The Vikings defense and special teams were the main reason for the first four wins. The offensive support was so limited that the only points scored in two of those wins came from field goals. That changed yesterday against the Saints as Kyler Murray showed some comfort in the Vikings offense. He finally played with some rhythm.
Murray’s game:
24 completions
30 attempts
229 yards
1 TD
10 carries
51 yards
It’s easier to get comfortable and play with rhythm in an offense when Justin Jefferson is a part of it. Due to injuries this was Murray’s first full game with Jefferson. If this is Murray’s baseline play moving forward, the Vikings should be a tough out each week.
The Vikings defense continues to stifle offenses.
Some stats against the Saints:
9 first downs
43 total plays
142 total yards
2 interceptions
Last week, the Dolphins ran 37 plays against the Vikings defense. This week, the Saints ran 43 plays. That’s a pretty light load. So light that it’s as if the Vikings played about one full game over the past two weeks.
Saints quarterback Tyler Shough entered this game averaging about 300 passing yards. Yesterday, against the Vikings defense, Shough threw for 97 yards and two interceptions. The Saints had eight drives. Five went three-and-out.
Despite being completely shut down for much of the game, the Saints did manage two touchdowns. Each originated from Vikings fumbles in the red zone. After kicking a field goal on their first possession of the game, the Vikings looked like they were driving for another score on their second possession. On third-and-one from the Saints 10-yard line, Aaron Jones Sr. gained enough to move the chains. Unfortunately, he fumbled the ball before he hit the ground. Saints defensive end Chase Young recovered the ball and returned it 27 yards to the Saints 34-yard line. The big play briefly flipped the momentum. For the only time the entire game, the Saints offense played with a spark and some purpose. 66 yards and a two-yard Kendre Miller touchdown. The next fumble was even more sudden. Late in the third quarter, receiver Myles Price fumbled as the Vikings were driving for another score. Saints safety Jonas Sanker recovered the football and returned it 87 yards for a touchdown. On each occasion, the Vikings were on the verge of putting some scoreboard distance between them and the Saints. Each time, the Vikings generously put the ball on the ground. Credit the Saints for taking advantage of that generosity. If the Vikings were more secure with the football, the score of this game is probably 33-0 rather than 23-13.
While it was considerably improved, the Vikings offense still has a lot of room for growth. With Kyler Murray’s growing comfort in the offense, that growth appears within reach. If they can get some players healthy, the growth feels nearly certain. Receiver Jordan Addison, running back Jordan Mason, and offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw should be back after the Week 6 bye. Tight end T.J. Hockenson left yesterday’s game after only two plays with a concussion. He should also be back. That’s a lot of offensive talent returning the next time the Vikings takes the field.
The Vikings enter their bye week undefeated. 5-0 with a two game lead over their three division foes. It’s a nice place to be. Two of the five wins were against two of those division foes (Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears). Undefeated and two weeks to get some players healthy. It’s going to be a nice and welcome week off.
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