The Minnesota Vikings delivered the surprise of Christmas Day, knocking off the division-leading Detroit Lions 23-10 and notching their eighth win of the season. And while the final score tells one story, the real headline was written by a defense that came out swinging-and a rookie quarterback who etched his name into NFL history in the most improbable way.
Let’s start with the defense, because they flat-out dominated. Minnesota’s front seven made life miserable for Jared Goff, sacking him five times and forcing six total turnovers.
That’s not a typo-six. Whether it was pressure up the middle, disguised coverages, or just sheer physicality, the Vikings defense looked like a group playing with something to prove.
They set the tone early and never let up, controlling the tempo and keeping Detroit’s offense completely out of rhythm.
But while the defense was the engine, the story that’ll stick with us is Max Brosmer. The rookie quarterback, making just his second career start, didn’t light up the stat sheet-in fact, he barely flickered on it.
Brosmer finished 9-of-16 for 51 yards, with no touchdowns, no interceptions, and seven sacks taken. And yet, somehow, he walked off the field with a win.
Max Brosmer is the only NFL QB in the Super Bowl era to play the entire game and finish with under 70 passing yards and 7+ sacks and yet still win. pic.twitter.com/PAJ71v695X
— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) December 26, 2025
According to OptaStats, Brosmer is now the only quarterback in the Super Bowl era to start and finish a game with fewer than 70 passing yards, take seven or more sacks, and still lead his team to victory. That’s not just rare-that’s unprecedented. It’s the kind of stat line that makes you double-check the numbers, then shake your head and laugh.
But make no mistake-this wasn’t about flash. It was about grit.
Brosmer, an undrafted rookie out of New Hampshire, didn’t try to play hero. He managed the game, avoided turnovers, and let his defense do the heavy lifting.
That kind of poise, especially under constant pressure, says something about the kid’s composure. He took hits, got back up, and kept the offense on track just enough to stay ahead.
With J.J. McCarthy still dealing with a wrist injury, there’s a real chance Brosmer could be back under center next weekend as the Vikings wrap up their season against the Packers. If that happens, he’ll have another opportunity to show what he can do-hopefully with a little more protection and a little more room to operate.
For now, though, Brosmer and the Vikings can enjoy a win that was as gritty as it was unexpected. A rookie quarterback making history, a defense playing lights out, and a team that just might not be done making noise.