Dec 24, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell celebrates after Minnesota Vikings running back Ty Chandlers (32) touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports.
Despite a late scare and the requirement for overtime, the Minnesota Vikings emerged from Soldier Field with a win, moving to 9-2 on the season.
It marked the end of a stretch of three road games in which the Vikings went unbeaten. It wasn’t always pretty, but the job was done. Now, Minnesota returns to U.S. Bank Stadium for the next three games, and the Vikings need a statement win on home turf. One of the main criticisms being leveled at this team is that they are letting teams hang around and not putting games away early.
The game in Chicago was a classic example. Eight points ahead heading towards the 2-minute warning, with a 3rd and 1 at the Bears’ 7-yard line and Chicago out of timeouts, the Vikings had the chance to end the game. The Vikings had to settle for a field goal. The Bears still had a mountain to climb, but a 55-yard kick-off return set them on the way to a quick touchdown drive followed by a 2-point conversation.
Chicago then successfully became the first team this season to recover an onside kick and quickly got into field goal range. With the game tied and going to overtime, all the momentum seemed to be with the Bears.
The Vikings’ defense forced a quick 3 and out, putting the ball in Sam Darnold’s hands to win the game. Darnold was perfect in OT, completing all six passing attempts for 90 yards to set up the game-winning field goal. John Parker Romo duly obliged and sent the ball through the posts. I will never complain about a win, especially one on the road and against divisional opposition, but it was another game that got more difficult and stressful than it should have been.
Minnesota started the season with a couple of big wins in the first three weeks over the New York Giants and Houston Texans. Since then, it’s been back to really close games. Sunday was the fourth time this season the Vikings have faced an onside kick at the end of the game. A win is a win, but it’s time for the Vikings to put on a comprehensive performance and show they can put teams away early. The current three-home game stretch is the perfect opportunity to do that.
The teams the Vikings will face over the next three weeks are the Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, and the return game against the Bears. None of those games should be expected to be easy, with the Cardinals and Falcons very much in the playoff mix. If the Vikings can put four quarters of their best football together in all phases, they can overpower any of these teams. Of course, don’t play well — and they can also lose to any of these teams.
The Vikings are in search of the complete performance that has alluded them since the 34-7 win over the Texans. The Vikings’ defense dominated that day, and the offense played a clean and effective game. Minnesota needs another one of those games if for no other reason than to show that they can do it. Far too often, this team runs hot and cold, and it happens on both sides of the ball, much to the frustration of everyone.
There is so much potential in this Vikings offense. It is stacked with playmakers, and Darnold has proved —admittedly with some bumps in the road — that he can orchestrate it to win football. T.J. Hockenson has four games under his belt and is looking back to his best. Aaron Jones is also looking strong after being banged up in recent weeks. We even got the huge breakout game from Jordan Addison that we have been waiting for.
This Vikings offense feels poised to have a huge game at some point, particularly with Justin Jefferson, who is like a coiled spring ready to explode after being kept (statistically) quiet on Sunday against the Bears. Still, this Vikings offense isn’t at full strength and won’t be at any point this season, with Christian Darrisaw injured before Hockenson returned. Now the Vikings have an injury concern with their replacement left tackle Cam Robinson, which is something to monitor.