12 Snap Reactions after Vikings at Falcons
From a suggestion by a reader, we continue our “snap reactions” weekly piece this season detailing thoughts and analysis after a Minnesota Vikings game.
12 Snap Reactions after Vikings at Falcons
This will be off-the-cuff, a wee bit “random,” and hopefully insightful.
The Vikings won 31-28 in Week 9 at the Atlanta Falcons, continuing Minnesota’s recent winning streak and triumphing without Kirk Cousins and Jaren Hall.
1 – The Vikings lost Justin Jefferson for [at least] four games about a month ago and won the next four games without him. You cannot make it up.
2 – What rotten luck to be without a rookie quarterback, Jaren Hall, after a concussion, a premiere left tackle, Christian Darrisaw, and Justin Jefferson. Nonetheless, Minnesota still won, an extreme testament to the coaching staff. This team isn’t ready to quit and will do no such thing for the rest of 2023
3 – Minnesota’s defense has become formidable and opportunistic over the last five weeks, and if the club effectuates a playoff push, it will be because the defense got its ducks in a row after a blah first three games.
4 – Josh Dobbs learned the Vikings playbook in about four days and engineered a game-winning drive when his new friends needed him the most. In theory, if he never played another snap for the Vikings, he’d remain a mini-legend.
5 – Cam Akers reportedly tore his Achilles — there’s a lot of that going around — meaning a newfound role for second-year running back Ty Chandler is on the way. The man is quite fast and chomping at the bit for his moment. It’s coming.
6 – Minnesota yet again won the time of possession battle, and there’s a direct correlation between owning that stat and winning games. Kevin O’Connell seems to have figured it out.
7 – The Vikings didn’t abandon the run when it felt like they should have. When it was all said and done versus the Falcons, the purple team ran the rock 33 times for 146 yards or 4.4 yards per carry. This is serviceable.
8 – Josh Dobbs and friends were 3 for 6 in the redzone, which will need cleanup against good teams. But Dobbs gets a pass, as he’s been a Vikings for just five days.
9 – Jordan Addison’s game-extending catch is yet another example of his stardom. The man is no longer “good for a rookie.” He’s a marvelous wide receiver who has totally arrived. If Justin Jefferson is available soon, the duo should feast.
10 – The Vikings now have a 61% probability of reaching the postseason, according to the New York Times‘ playoff simulator. Unreal after a 1-4 start.
11 – A quarterback controversy may be on the way between Josh Dobbs, Jaren Hall, and Nick Mullens, but it would be a little strange to bench Dobbs, right?
12 – Minnesota’s win over Atlanta — and next weekend’s game versus New Orleans — is incredibly vital for NFC playoff positioning. The Falcons were 4-4 heading into Week 9, and the Saints are now 5-4 for next week.
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 Sal Spice. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band).
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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