The Minnesota Vikings fell to the Philadelphia Eagles in primetime on Thursday Night Football by a score 34-28. 

While losing by one score to a team that played in the Super Bowl just last season may not seem bad, it's the way the Vikings lost that's frustrating. The team committed four turnovers, just four days after committing three in the opener. 

There are several facets that have to show improvement, but protecting the ball is paramount. Let's go over our main reactions the day after this loss. 

Turnovers, turnovers, and more turnovers.

Even star wide receiver Justin Jefferson got in on the turnover action Thursday night. Granted, Jefferson’s fumble came due to the dumbest rule in football, but it counts nonetheless. 

Alexander Mattison, Kirk Cousins, and Brandon Powell all also lost a fumble. In return, the Vikes forced just one turnover, which came by way of a Theo Jackson INT. After two weeks, the Vikings have a -6 turnover differential. Adding insult to injury, the team is 0-2, but has lost by a total of nine points. 

It's hard to win football games when you lose the turnover battle. This season could quickly become one in which several games slip away due to carelessness with the football. 

This team is bad in the trenches.

I didn’t want to declare this after one week, but I’ve seen enough now to say it: this team is bad in the trenches. The offensive line gets no push and gives the running game no chance, and the defensive line gets bullied badly by other o-lines. Bad line play and being prone to turnovers are two of the killers in the modern NFL, and the Vikings are dealing with both. 

Christian Darrisaw did not appear on the inactive list, but still did not play a single snap. The tackle aggravated his injury in warmups, and Oli Udoh was given the start at LT. It didn't go well, and Udoh was knocked out with an injury as well. Brian O'Neill was the only lineman to grade at 70.0 or higher, per PFF. 

The defensive line was awful as well. Only Harrison Phillips earned higher than a 70.0 grade. Dean Lowry and Khyiris Tonga both earned below 50.0 and got pushed around all night. Not a recipe for success. 

The running game is non-existent.

First and foremost, the treatment of Alexander Mattison after the game is disgusting and inexcusable. Criticizing a player is one thing, but hurling racial slurs and other derogatory remarks is never acceptable.

Mattison did not have a great game by any stretch on Thursday. The back finished with just 28 yards on eight carries with no touchdowns and one fumble. It's not all on Mattison, though, as the offensive line got pushed around and bullied all night. Mattison also collected three catches but for just 11 yards. 

The run game is such a crucial part of the Vikings' offense. Without a run game, the play-action is less effective, and more pressure is placed on Kirk Cousins. This team needs to be able to run the ball, and they can't right now. 

The Vikings have to solve the turnover problem

The team cannot afford to keep giving the ball away.

Featured image via © Eric Hartline | 2023 Sep 14