Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings Final Score: Detroit Stifles Minnesota, 17-3

The news that the Minnesota Vikings were getting Teddy Bridgewater back at quarterback this week filled many fans with optimism. That optimism. . .well, it didn't last very long.

The Vikings' offense was absolutely shut down in every way by the Detroit Lions' defense on Sunday at TCF Bank Stadium, as they barely managed to avoid getting shut out in a 17-3 loss.

Bridgewater had a significantly rougher go of things on Sunday than he did in his NFL debut. He completed 23-of-37 passes for just 188 yards, and was intercepted three times, two of which came on deflections. He got absolutely no help from his offensive line, as he was sacked eight times by the Lions' defense and was under duress pretty much all day long.

The Minnesota defense, for the most part, played a very solid game, holding the Lions to 255 yards of offense. They were particularly good on third downs against Detroit, as they allowed the Lions to convert just one of thirteen third down opportunities on the afternoon. But, it just wasn't enough after the "performance" that the Minnesota offense put together this afternoon.

How bad was the Minnesota offense today? Besides what we've already covered, the Vikings managed just 212 yards of offense on the day. The leading rusher, rookie Jerick McKinnon, had just 40 yards on 11 carries. McKinnon was also the team's leading receiver with 42 yards on six catches.

The Vikings have not had a touchdown pass since Matt Cassel found Matt Asiata in the first quarter of the Vikings' 30-7 loss to the New England Patriots in Week 2.

The Vikings fall to 2-4 on the season, and next weekend will travel to Buffalo to take on the 3-3 Bills.