Lions Use Creative Formations to Beat Vikings
Detroit's offense leaned on unusual personnel groupings and extra tight ends in the backfield to defeat the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Football
The Detroit Lions defeated the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, using extra tight ends in the backfield and a heavy 13-personnel grouping in the second half. Passing game coordinator Mike Kafka contributed CFL-inspired ideas that the offensive staff refined.
Why it matters
The formations were designed to counter the Vikings' aggressive, all-out blitz defense, which the division-leading team had been using. The approach shows how the Lions' coaching staff adapts schemes against high-pressure opponents.
The Lions ran for 164 of their 230 total rushing yards in the second half. Amon-Ra St. Brown took a running start from 15 yards behind the line on one play, and the full-game impact of the new looks beyond this matchup remains unclear.
The players
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions are a National Football League franchise based in the Detroit area, competing in the NFC North division.
Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings are a National Football League franchise based in Minnesota and currently the division leader in the NFC North.
Mike Kafka
Mike Kafka serves as the Lions' passing game coordinator and contributed CFL-inspired offensive ideas to the staff.
Drew Petzing
Drew Petzing is the Lions' offensive coordinator who reviewed Canadian Football League tape to develop new offensive concepts.
The details
Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing reviewed Canadian Football League tape over the last two months to find new ideas. Kafka brought his proposals to the staff, and after any creative call is used, the offensive coaches meet with the defensive staff to decide whether to keep or discard it.
Timeline
Sunday: Lions defeat the Vikings using the creative offensive looks.
Over the last two months: Petzing reviews CFL tape for offensive ideas.
Roadmap
The Lions' use of ideas drawn from Canadian Football League tape reflects a broader pattern of NFL staffs borrowing from the CFL's wider field and different formations. Coaches are increasingly studying alternative league tape to find schemes that can unsettle aggressive defenses.
Fantasy managers tracking Lions running backs and receivers should note the increased use of extra tight ends and heavy personnel groupings in the backfield. Watch how the offense deploys St. Brown and the tight ends in upcoming matchups.
The takeaway
Creative offensive looks can overwhelm an all-out blitz by forcing defenders to adjust to unfamiliar personnel. Staffs that study other leagues may find schemes that work against aggressive defenses.
Further reading
For more on the team's offense, see the latest Football coverage in Detroit.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mlive.
