Image courtesy of Vikings.com
A strong second half performance lifts the Minnesota Vikings over the Los Angeles Rams.
The box score reveals a big game from the wide receiver, running back and quarterback. But what’s missing is the effort from the men in the trenches. In Sunday’s 24-7 victory over the Rams, both the Vikings offensive and defensive lines came up big.
The Vikings defense allowed a total of 45 rushing yards. Los Angeles running back Todd Gurley, who averaged 84 rushing yards per game entering the Week 11 matchup, ran for 37 yards on 15 carries (2.47 yards per carry).
The Vikings limited Rams quarterback Jared Goff to 225 yards on 23 of 37 (62%) passing with zero touchdowns and interceptions. The defense held Los Angeles to 254 yards of total offense. The group put constant pressure on Goff, including sacks by Danielle Hunter and Tashawn Bower and hits by Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks.
Safety Anthony Harris led the Vikings with seven tackles and forced a key turnover in the first half when he stripped Rams receiver Cooper Kupp as he approached the goal line.
Meanwhile, the Vikings offense overcame two missed field goals by kicker Kai Forbath to score 24 points and rode the strength of the offensive line to earn over 450 yards of total offense.
Latavius Murray ran for 95 yards and two touchdowns. Wide receiver Adam Thielen had 6 catches for 123 yards, including a short curl route that he turned into a 65-yard touchdown.
Quarterback Case Keenum had a strong game, completing 27 of 38 passes (71%) for 280 yards and a touchdown. He spread the ball out, completing a pass to nine different receivers. He also added 20 yards on three carries.
The Vikings’ offensive line led the way. The unit provided Keenum with ample amounts of time to throw the ball. The linemen showed extra effort, pushing running backs C.J. Ham, Murray and Jerick McKinnon forward for extra yards on multiple occasions. The line did not allow a sack.
At halftime, the score was tied 7-7. Murray broke the tie with a 2-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter. Murray’s go-ahead touchdown, his second of the day, wound up being the game-winning score, as the Vikings outscored the Rams 17-0 in the second half.
The US Bank Stadium crowd caused issues for Los Angeles throughout the game. The intense noise forced the Rams into unnecessary huddles, a delay of game penalty, and unwanted timeouts.
The Vikings have now won six games in a row.
INJURY REPORT
Cornerback Xavier Rhodes (calf) and tackle Rashod Hill (leg) left the game briefly but returned soon after. Tackle Mike Remmers (concussion) did not play. Defensive end Brian Robison (back) did not play after making the call in pregame warmups. It was the first time Robison was inactive since December 23rd, 2012. His replacement, Bower, earned his first career sack.
UP NEXT
The Vikings (8-2) face the Detroit Lions (6-4) this Thursday. It’s the second straight Thanksgiving Day matchup between the two teams. Last year, the Lions beat the Vikings 16-13.
View Comments
I cannot believe how well the oline is playing this season compared to last year. I know it's a completely different unit and not riddled with injuries but not in my wildest dreams did I imagine them playing this well. That def line of the rams with brockers, donald and quinn is no joke, to hold them out all game was an excellent result. Some credit goes to CK for that too, has made some nice adjustments and got the ball out quickly when required.
Isn't this awesome?! I couldn't have said it better myself SB (nice initials!).
After that 1st drive I was a bit concerned. They did have the drive stopped by the great strip by Harris, but that defense showed up! Zimmer and his boys thoroughly whipped that #1 offense. You could tell after the play clock went past the 15 second mark and Goff was on his own... he had issues.
Can't say enough good things about the O-line. As SB said... the Rams have a very good D-line. And Case will remain the starter, he is just plain getting it done. He is a gamer... like his mentality and toughness. 8-2! SKOL! Best team since 09.
Thanks Sean!
It's my pleasure ccarterhof. I love recapping wins! Great point by the way; Goff looked lost when Zimmer disguised the pressure at the line of scrimmage. And like VT's BJ Reidell said, he didn't look the same after the hits by Barr and Kendricks.
I agree with your takes on Keenum remaining the starter and this being the best team since 09 as well. SKOL.
Does this team have a real consistent weakness?
A "consistent" weakness? No. But Forbath is proving to be a bit of an inconsistent one.
See cka2nd's response.
The Vikings do not have a QB controversy. It is media manufactured noise.
It's Keenum's job to lose at this point. Like Mike Zimmer said, "It's going to be hard to yank [Keenum] out of there right now. He's playing good. I still have really high hopes for Teddy. A lot of things happen throughout the course of the season so we'll just see how it goes."
Hope to see many more recaps like this, cool!
This team has put the league on notice that they are on a mission. And it was painfully clear to the Lambs at the end that even the backups were not going to allow a garbage time TD. Pride from top to bottom resonates in this 2017 version of Nordic Purple Doom.
NO way the score on thanksgiving will be 16-13 Lions (2016) nor 14-7 Lions (2017). Theilen won't be putting the ball on the ground. Nor will Jet.
SN, good call. Those very uncharacteristic plays contributed to the last three Vikings losses against Detroit. Zimmer made it clear yesterday that the offense needs to score more points. We'll see how they respond... up to this point they've exceeded expectations.