The Vikings’ Offensive Blueprint That Never Materialized
Last week, I wrote about the offensive blueprint that came into focus after Jalen Nailor’s breakout performance. A blueprint that needed to be taken forward into the rest of the season. That didn’t happen in Week 11 — at all.
The Minnesota Vikings’ offensive blueprint never materialized in Week 11, raising new questions about usage, rhythm, and why the passing plan fell apart.
Nailor led the team in receiving yards in Week 10 against the Baltimore Ravens with 124 yards (and a touchdown) on just five targets — less than half the number of targets of the Vikings’ top two receivers, Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.
I spoke about Kevin O’Connell needing to make sure his offense was a collaborative effort, with T.J. Hockenson and Adam Thielen also needing to get more involved. Whether it was by design or J.J. McCarthy’s inability to spread the ball around, it just didn’t happen.
Vikings Must Get All Pass Catchers Involved
Nailor followed up his first-ever 100-yard receiving game with a single target in Week 11. He caught that target for a 16-yard gain, once again showcasing his playmaking ability. Hockenson’s involvement was better with six targets, of which he caught three for 39 yards.
McCarthy missed his TE on a shot down the left sideline that would have boosted those numbers. Thielen caught one of his two targets for six yards.
An Offense That Has Trouble Staying on the Field
The inconsistency of Minnesota’s young QB is, of course, leading to a lot of problems for the Vikings’ offense. It’s leading to a lot of three-and-outs, five times against Chicago. McCarthy led his team on the field and then straight back off again without making a first down.
The final drive of the game that led to a touchdown catch by Addison was the only Vikings drive that lasted 10 plays in the entire game. It isn’t easy to find a rhythm and consistency when that is happening.
Even with that factor in play, it was disappointing that the connection between McCarthy and Nailor wasn’t built upon outside of one that was completed with only one minute left in the game.
Addison’s TD came on the next play, and the Vikings’ offense never touched the ball again. Whatever happens in Week 12’s game against the Green Bay Packers, I would suggest not leaving it until the last minute to get a player who is high in confidence involved.
Nailor has fond memories of Lambeau Field, the venue of his breakout game in his rookie season in 2022. He went 3 of 3 for 89 yards and a touchdown that day. He also hauled in a 33-yard reception there last season. Minnesota should make sure plenty of the ball goes in Nailor’s direction on Sunday so we can see a repeat of those big plays.
With meaningful football in January already looking unlikely, giving a young player who is coming to the end of his rookie contract every chance to prove himself should be high on the Vikings’ agenda.
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