The Vikings Beat the Jags Because of 2 Players
The Minnesota Vikings’ defense is emphatically back on track, at least versus teams led by Joe Flacco and Mac Jones.
The Vikings Beat the Jags Because of 2 Players
The purple team survived and advanced 12-7 over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, led by a stingy defense and two performances by non-defenders.
These are the two non-defenders, and here’s how they carried the Vikings to a win.
Parker Romo (K)
Not long ago, the Vikings signed Romo as the fix at kicker. The month was March, and Minnesota decided not to re-sign incumbent specialist Greg Joseph.
Unfortunately for Romo’s sake, Vikings boss Kwesi Adofo-Mensah drafted Alabama kicker Will Reichard six weeks after the Romo addition, and almost immediately, Reichard became “the guy.” Then, though, Reichard injured his quad in Week 9, and well, Minnesota needed a kicker.
So, it called Romo.
Fast forward a few days, and Romo scored the Vikings’ only points in Jacksonville. The Vikings’ otherwise decent offense could not finish drives, as quarterback Sam Darnold encountered his worst game to date with the franchise, including 3 interceptions that easily could’ve turned into 4 without a convenient penalty flag. Minnesota needed a hero, and Romo said, “Sure.”
During the win, Romo hit field goals from 45, 34, 33, and 29 yards. The Vikings didn’t ask him to blast it from beyond 50, but his scouting report suggests he’s capable of that. We shall see.
ESPN’s Kevin Seifert described the Vikings’ win in two words — “clutch kicks.” He explained, “In his first NFL game, placekicker Parker Romo converted all four of his field goal attempts to account for all of the Vikings’ scoring. Romo replaced the injured Will Reichard (quadriceps) last week, and the Vikings needed every one of his kicks Sunday. His longest came from 45 yards.”
One miss by Romo might’ve changed everything.
T.J. Hockenson (TE)
Also not long ago, fans daydreamed about what Hockenson could look like in an already sweet offense.
Regrettably in Week 10, the Jaguars defense contained Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison — so much so that Hockenson became mandatory. All told, Hockenson served as Minnesota’s top pass-catcher, logging 8 receptions for 72 yards and what felt like countless crucial 1st Downs.
Along with Aaron Jones’ steadying rushing ways, Hockenson was the straw that stirred the drink offensively.
The aforementioned Darnold encountered his worst game as a Viking because of zany interceptions, but in pivotal spots, he hit Hockenson in the middle of the field to move the sticks. Had Jaguars-Vikings taken place a few weeks ago without Hockenson, Mac Jones and friends might’ve escaped with a dub.
But Romo, Hockenson, and the rekindled defense said, “Nope.”
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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