Small errors culminated in a significant mistake for the Minnesota Vikings, ending their five-game winning streak with a 31-29 loss to the Detroit Lions on October 20.

As the clock wound down and the ball sat at midfield, the Vikings opted to spike it, setting up rookie kicker Will Reichard for a 68-yard attempt that coach O’Connell felt optimistic about.

However, only six players lined up correctly, leading to a five-yard penalty that pushed the Vikings out of Reichard’s range. On the following play, Sam Darnold was sacked while attempting a Hail Mary, but the penalty had already sealed the Vikings’ fate.

This marked their eighth penalty, with seven occurring on offense. While not the sole reason for the loss, it underscored Minnesota’s offensive issues during the game, which included three holding penalties, two illegal formations, a false start, and offsides.

Head coach Kevin O’Connell accepted responsibility for the errors that contributed to the Vikings’ first defeat of the season.

“That’s on me,” O’Connell stated. “To rectify these mistakes… When competing at the level we desire, we can’t give other good teams an advantage. We need all 11 players focused on execution in every aspect, both pre and post-snap. I’ll continue to push the team every day.”