The Vikings must learn how to close out games. Offense, defense, special teams. If they make a single play, this game is a win. The fourth quarter opened with the Bengals down 17-3. For three quarters, the Vikings had pretty much done anything they wanted. Red zone turnovers kept the halftime score at a modest 7-3 Vikings lead. It could so easily have been 21-3. At least, 13-3. Other than an opening field goal, the Bengals spent the first half punting. The Vikings spent the first half moving the ball. As they have been all season, turnovers were the difference in this game. They usually are.
In a game decided by a single overtime field goal, one offensive conversion or defensive stop at any point in the final 22 minutes would’ve flipped this loss to a win. Perhaps the biggest moment was a coaching decision at the end of the Vikings only overtime possession. On 3rd & 1 from the Bengals 42, head coach Kevin O’Connell called for a Nick Mullens quarterback sneak. Close but not quite. Fine. On 4th & less than 1 from inside the Bengals 42, O’Connell called for another quarterback sneak. Mullens bobbled the snap and lost yardage. Now, I get going for it rather than attempting a 59-yard Greg Joseph field goal. I don’t get running the same play over a Ty Chandler run or even a play-action pass. It’s so much easier to make this, or any, in-game decision from a comfy couch but I just don’t get sneaking the ball twice with Mullens. On this side of the play, every option is better than the one that didn’t work. Still, it comes down to execution, an NFL offense, especially a good NFL offense, should be able move the ball one yard. Especially when they have two attempts at that one yard.
The Vikings win this game if they convert that first down. I believe that. That doesn’t much matter as it didn’t happen.
The Bengals took advantage of their gifted overtime opportunity. Five plays later, they kicked the winning field goal.
After a five game win streak that put them in playoff position, the Vikings have lost three of four games. They’ve lost those three games by a total of six points. All six points have been scored on their opponents final play.
One play. The Vikings must find a way to close out games. They must find a way to make one play. Better yet, they must find a way to not put themselves in a position where one play is required to decide the game.
Scrambling since Kirk Cousins was lost for the season with an Achilles injury, Nick Mullens was the fourth quarterback to start a game for the Vikings. The offense looked its best since Cousins was lost.
Mullens’ day:
26 completions
33 attempts
303 yards
2 TDs
Unfortunately, he tossed two interceptions. The second was a mind-numbing decision to avoid a sack. Both interceptions ended scoring opportunities that passed the Bengals 20-yard line. 3 points, 6 points, 10 points, 14 points. Points, points, points. The Vikings pissed away points in a game that went to overtime.
Welcome back Justin Jefferson.
I’ve missed Jefferson so much. So have the Vikings. He’d missed seven games and eight weeks to a hamstring injury. He returned last week against the Las Vegas Raiders but left to a chest injury so early that it felt like he never played. He returned against the Bengals and he his return was beautiful.
Jefferson’s day:
7 catches 84 yards
He even attempted a pass. If only he’d been able to set his feet. The play pass, catch, and run might’ve ended in with a touchdown. The play was there but the Bengals pressure forced Jefferson to rush the throw.
Mullens and Jefferson’s first game together was promising.
Also promising was rookie receiver Jordan Addison. Since Cousins was forced to the sideline, Addison had mostly disappeared from the Vikings offense. He returned big against the Bengals.
Addison’s day:
6 catches
111 yards
2 TDs (37,1)
His two touchdowns were brilliant plays. Jefferson and Addison are going to form a dynamite duo for hopefully a very long time.
Also promising was Ty Chandler running the ball. Alexander Mattison’s sprained ankle gave Chandler the starting opportunity. He had a statement game. The statement saying that he should be the starter even with Mattison available.
Chandler’s day:
23 carries
132 yards
1 TD
3 catches
25 yards
Tight end T.J. Hockenson chipped in with 6 catches for 63 yards. The bulk of his catches moved the chains.
The Vikings offense consistently and effectively moved the ball.
How in the hell did they lose this game?
One play.
The Vikings drop to 7-7. They continue to control their playoff situation. With only three games to play, they can not afford another stumble. Especially since their final three games are against division foes.
Detroit Lions
Green Bay Packers
@Detroit Lions
Close out those games. Close out the season. Get ready for the playoffs.
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