A decades-old contract tactic is back in the spotlight after the Parsons–Clark trade, creating conditions that could block future moves involving the Vikings.

If the Vikings are going to continue their turnaround, it will be with the players currently on the roster. Though some thought the Vikings could be in position to make a splash after upsetting the Detroit Lions last weekend to get back to .500 on the season, the team allowed the NFL’s trade deadline to pass without making any moves.

A stunning home loss to the Minnesota Vikings — a rare happening in recent years — saw the Detroit Lions tumble down the board in this week’s power rankings roundup. Favored by many outlets to win the Week 9 division showdown, the Lions fell 27-24 to the Vikings, dropping them to 1-2 in the NFC North and 5-3 overall.

Here’s what The Baltimore Sun sports staff had to say immediately after the Ravens’ 27-19 win over the Vikings on Sunday to improve to 4-5.

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell was ripped for what one NFL analyst dubbed the worst coaching performance of his career.

Baltimore is in Minneapolis for a critical Week 10 matchup against the Vikings, and follow along with Ravens Wire for live updates, scores and highlights

Baltimore’s defense set the tone once again. Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy completed just 20 of 42 passes (47.6 percent) for 248 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions, while the Ravens’ special teams unit came up with a crucial fumble recovery early in the third quarter.

Brian O'Neill blows a block: It was on the second drive for Minnesota, and O'Neill whiffed on Mike Green, and Aaron Jones was stopped for a 5-yard loss on 2nd-and-7. The Vikings punted after coming up short on 3rd-and-12.