One Unsung Viking Stood Off the Page on Sunday
The Minnesota Vikings showcased a few dazzling performances last weekend at the Tennessee Titans, a 23-13 triumph and the team’s third straight. Andrew Van Ginkel, Jordan Addison, and Sam Darnold can tell you all about it.
One Unsung Viking Stood Off the Page on Sunday
But Patrick Jones II, a veteran outside linebacker, also reemerged — right when fans were getting anxious about rookie Dallas Turner’s rise to prominence.
For at least one Sunday, Jones II said, “Nope.”
The man scheduled to be a Viking for just seven more games fired up a memorable outing, tabulating 5 tackles, 5 quarterback hits, 3 tackles for loss, and 2 sacks. The guy was tyrannical after a few weeks of missing in action, at least per Jones II’s early-season standards.
When the 2024 season kicked off, Jones II blazed out of the gate, tallying 5 sacks through four games and being among the leaders in the NFL for the category. Then, though, a regression set in, and he quieted for about 5 games — until the blistering performance in Nashville.
ESPN even listed Jones II’s day as the game’s most surprising aspect. Kevin Seifert wrote this week, “Most surprising performance: Backup linebacker Pat Jones II pressured Titans quarterback Will Levis throughout the game, finishing with two sacks. They were his first sacks since Week 4, but he already has a career-high 7.0 on the season.”
On the whole, the Vikings’ defense ranks first in the NFL per DVOA and EPA/Play through 11 weeks and has rebounded nicely after losing two games in Week 7 and 8 to the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams. In those contests, defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ group came out flat after a bye — that isn’t supposed to happen — and caused onlookers to worry about the state of play. However, “get right” games against the Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Tennessee Titans have helped right the ship.
Jones II, 26, is scheduled to hit free agency in four months, and in reality, he could be auditioning for his next team. In 2025 and beyond, Minnesota has Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Dallas Turner under contract, making a reunion in the Twin Cities unlikely for Jones II. Stay tuned.
The Vikings next play the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on Sunday, a team not known for offensive line prowess. Jones II could feast again and maintain the hot streak.
Five quarterback hits, 3 tackles for loss, and 2 sacks is just a mammoth stat line.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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