DETROIT -- A 22-yard reverse to Cordarrelle Patterson. A 15-yard pitch to Matt Asiata, out of a split backfield behind a three-receiver set. A steady dose of the Wildcat snaps they've used to inject some variety into their offense in recent weeks.
The Minnesota Vikings tried it all in Detroit on Thanksgiving Day, and for a while, it appeared they might have been able to conjure up enough productivity to get out of Ford Field with a win. Instead, the Vikings headed home staring at this cold reality: no matter how resourceful their offense or how valiant their defense, their offensive line issues might be too great to overcome.