Lions take aim at vengeful Vikings
Associated Press
MINNEAPOLIS — Matthew Stafford and the Detroit Lions finally had a comeback fall short, by just a few seconds and even fewer inches last weekend against Atlanta.
The Lions have had no time to lament, of course, with a difficult game looming at Minnesota.
If there were sympathies actually being expressed around this unforgiving league, well, the Vikings would be the last team in line after the way they were swept by the Lions in 2016.
“It’s frustrating, but we’ve just got to stay out of that situation,” said wide receiver Golden Tate, who was stopped in front of the goal line in the 30- 26 loss to the Falcons. “Control what we can control, and that’s getting that job done earlier.”
Two of the eight late and successful rallies by the Lions last season came at Minnesota’s expense, outcomes that wound up swinging a wild- card berth Detroit’s way and keeping the Vikings out of the playoffs despite a 5- 0 start.
The Lions trailed 16- 13 with 23 seconds to play on Nov. 6 at U. S. Bank Stadium before hustling to set up Matt Prater’s overtime- forcing 58- yard field goal. Stafford found Tate for a 28- yard touchdown to end that game.
Eighteen days later, an interception by Darius Slay at Ford Field set up the winning kick by Prater as time expired.
So when Tate’s touchdown was overturned last weekend by replay review, triggering by obscure rule a 10- second runoff that sealed a victory for the unbeaten reigning NFC champion Falcons, the Vikings could relate to the feeling.
The Vikings ( 2- 1) will have their opportunity for payback on Sunday when they host the Lions ( 2- 1), the first of three consecutive NFC North foes.
“This is a very important game for us, I know,” Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said. “Anytime we play the Lions, it’s always been a good battle.”