The Minnesota Vikings went up 5-0 against the New Orleans Saints, 23-13. The game was not as close as the score. The Viking defense continues to dominate teams. The offense looked as good as it has all year with Kevin O’Connell giving game balls to Kyler Murray, Justin Jefferson, and Aaron Jones.
The team MVP continued his perfect season, going 3-for-3 on field goals and 2-for-2 on extra points. Reichard became more than just a reliable kicker. He is a legitimate weapon and a difference maker. It seemed like every time Minnesota crossed midfield, three points were almost automatic.
Murray wasn’t spectacular, but he did enough. With Addison and Darrisaw and Hockenson going down early, the Vikings didn’t need him to play hero ball. They just need him to avoid a fatal mistake.
Jones did have a costly fumble in the red zone, but it shouldn’t overshadow another outstanding performance. Since Jordan Mason went down, Jones has carried the massive workload and continues to deliver. His 113 rushing yards helped control the tempo of the game and keep the Saints’ defense on the field. Hopefully help will come after the upcoming bye.
Murphy put together one of the best games of his Vikings career. He left with two interceptions and essentially wiped out his side of the field, allowing just three yards in coverage. The pressure built up front certainly helped, but Murphy took advantage of every opportunity that came his way. The Vikings’ defense continues to overwhelm opponents, and Murphy has been one of the biggest reasons why.
The Vikings are 5-0 because of the defense of Brian Flores. Every week it’s hard to single out just one player because everyone seems to contribute. Dallas Turner is a week old. Next week is Byron Murphy Jr. Then Jalen Redmond, Blake Cashman, or Eric Wilson. Flores built a defense where all 11 players were flying around and making plays. The Vikings have held opponents under 20 points in every game this season and continue to force turnovers at critical moments. At some point, credit must go to the person who puts everyone in position to succeed. Flores continued to dial up the pressure, confuse quarterbacks, and make offenses uncomfortable through four quarters. When it’s impossible to pick just one defensive player, it’s often a good time to recognize the coach behind it all.