Oct 20, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell looks on during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.
The Minnesota Vikings have a 5-2 record through eight weeks and hope to snap a two-game losing skid on Sunday Night Football this weekend.
Some of the team’s sins have become more apparent as of late — that’s what happens after two losses.
So, these are the Vikings’ five main problems at the moment, ranked in ascending order (No. 1 = top problem).
Opponents’ Redzone TD % | NFL Ranking =
24th
The Vikings started the season wonderfully via this metric but have been shredded as of late when the other team enters the redzone. On the whole, Minnesota surrenders a touchdown to the other team 61.9% of the time when it crosses the 20-yard line.
It’s how the Rams defeated Minnesota on Thursday Night Football — redzone efficiency.
Penalties on Offense | NFL Ranking =
30th
This is a combination of delay of game, holding, false start, and illegal formation penalties across the board. Minnesota has 21 pre-snap penalties on offense through eight weeks, the second-most in the NFL behind the Cleveland Browns.
The defense, on the other hand, is tame per penalties compared to the offensive side of operations.
Sack % Allowed | NFL Ranking =
31st
This malady is twofold: Sam Darnold is holding the ball way too long, and the offensive line isn’t necessarily doing a fantastic job keeping him upright in the first place.
Darnold has been sacked on 10.4% of all passing attempts, a mark that likely won’t improve with the loss of Christian Darrisaw.
Giveaways | NFL Ranking =
23rd
Minnesota hands the rock to the opposition 1.4 times per game, ranking 10th-worst in the business. Thankfully for the team’s sake, the defense forces turnovers at the second-best in the NFL clip, so Minnesota has a winning record accordingly.
If the defense ever stops creating interceptions and fumbles while the offense continues its naughty pace, the Vikings will lose multiple games and miss the postseason.
Total Offensive Plays Run | NFL Ranking =
32nd
This one is bizarre. The Vikings rank dead last in offensive plays. Just in general.
Their drives are too short, and it’s rare to have a long, sustainable offensive drive. Kevin O’Connell and Co. pass the ball 27 times per game — last in the NFL. Meanwhile, the 26.4 rush attempts per game rank 19th.
Put plainly, the Vikings need more long drives. They need not be in a hurry.
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.