Sunday’s 31-9 loss to the Lions played out like a materialization of every Vikings fan’s greatest fears being realized.
Worried that Sam Darnold, for as well as he has played this season (and particularly recently), could turn into the old version of himself at the worst possible moment? Yep, that happened.
Concerned that an improved but still uneven offensive line would have a bad game? Yep.
Nervous that the Vikings’ penchant for winning the biggest moments — third downs, fourth downs and red zone plays — is a feature of the team but one that still leaves them with little margin for error against more talented teams? Uh-huh.
Wondering if the rookie kicker who once looked invincible but has been far more mortal lately would stumble in a critical moment? You got it.
Concerned that the Vikings’ nonexistent short-yardage running game could be problematic? Yes.
It’s enough to leave the Vikings doubting themselves and for fans to get pessimistic while thinking about a 14-3 squad going on the road in the playoffs to face the other team it lost to this year.
Plain and simple, this week is going to be a test for the Vikings and their fans — something Patrick Reusse and I talked about in the context of the loss to the Lions on Monday’s Daily Delivery podcast.