The Minnesota Vikings extended their unbeaten streak to six games, beating a struggling Indianapolis Colts team 16-10 with a familiar and frustrating formula: conservative, run the ball, good special teams and dominant defense. There were some cracks in the final two periods as the Vikings blocked a field goal and the defense allowed an explosive 38-yard run for the Colts’ only touchdown.
And the Vikings’ offense was unable to take advantage of the Colts’ struggling defense. Various errors resulted in stuck drives. Failing to convert 3rd and 4th and one, dropped passes or slightly inaccurate passes also killed several drives, as well as a holding penalty that nullified what would have been first-and-goal at the 3-yard line on an explosive pass to Jordan Addison. But the offense didn’t turn the ball over either, and tying or winning the turnover battle gave the Vikings a 90% win rate in the Kevin O’Connell era and sure enough, the Vikings won again. But an offense that finally had all its starting skill players on the field still failed to shift into a higher gear. That continues to be the most troubling aspect of the Vikings undefeated streak, especially as the Vikings haven’t faced a particularly strong defense.
With that, here is this week’s stock market report.
Blake Cashman. He was all over the field against the Colts, racking up 6 pressures including 2 sacks, 3 pass break ups in coverage, and 12 tackles according to preliminary PFF tracking. That was probably his most complete game as a Viking.
Harrison Smith. He picked off his 40th career pass and joined Hall of Famers Ronde Barber and Charles Woodson as the only players in NFL history to accomplish the feat with 20 sacks. He also recorded a sack and was also solid in run defense.
Juan Jennings. There are signs of life from Jennings as part of the Vikings’ offense. He had two receptions for 34 yards and a shot on a difficult catch for a touchdown that he didn’t make, but overall there were some improvements for Jennings and his being more involved in the Vikings passing game.
Kyle Van Noy. He is the highest PFF-graded edge rusher for the Vikings this season, largely based on run defense. He was an invaluable addition and contributor who helped tighten up the defense at key moments.
Aaron Jones. He looks almost an overworked 32 year old over the last four games. Outside of a toss run later in the game, things looked tough for Jones, who averaged just 3.3 yards per carry. He just can’t force any missed tackles.
A patient, conservative, ball-control approach as the Vikings offense tries to turn things around.
How long will it take for the Vikings offense to step up.
The Viking defense’s ability to make plays when needed.
The Viking offense’s ability to do the same.
The Vikings travel to Detroit next Sunday and their offense is strong. It’s an important division game that should be a big test and the start of a grueling midseason stretch that will be a huge challenge to the Vikings’ 11-game unbeaten streak.
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