Explained: 8 Takeaways from Vikings Win in London

Vikings Vow to Avoid Bigheadedness
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports.

Please note: This video originally appeared on our sister-site PurplePTSD.com.


This is Episode 133 of VikesNow, a YouTube channel devoted to daily Minnesota Vikings analysis. This episode examines the Vikings-themed takeaways from the team’s 28-25 win in London over the New Orleans Saints.

Particularly, the 3-1 start, special teams performance, Kirk Cousins, and the Vikings ever-evolving defense are discussed.

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The Vikings knocked off the New Orleans Saints in Week 4, 28-25, thanks to special teams razzle-dazzle and a terrific game-winning drive from quarterback Kirk Cousins. Greg Joseph saved the day with five field goals, although he curiously missed one crucial extra point.

PurplePTSD: Cine's Injury, Saved by a Kick, Special Teams
Peter van den Berg-USA TODAY Sports.

Wide receiver Justin Jefferson returned to form for 10 catches, 147 receiving yards, and a rushing touchdown as Minnesota took care of a team without its QB1, RB1, WR1, and LG.

The Vikings are early seven-point home favorites against the rival Chicago Bears, who lost in Week 4 at the New York Giants, 20-12. The Green Bay Packers also won on Sunday, beating the New England Patriots, but the Vikings stay on top of the NFC North thanks to tiebreakers. Minnesota is the NFC’s No. 2 seed as of October 2nd.

Lewis Cine was lost to a broken leg, a disappointing development for the Vikings 1st-Rounder, who was a special teams contributor through four games. The Vikings drafted Cine as a plan for life after Harrison Smith, but the Georgia alumnus likely won’t see a regular season field again until 2023. Minnesota will ask safeties Josh Metellus and Myles Dorn to step up in Cine’s stead.




Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sally from Minneapolis. His Viking fandom dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doors (the band).

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