The Minnesota Vikings lost 30-23 to the Los Angeles Rams Sunday. The loss dropped the Vikings out of the final wild card spot in the NFC standings. Minnesota started off slow, struggling on offense in the first half. Quarterback Kirk Cousins was constantly under pressure as Aaron Donald reeked havoc.

Minnesota picked it up offensively in the 2nd half. But ultimately, the Vikings were not able to overcome their slow start. After the game, Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson shared his displeasure for the lack of energy from the team.

“I felt it as soon as I came into the locker room. I was trying to pick up the guys and everything, but still came out slow, still didn’t come out with that energy that we needed to, especially with this type of team.”

Kirk Cousins was sacked three times and hit many more during the first half. The Vikings trailed 13-3 at the break. Rams head coach is still undefeated when he has a lead at halftime. Clearly, the Rams are not the team you want to fall behind against.

On the bright side, the defense played well at times Sunday. They intercepted Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford three times and held him to 197 yards passing.

Minnesota was playing without All Pro running back Dalvin Cook after he was ruled out earlier in the week. Cook was placed on the league's COVID-19 reserve list but is expected to play in Week 17.

The Vikings have fallen to 7-8 and are a game behind the 49ers and Eagles for the final two playoff spots.