Late Stop by Vikings Defense Not Enough Against Lions

Jones had a career day, finishing with six tackles, including three for losses and one sack. The sack came in the second quarter on a first-and-10 at midfield. Jones beat Lions guard Graham Glasgow with an inside rush and took Goff down 11 yards behind the line of scrimmage. Then, the Lions were flagged for a delay of the game.

Suddenly, Detroit faced second-and-26 in a 7-7 game with nine minutes left in the first half. But Jones was flagged for roughing the passer on the next play despite slightly pushing Goff as he threw. The flag essentially negated Jones's sack and the ensuing delay of the game.

Eight plays later, on the same drive, Bynum's scoop-and-score was reversed, and the Vikings were down three points.

"Every time you make plays it feels good but when you don't come out with the win it doesn't matter. It actually gives you a bad feeling you've gotta build off." Jones said. "In the NFL, it's going to come down to one possession."

Hicks, who missed the past four games after overcoming compartment syndrome in his leg, sparked the Vikings defense in his return. He finished with one quarterback hit, one pass defensed and nine tackles.

Though the Vikings playoff chances took a hit on Sunday, Hicks expressed how grateful he was to be back on the field with his teammates and in front of fans at U.S. Bank Stadium.

"There were plenty of moments that I was reminding myself that I was on the couch just a week ago watching this game," Hicks said. "I was saying out loud and telling the guys that we are lucky to do this. We are lucky to be in this opportunity. So there is a major, major appreciation for being back out there."