Sometimes, flipping the narrative can provide a fresh outlook.

So today, to gain a new perspective on the Detroit Lions – and to understand what they’re doing well – I’m turning my attention to the Minnesota Vikings.

I know, it sounds a bit off.

But there’s a reason for this shift.

I reviewed everything the Vikings said after the Lions secured a thrilling 31-29 victory over them, aiming for a different angle.

“Yeah, we just need to keep cleaning things up,” Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold told reporters after the game.

Remember how the Lions used to say that after losses?

They would talk about being close to winning – how ten players executed well while one fell short, or how changing a couple of plays would turn everything around.

“We need to focus on all 11 players executing the play thoroughly pre- and post-snap in all phases,” Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell stated. “I’ll keep pushing this team every single day to achieve that.”

It’s like I recall Lions coach Dan Campbell saying something similar.

But here’s the kicker: now the Lions are executing those winning plays. Most of their players are on the same page, and after a dramatic win, it’s easy to forget their past struggles.

“It was definitely wild,” Minnesota wide receiver Justin Jefferson noted. “It was a competitive matchup between two strong teams. We knew it wouldn’t be easy, and they just came out on top. We have to give them credit, but we also hurt ourselves in ways that might not be visible. We missed many chances, so we need to improve.”

Remember when the Lions spoke about missed opportunities?

Now it’s their opponents making those claims.

That says a lot.

A significant moment

Let’s analyze one of the Lions’ crucial defensive plays.

Picture this: 2:46 left in the fourth quarter, and the Vikings hold a 29-28 lead. They faced a third-and-4 from their own 28, and the Lions needed a stop desperately.

With two timeouts remaining and the two-minute warning, the Vikings were in a prime position to secure the win if they gained a first down.

Minnesota lined up with three receivers bunched to the right and running back Aaron Jones spread wide near the sideline.

Jones went in motion, and Alex Anzalone followed him, indicating man-to-man coverage.

Darnold rolled right, while the receivers crossed paths, trying to confuse the Lions.

But the Lions defensive backs were ready – credit goes to the Lions coaching staff and GM Brad Holmes for upgrading the secondary.

Brian Branch stayed with the first Vikings receiver as he cut through the middle.

Jordan Addison aimed for the sticks, but Amik Robertson was right on him.

Carlton Davis III had the tough task of guarding the elite receiver, Jefferson.

Jefferson ran a deeper route toward the sideline.

Suddenly, the Vikings made a pivotal mistake – one that could alter the game.

Addison halted his route and started to backpedal, stepping into Jefferson’s path.

Darnold had to throw high to Jefferson, likely due to Addison’s misstep, and the pass soared just beyond his reach.

“I think we need to optimize our spacing better, whether through our pre-snap alignment or completing the concept correctly,” O’Connell explained.

Reading between the lines, he was pointing out Addison’s mistake.

“We don’t want those two players stacked when Sam [Darnold] is making that throw. If we had a clearer defensive look, that throw to Justin [Jefferson] would have likely connected.”

That single play had several major consequences.

Firstly, it stopped the clock.

More importantly, the Vikings had to punt to the Lions.

As you can guess, the Lions took that opportunity, marching down the field for a game-winning kick by Jake Bates.

Isn’t that remarkable?

The Lions found themselves in a position to win because all 11 players executed together, paying attention to the finer points.

Meanwhile, the Vikings ended the game reflecting on missed chances.

Like that third-down play.

Another pivotal moment was their unsuccessful two-point conversion.

“Just missing out on execution plays,” Jefferson said. “Converting that two-point attempt late in the game would’ve been crucial. Missing that third down was significant too. There were plays left on the field, but it’s not just one person’s fault. We all need to be focused as a team.”

Focused like the Lions have become.

Statistically, the game was incredibly balanced.

The Lions rushed for 144 yards, while the Vikings managed 139.

The Lions threw for 247 yards, and the Vikings had 244.

Both teams had eight penalties and one turnover.

They were both 4-for-10 on third downs.

But what set this intense game apart?

Those minute details – the kind the Lions used to discuss incessantly.

Now, however, they are executing those details.

That’s the most significant shift with this team.

When you combine strong coaching, talented players, and an effective scheme – but, most importantly, when you focus on those small details and get everyone to collaborate – you secure wins in tight games.

And the opposing team ends up sounding like the old Lions.