On Christmas Day at U.S. Bank Stadium, the Minnesota Vikings beat the Detroit Lions 23–10.
When Max Brosmer replaced an injured J.J. McCarthy, the offense nearly stalled: Brosmer went 9-of-16 for 51 yards and took 7 sacks. But defensive coordinator
Brian Flores turned the game into a feast, forcing six turnovers and repeatedly handing the offense short fields. Late, Jordan Addison ripped off a 65-yard touchdown to seal it, while
Will Reichard delivered the crucial kicks.
Cris Carter praised the Vikings for their toughness, discipline, and championship-level poise.
Carter was even more impressed by the “weird” records Minnesota set: the Vikings won while finishing with just
three net passing yards, a number almost unheard of in the modern era.
They also forced six turnovers, instantly flipping momentum and turning Detroit mistakes into points or field-position advantages. The win felt like a time machine — run game, field goals, and a defense that squeezed the opponent for four quarters.
On air, Carter smiled and delivered the exact three words: “That’s very exciting.”
After hearing the praise from Carter, head coach Kevin O’Connell thanked him and made a statement that turned heads across the NFL: he sees this kind of “ugly but effective” win as proof the Vikings can win in any style.
O’Connell stressed it wasn’t just a memorable Christmas result — it was a blueprint for the leap they intend to make next season. “We’re coming back stronger — deeper, tougher, and hungrier,” he said, before making the goal crystal clear right now: the Vikings are coming for the
