The Minnesota Vikings extended their winning streak to ten games, dating back to last season, with a 23-13 victory over the New Orleans Saints on the road. The Vikings overcame several fumbles on offense with elite defense and special teams and a methodical offense led by Kyler Murray. The game was more lopsided statistically for the Vikings, who held the Saints to their lowest yardage output in five years offensively and dominated time of possession and most other statistics. A Saints fumble recovery for a touchdown kept the game closer in the second half than it otherwise would have been.
The Vikings road win takes them to 5-0 heading into their bye-week with a dominant #1 defense, elite special teams, and an up-and-coming offense that will return Jordan Mason, Christian Darrisaw, Jordan Addison, and TJ Hockenson from injury. They also have a two-game lead in the NFC North division race.
Kyler Murray. He played nearly flawless football, moving the chains with his arm and feet going 24/30 (80%) for 229 yards and a TD passing, 109.6 passer rating, plus an additional 51 yards on ten carries on the ground. That combined for an 81.3 QBR, a season high for the Vikings. He also had an 86.2% adjusted completion percentage, which is a measure of accuracy, with no turnover-worthy plays.
Byron Murphy Jr. He turned two gifts from Tyler Shough into two interceptions and otherwise allowed just 3 receiving yards in coverage.
Isaiah Rodgers. He allowed just one reception for a 5-yard loss and had a pass breakup to deny a third-down conversion.
Team Defense. Brian Flores’ unit doesn’t really have a superstar. But they don’t have a weak link either. The combination of an aggressive approach that is challenging to play against players who don’t make many mistakes and is relentless is a chokehold for opposing offenses.
Jake Golday. He had a forced scrimmage on special teams and became an elite special teamer this season.
Aaron Jones. He had 113 yards on 25 carries (4.5 ypc) and a touchdown, but also a turnover in the redzone that cost the Vikings points.
Myles’ price. He again had great returns and some great receptions, but returned his fumble for the Saints’ touchdown.
Justin Jefferson. He had some incredible catches-including a key touchdown catch- and 79 total receiving yards, but also one turnover-worthy pass that should have been a turnover on an ill-advised trick play that probably should have been removed from the playbook. It was technically a fumble as a backward pass was recovered by the Vikings.
Ryan Van Demark. He had several penalties that proved to be drive killers. He also allowed 3 quarterback pressures. Can live with some quarterback rushing, but can’t have penalties.
The Vikings’ ability to win with a ball-handling offense combined with a dominant defense and elite special teams while missing several key pieces on offense. The Vikings had the top defense and special teams units in the league before the Saints game, and the results only widened the gap with the second-best units.
The Vikings offense continues to be near the bottom of the league. Kyler Murray is slowly getting comfortable and confident running the Vikings offense despite missing some key pieces and missing two games himself. And after the Vikings’ bye-week, they will return Jordan Mason, Jordan Addison, Christian Darrisaw, and TJ Hockenson.
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