reception late in the half. Jones was able to run off the field under his own power.
Minnesota’s other four possessions, including one that began after a fumble by Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs, ended in punts. Quarterback Max Brosmer was sacked four times and Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson picked up two.
Goff was sacked three times, the last one coming by linebacker Eric Wilson on the final play of the half. Goff finished the half 9 of 13 for 103 yards while Brosmer is 6 of 8 for 27 yards in his second NFL start.
