Each week, we offer a “snap reactions” piece detailing thoughts and analysis after the latest Minnesota Vikings game.
12 Snap Reactions after Vikings at Jaguars
This will be off-the-cuff, a wee bit random, and hopefully insightful.
The Vikings won on the road Sunday afternoon over the Jacksonville Jaguars 12-7 and are owners of a 7-2 just over the season’s midpoint.
1 — The only thing separating the Vikings from a dominant performance on Sunday — like they should’ve had — were Sam Darnold’s three interceptions. Everything else fell into place, and the trio of picks kept the came too close.
2 — Minnesota would not have won at Jacksonville without T.J. Hockenson. He routinely moved the sticks on 3rd Down and kept the offense afloat on a quiet day from the Vikings’ wide receivers. This game was a loss if it unfolded in October without Hockenson,
3 — Parker Romo wasn’t asked to kick any terribly long field goals, but he served as the only source of points in Week 10. Minnesota went from 25+ years of dreadful kicker anxiety — to two youngsters who appear to be the real deal.
4 — Brian Flores’ group did the trick against Mac Jones and friends, and the two-game sorrow (versus the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams) appears to be over. The defense very much looks like the unit from September, which was fantastic
5 — Sam Darnold should always be viewed through a non-elite lens. Don’t expect him to play like Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen. He’s not that good. He costs $10 million. Darnold’s a damn fine quarterback if one expects him to play at a Top 15 or Top 20 level. Sunday’s game was one of his bad ones; non-elite quarterbacks have those.
6 — Minnesota’s 42:19 time of possession was only rewarded with 12 points, but its ability to move the ball downfield at will might’ve been the most impressive part of the afternoon. The Kevin O’Connell version of Vikings notoriously loses the time of possession battle.
7— The Vikings entered the redzone five times and scored zero touchdowns. Absolutely unacceptable.
8 — All eyes will turn to Aaron Jones Watch after his chest injury. Cam Akers played well without Jones in the lineup, but just like the London injury, Minnesota will need Jones for the long haul. He’s invaluable.
9 — Both off-ball linebackers, Ivan Pace Jr. and Blake Cashman, played wonderfully, banking sacks and tackles for losses. Welcome back, Cashman. And Pace Jr. continues his ascension to stardom.
10 — Minnesota would have to finish the season 2-6 or 1-7 to miss the postseason. Think about that for a moment. The purple team will return to the playoffs.
11 — If J.J. McCarthy hadn’t torn his meniscus in August, this might be around the time fans began to chant his name for QB1. A player like Darnold can only throw so many interceptions before the coaching staff makes a change.
12 — Next up is the Tennessee Titans, a team Minnesota can’t really take for granted almost bungling the Jaguars showdown. It is, however, an early 6.5-point favorite.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His MIN obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
