12 Snap Reactions after Colts at Vikings
Each week, we offer a “snap reactions” piece detailing thoughts and analysis after the latest Minnesota Vikings game.
12 Snap Reactions after Colts at Vikings
This will be off-the-cuff, a wee bit random, and hopefully insightful.
The Vikings won at home on Sunday night over the Indianapolis Colts 21-13 and are owners of a 6-2 record after a sweet sprint to start the season.
1 — Playing the Colts in Week 9 was the almighty pivotal hinge for Minnesota’s season: if it lost, well, a 2016-like descent would be on the menu. A win — like what occurred — totally tapered fears of a collapse. The win seemed greasy because of turnovers, but that’s how good teams often do it. See: the Kansas City Chiefs this season and last.
2 — Sam Darnold’s face was very visibly smacked on the fumble return touchdown. The referee had it right when he initially tossed the flag. Mind-bogglingly, he picked it up. Had that play remained a flag, the Vikings would’ve won closer to 24-6 or 28-6, and the win would not have felt greasy. Needed to be said.
3 — Oddly, Will Reichard’s misses can be considered “good” because he would never be perfect for the entire season. It’s better that he got those gaffes out of the way in a win, not a playoff game.
4 — The Vikings’ defense rebounded wonderfully. It stunk versus the Detroit Lions and Indianapolis Colts.
Vikings Defense,
NFL Ranking,
per EPA/Play:
Week 1-5: 1st
Week 6-8: 28th
Week 9: 1st
5 — Sam Darnold should always be viewed through a non-elite lens. Don’t expect him to play like Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen. He’s not that good. He costs $10 million. Darnold’s a damn fine quarterback if one expects him to play at a Top 15 or Top 20 level.
6 — Truth be told, Minnesota dominated on Sunday night in all facets sans turnovers and field goal accuracy. It’s a bit sad Kevin O’Connell and Co. didn’t blow Indianapolis’ doors off, but such is life.
7— At least for a game, Cam Akers has taken over the RB2 gig, and he looked terrific late. He had 53 vital yards from scrimmage and should receive more touches to preserve Aaron Jones for the long haul.
8 — Minus one holding penalty — pretty forgivable for just learning the playbook — new LT Cam Robinson played splendidly, and the trade looks wise in hindsight. He’ll never fully replace Christian Darrisaw this season, but he did well enough to pass the test.
9 — Harrison Smith felt like the defensive MVP, which is pretty fantastic for a 35-year-old safety.
10 — Oddsmakers expected the Vikings to win 6.5 games in 2024, and they’ve won six games four weeks before Thanksgiving. Perspective. The competitive rebuild — now over — is netting dividends.
11 — It’s really sweet how Minnesota has no true nose tackle but still stops the run at one of the best clips in the NFL. Brian Flores’ scheme totally thwarted Jonathan Taylor, one of the league’s top running backs, on Sunday night.
12 — The Vikings have a chance to stack wins over the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans in the next two weeks — two poor teams — and see how the chips fall thereafter against the Chicago Bears, Arizona Cardinals, and Atlanta Falcons.
Vikings Defender Hits IR
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 MIN 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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