Kingsbury believes the Vikings game was one of their best outings. They brought down Darnold on two sacks, contributing to a 17.4 QBR for the quarterback. The Vikings’ 120 rushing yards were above their average for the year (98.4), but a significant portion of that came from a 58-yard run by Cam Akers. Aside from that run, Akers was held to seven yards on five carries.
“They were dominant,” Kingsbury said. “Whoever they put in plays hard. They’re disciplined and they make you earn every inch. It’s a credit to Aaron and (Lions head coach) Dan (Campbell) and the culture that ‘they have there.’
And there’s some necessary context with the Lions’ 30th-ranked pass defense. Opposing offenses have had to rely on their passing game because of how often the Lions score touchdowns. In games where they allowed at least 250 passing yards, the Lions scored at least 30 points five times, 40 points three times and 50 points once. They are also 7-1 in those games with just one loss coming against the Bills.
Still, with three cornerbacks on IR and little depth at that position, Glenn will push to protect his secondary. Darnold was pressured on 28.9 percent of his dropbacks in the regular season finale, leading to a poor throw rate of 34.2 percent, according to Pro Football Reference. In the previous game against the 49ers, Brock Purdy was pressured on 23.7% of his dropbacks. He was sacked twice and threw two interceptions.
Kingsbury knows Glenn is going to have positive moments as a point guard.
“He’s going to get you,” Kingsbury said. “You just have to stay inside yourself. I think sometimes you can become an emotional player. … You just know that with his plan, there will be times when they win, and they’ll get you , and you go.” have negative games, but you will have a chance, because they take risks, to hit big ones as well.
