The Vikings are for real . . . and their defense is lights out. They hosted Vikings-South, the Houston Texans—and were anything but hospitable, dominating them to the tune of 34-7. Quarterback Sam Darnold threw four touchdown passes (for the second time in his career, first time without an interception) and the Vikings defense confused Texans QB C.J. Stroud throughout, leading to three sacks and two picks. By the time this one was done, the previously undefeated Texans were handed their first loss of the season in dominating fashion.
The Vikings have a lot of connections with the Texans: Danielle Hunter (two tackles one for a loss), Stephon Diggs (10 catches for 94 yards) and Cam Akers (one catch for an 8-yard TD), but the Vikings came away with the win. The Vikings gave up just 38 yards rushing, which was great against a playoff team from last season. Add to that the fact that kicker Will Reichard hit a 58-yard field goal, and the Vikings dominated in all phases of the game.
The thrill of victory can’t last too long, as the Vikings will travel to Green Bay next week to take on the Packers. The Vikings remain in first place in the NFC North alone, so this game could be the biggest challenge for them yet. And the fellas at Vikings Territory Breakdown podcast—Joe Oberle, senior writer at vikingsterritory.com and purplePTSD.com and Mark Craig, NFL and Vikings writer for the Star Tribune and startribune.com—will be on hand to discuss it all. Tune in and check it out.