The Vikings open the 2019 season opener with an impressive 24-21 win over their division rivals the Detroit Lions. There were many questions surrounding the Vikings defense with the departure of Navarro Bowman, Brandon Spikes, and TJ Ward but their replacements each answered the call. The Vikings opening drive began with 2nd year running back Kevonte Mellon grinding out a few tough runs to get the game going but Josh Gordon kept the Lions on their heels with some impressive routes to keep the drive going. Mellons 15 yd run put the Vikings on the Lions 2 but the Lions defense held its ground and held the Vikings to 3. The Lions first possession began with a 10 yard run by Shaynon Simon but the Vikings Defense came to form during the drive and forced a punt. The Lions defense answered with a 3 and out and the Lions offense began driving the ball down the field but on 2nd down in Viking territory Stafford was picked in the end zone by LB Cornelius Washington. The Vikings offense responded when Josh Gordon took a slant 85 yards for a TD. The Lions knew a response was needed but the Vikings defense responded again and the half ended 10-0. As the game continued the Lions worst fears came to reality as Stafford attempted to connect with Calvin Johnson on a post route but failed to see SS Will Hill in the area. Hill laid a vicious hit on Johnson to break up the pass and his ribs putting the WR out for 2 weeks. As the game continued Gordon continued to give the Lions problems but the attention gave WR Johnny Cartwright the opportunities to score and he cashed in twice bringing the lead to 24-0. The Lions scored on a kickoff return for a TD but the game was out of reach by then. The Lions scored twice in the 4th but the Vikings had the poise to put the game away. Gordon took home Player of The Game honors with 5 Rec 142 Yds 1 TD.
