12 Instant Reactions to Vikings Loss to Steelers
The Minnesota Vikings channeled the Week 2 version of their inner selves in Ireland for much of the game, losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers by a score of 24-21. Consider these snap reactions to that event.
The Minnesota Vikings lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Dublin, Ireland, on Sunday, and here’s an instant reaction to that sorrowful defeat.
Kevin O’Connell’s team will stay overseas next week, on tap to take on the Cleveland Browns next Sunday in London.
Quick Hits from Steelers over Vikings
Minnesota did not have the special sauce in Week 4.
1. The Vikings lost right tackle Brian O’Neill and center Ryan Kelly during Week 4 — in addition to left guard Donovan Jackson missing the Dublin game with a bad wrist. Accordingly, the offensive line struggled — go figure, right? — surrendering 6 sacks. The offensive line injuries almost feel like they’re out of a slapstick comedy film. The offensive enterprise will feel grim until O’Neill, Kelly, and Jackson get healthy. Buckle your seatbelt.
2. Minnesota lost the turnover battle 2-0 — could have been 3-0 if not for Jordan Mason’s accidental-but-sweet faux fumble recovery — and virtually anytime that happens against a Mike Tomlin-led team, you’re toast.
3. Penalties were a storyline yet again. Too many of them. Minnesota had 8 flags for 82 yards. Coming into Week 4, the franchise ranked dead last in the business in penalties per play. Sunday in Ireland did nothing to improve that league-worst problem.
4. Through four games, Minnesota does not look like a Super Bowl-contending team — the offensive line injuries feel inconquerable and the penalties show no signs of slowing down — so the club should focus on getting J.J. McCarthy all healed for a developmental season. His maturation is the single-most important aspect of Vikings football right now.
5. Carson Wentz played decently for a guy that nobody wanted until late August, posting 30 completions on 46 attempts for 350 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 2 picks. If you frame him as a backup quarterback on the back nine of his career, he played well. Frame him as wanting your team to have an elite passer under center, and he stunk. Too many mental mistakes.
6. Zavier Scott scored his first NFL touchdown, which was sweet because nobody knew he was a few months ago or if he’d earn a spot on the regular season roster. He’s Minnesota’s RB2.
7. Jalen Redmond continues to be a revelation, logging 2 sacks in Dublin and outshining the two big-name free-agent additions, Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. The guy is for real.
8. Minnesota did a commendable job of making the game interesting in the final half hour, proving they didn’t mail it in after a to-that-point futile performance. Moral victories don’t mean a lot, but the team should be hungry in England to topple the Browns.
9. Speaking of the Browns, and again referencing the patchwork offensive line, Cleveland’s defense is better than Pittsburgh’s, so you’ve been warned. Six sacks could be on the menu again, unless O’Neill returns next weekend.
10. Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison combined for 238 receiving yards, a fantastic showing that will result in a win during most weeks.
11. Minnesota was 4 for 14 on 3rd Down offense, a continuing problem for an offense that never truly hits a groove. In the first two weeks, McCarthy couldn’t reliably move the sticks. Neither can Carson Wentz. A squad can’t rank near the bottom of the NFL per offensive 3rd Down conversion percentage and expect to contend in the playoffs. It just doesn’t work that way.
12. The Vikings must win next week, because after the bye in Week 6, games against the Philadelphia Eagles, Los Angeles Chargters, Baltimore Ravens, and Detroit Lions will be on the docket. Even if Minnesota were good, with a dependable quarterback, splitting the meetings against Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Baltimore, and Detroit would feel like an achievement.
Bonus: Finally — start McCarthy when he’s ready. This Wentz experiment gives the Vikings absolutely nothing in the long run. Zilch. The pinnacle would be a 9-8 record and a Round 1 playoff loss. Aren’t we sick of those? Start McCarthy.
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