Kingsbury believes the Vikings game was one of their best outings. They brought Darnold down 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 chunk 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. That’s a credit to Aaron and [Lions head coach] Dan [Campbell] and the culture they have going there.”
And there’s context needed with the Lions’ 30th-ranked passing defense. Opposing offenses have had to rely on their passing game because of how often the Lions score touchdowns. In games where they’ve given up at least 250 passing yards, the Lions have scored at least 30 points five times, 40 points three times and 50 points once. They’re also 7-1 in those games with the one loss coming to the Bills.
Still, with three cornerbacks on IR and depth thin at that position, Glenn will bring pressure to protect his secondary. Darnold was pressured on 28.9% of his dropbacks in the regular season finale, resulting in a bad throw rate of 34.2%, per 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 play-caller.
“He’s gonna get you,” Kingsbury said. “You gotta just stay within yourself. I think sometimes, you can become an emotional play-caller. … You just know with his scheme, there’s going to be times where they win, and they get you, and you’re going to have some negative plays, but you’re gonna have a chance, because they take risks, to hit some big ones as well.”