Minnesota Vikings: 5 Biggest Contributors in Sunday's 34-28 Loss to Detroit

On Sunday the Minnesota Vikings (2-11) displayed a level of mental toughness not shown in a contest previously this season.

The Vikings are well renowned for blowing first-half leads in the second half, but the team had never been known for its ability to attempt a second-half comeback—with the lone exception coming against the Green Bay Packers when they almost overcame a 33-17 score.

But quarterback Joe Webb had the team within one yard of knocking off the Detroit Lions on the road. Instead of getting to celebrate win No. 3 on the season, the squad will have to settle for a “moral” victory with its 34-28 loss.

Here are the five players who helped Minnesota most in its “moral victory” Sunday in Detroit.

5. Kevin Williams, DT

For only the second time this season, Williams posted more than five tackles in a game when he accumulated six against the Detroit Lions.

The four solo tackles tied his season high, and his sack of quarterback Matthew Stafford was his third of the season and third in four games.

Williams' six tackles were third most on the defensive unit that that was consistently put into tough situations with the offense committing six turnovers.

Early in the season Williams looked to be well past his prime, but at 31 years old he’s starting to show signs of life for the first time in a while.

Minnesota needs Williams to regain his Pro Bowl form.

4. Jared Allen, DE

After five straight weeks without more than one sack, including a two-week stretch with zero sacks, Allen got to Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford three times Sunday.

Allen now has 17.5 sacks on the season and has put himself back into position to contend to break former New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan’s single-season sack record of 22.5 sacks.

The 29-year-old is on pace for roughly 21.5 sacks.

Allen’s three sacks were the only three tackles he made in the contest, and none did anything to “destroy” a Detroit drive (he had a 10-yard sack on Stafford in the second quarter, but the next play Stafford hit receiver Titus Young for a 57-yard touchdown), but sacks are sacks. They are one of the most exciting plays a defense can make.

He continues to be one of Minnesota’s only playmakers on the defensive side of the ball. 

3. Toby Gerhart, RB

Prior to the three-game hiatus running back Adrian Peterson has been on, Toby Gerhart was an afterthought in most people’s minds.

He hasn’t been overly impressive as an NFL player. There were never any moments or games where you’d think, “I’m glad the Vikings used a second-round pick on this player.”

But now in back-to-back games Gerhart has impressed, rushing for 90 yards or more in two of the three contests (90 yards on 19 carries at 4.7 yards per carry).

His running abilities opened things up for Webb in the passing game late and he was on the receiving end of Minnesota’s fourth touchdown of the game.

He’s been a bruiser inside, creating his own yard-gaining opportunities when the offensive line doesn’t create adequate running room. He’s proved himself difficult to bring down and gains two yards after first contact seemingly every time.

Gerhart will resume his backup role whenever Minnesota gets Peterson back, but he’s starting to prove his worth.

2. Percy Harvin, WR

Harvin has been Minnesota’s leading receiver for five consecutive games after only earning that honor in two of the first eight games of this season after his 10-catch, 69-yard performance Sunday.

With Adrian Peterson out, Harvin is Minnesota’s most electric offensive weapon and he was that again Sunday. In addition to his 10 catches, one of which went for a touchdown, he rushed the ball four times for 40 yards and returned a kickoff for 47 yards.

He still is off the field far too often for someone of his talent, but maybe that’s just something Minnesota supporters will have to come to expect with him. 

1. Joe Webb, QB

The ending of this loss wouldn’t have been anywhere near as entertaining as it was without Webb’s contributions.

Before Webb entered the game, Minnesota generated 14 points of offense during 10 possessions in which it posted five turnovers.

Quarterback Christian Ponder played like a rookie quarterback, making careless throws across the field and never truly finding a workable rhythm—as demonstrated by his three interceptions and two fumbles.

With Webb under center, the Vikings had a threat the Lions couldn’t stop. Whenever Webb got out of the pocket it felt like he was going to make a play. And he did more often than not.

He led the Vikings on three drives and averaged 70.67 yards per drive. He single-handedly gained Minnesota its third score of the game as he gained 77 of the drive’s 88 yards, including an impressive 65-yard scramble.

His performance against Detroit adds to the argument that he must see the field more than he currently does because he is a playmaker.