The Minnesota Vikings clinched the NFC North title with their 34-7 defeat of the Cincinnati Bengals. There really wasn't much suspense in the game after the Vikings opened the game with a 75-yard touchdown drive. There was even less suspense after linebacker Eric Kendricks ended the Bengals second possession with a 31-yard interception return for a touchdown. The Vikings cruised through this game so thoroughly that quarterback Teddy Bridgewater closed the game. He hadn't taken a regular season snap since the 2015 playoffs. That was big news but the biggest news to come out of this game was the Vikings being crowned the 2017 NFC North Division Champs.
This division title is Mike Zimmer's second in four seasons as the Vikings head coach.
The Vikings defense has been terrific all season. They've kept opposing offenses from doing what they want to do, kept them from getting first downs, kept them getting in rhythm. They've played so well that it's been surprising that they haven't gotten many turnovers. Or touchdowns. Before Kendricks' pick-6 yesterday they hadn't generated any defensive points. It'd be real nice if that play is the start of a trend. The Vikings could really use some defensive scores moving forward. Especially in the playoffs.
The Vikings offense got off to a great start with that smooth, opening scoring drive but it was the defense that made this an easy win. The Bengals first quarter possessions were brief: three-and-out, interception, turnover on downs, and three-and-out. That was the biggest reason that the Vikings were up 17-0 before the game was fifteen minutes old. The Bengals didn't cross midfield until less than three minutes were left in the third quarter. That drive ended with a punt four snaps later. The lone Bengals touchdown was triggered by a tipped interception thrown by Bridgewater. That pass, thrown high to running back Jerick McKinnon, was Bridgewater's first in nearly two years.
It wasn't all defense. The Vikings offense did some good things. Quarterback Case Keenum was efficient. 20/23 for 236 yards and two touchdowns. A QB rating of 138.4 is pretty shiny.
Much of the offense came from the running backs. Latavius Murray Jerick McKinnon combined for 37 touches and 242 yards from scrimmage. Murray did most of his work running the ball. 20 carries for 76 yards and a short touchdown. McKinnon did most of his work catching the ball. Seven receptions for 114 yards. For some reason the Bengals didn't think that cover McKinnon out of the backfield was a good idea. He was often running in wide open space.
The offense would've been much more productive if it wasn't for all the damn penalties. They had seven in the first half. Most negated positive plays and all put them behind the chains. They were drive-enders and momentum-killers. In a closer game these are the sort of costly mistakes that the Vikings simply can't afford to make. They won't be in the playoffs long if they commit these drive-stalling penalties.
It was fantastic to see Teddy Bridgewater on the field again.
A division title is the first goal of all teams. The Vikings reached that goal. The #1 NFC seed is possible. They are currently the #2 seed at 11-3. The Philadelphia Eagles hold the top seed at 12-2. The Eagles finish the season at home against the Oakland Raiders and Dallas Cowboys. The Vikings visit the Green Bay Packers and host the Chicago Bears. It's nice to have the division wrapped up but the Vikings can still improve their playoff particulars. There's no time for coasting.
Minnesota Vikings. 2017 NFC North Champions!
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