Goff Maxed Out Rating on Intermediate Throws

EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings 29-27 last-play loss to the previously winless Lions Sunday in Detroit severely damaged Minnesota’s playoff chances.

Minnesota (5-7) failed to fully capitalize by putting all the points it could have on the scoreboard, and its undermanned defense gave up six points in the final two minutes of each half, surrendering two field goals to close the first half and the game-winning touchdown.

Here’s a deeper dive at some “next-day stats” with an eye on the ever-increasing number of Next Gen Stats. References to rankings across the league include all Week 13 games except for tonight’s game between the Patriots and Bills.

1. Goff perfects passer rating on intermediates

Jared Goff took advantage of the Vikings missing what Eric Kendricks provides to the defense in pass coverage, as well as Anthony Barr’s impact on opposing aerial attacks.

Goff did his most work on short throws, but his best work was logged on intermediates (10 to 20 yards beyond the line of scrimmage).

The former No. 1 overall pick of the Rams was 5-for-6 passing for 84 yards with all three of his touchdowns and no interceptions, good for an NFL-maximum passer rating of 158.3 on intermediate throws.

Those numbers, of course, include the game-winning, 11-yard pass from Amon-Ra St. Brown on fourth-and-2.

According to Next Gen Stats, Minnesota’s win probability was 94 percent before the ball was snapped with four seconds remaining.