The Vikings had the Texans flustered from start to finish as they cruised to a 34-7 win.
Universally acclaimed by league “experts” as one of the worst teams in the league before the season, the Vikings have been one of the best teams in the league. It’s only been three weeks. There’s a whole lot of football to be played. 14 more games, to be exact. The 3-0 start is promising. So promising. With tight end T.J. Hockenson and receiver Jordan Addison rehabbing injuries, the Vikings were without two of the top four offensive playmakers the last two weeks. Both have been missed but the offense has just kept doing what needs to be done. 23 points against the 49ers. 34 against the Texans. Next man up.
Quarterback Sam Darnold continued his efficient season.
Against the Texans:
17/28
181 yards
4 TDs (6,8,4,2)
Through three games, Darnold has thrown eight touchdowns. He’s averaged 219 yards. He’s only thrown two interceptions. He’s avoided the bushel of mistakes that had become a staple of his early years in the league. He’s been efficient. He’s guided the offense. He’s moved the chains. He leads the league in touchdown passes.
Justin Jefferson is the best receiver in the league. Even when he’s not catching the ball, he tilts the field toward others. He set the tone early against the Texans with the opening touchdown. He was rarely contained in the first half.
6 catches
81 yards
1 TD (6)
That was his production in the first half. It remained his production for the game. Jefferson was only targeted twice in the second half. Both on short throws to convert third downs. Darnold was off on both throws and Jefferson couldn’t haul in the throws. If he had, the margin of victory would’ve been more than 27.
Aaron Jones Sr. was terrific.
19 carries
102 yards
5 catches
46 yards
1 TD (8)
It was his first 100-yard rushing game with the Vikings. There’s sure to be many more.
Jalen Nailor has now caught a touchdown in each game. So has Jefferson.
For a game in which they scored 34 points, the Vikings had modest offensive production. To get to 34 points an NFL offensive is usually within sight of 400 yards. Against the Texans, the Vikings offense gained 274 yards (156 passing, 118 rushing). Of their ten possessions, they went three-and-out twice. One was frustratingly littered with procedural penalties. Six of the possessions ended in scores. The Vikings offense was efficient. The only way they could’ve gotten within sight of 400 yards was if the field was longer than 100 yards. They played well with the lead. After the two quick touchdowns that opened the game, the outcome never felt in doubt.
Brian Flores and the Vikings Defense
As much as I like the strong start by Sam Darnold and the efficient offense, the Vikings strong start to the season starts with the scheming of Brian Flores and the defensive coaches and the play of every defensive player that steps on the field. This defense is so much fun. It isn’t fun at all for the quarterbacks and offensive playcallers that face it. It’s very much a team thing but Jonathan Greenard must be singled out for his performance against his former teammates.
3 sacks
4 tackles
3 tackles for loss
Greenard was routinely in the Texans backfield causing chaos.
Led by C.J. Stroud and a fleet of talented receivers, the Texans have one of the most potent offenses in the league. They managed a single touchdown against Flores’ defenders. The Vikings spent the offseason signing and drafting defensive players that fit this scheme. Through three games, the scheme and the play have been beautiful to watch. The optimist in me feels that it’s just getting started.
The Minnesota Vikings are 3-0. Two of the wins have come against two of the league’s elite teams. The 49ers are the defending NFC champs. Many expect them to defend that title. The Texans are considered by most to be a Super Bowl contender. The Vikings defeated both. They defeated both convincingly.
Next up is a trip to Green Bay and a division battle with the Packers. The Vikings have lost a player to a torn Achilles on the spongy Lambeau turf each of the last two seasons. Brian O’Neill in 2023 and Kirk Cousins last year. The Vikings must come out of Green Bay healthy and with a win.
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