3 Pleasant Surprises of the 2024 Vikings
It’s been a fun start to the season for the 2024 version of the Minnesota Vikings, who have registered the first 3-0 record since 2016. Unlike eight years ago, however, it doesn’t feel fluky, as Kevin O’Connell’s group has beaten good football teams ‒ the 49ers and the Texans ‒ convincingly.
3 Pleasant Surprises of the 2024 Vikings
Various reasons have contributed to the NFC-leading record through three weeks, but a few things have been surprising.
1. Sam Darnold
The theory was simple when the Vikings signed Sam Darnold in March: He spent his career in bad situations, surrounded by subpar coaching, weapons, and offensive line. In Minnesota, though, he has all of these things, and a better Darnold should emerge.
But even the most optimistic people couldn’t expect Darnold’s explosion into MVP consideration. The Vikings QB1 has thrown for a league-lead eight touchdowns and only two interceptions. He is on pace to toss 45 touchdowns, which would be a franchise record and more than anyone could’ve predicted.
Is it sustainable? Well, defenses get more tape on him, but he will still have O’Connell in his corner, drawing up plays. The head coach can counter defensive adjustments, and Darnold has looked extremely calm and confident in the pocket. A mature Darnold will also get Jordan Addison back on Sunday and T.J. Hockenson at some point in the next few weeks.
2. Cornerbacks
Outside of the quarterback position, no other spot was in the spotlight as much as the cornerbacks in training camp. The Vikings were scrambling, training to find some decent cornerbacks in July and August, and came up with a starting crew of Stephon Gilmore, Byron Murphy, and Shaq Griffin.
Murphy started last year, Griffin struggled with injuries in the last few years, and the Texans cut him in 2023, while Gilmore is 34 years old. But so far, they are getting the job done, limiting the dynamic pass attacks from the Texans and the 49ers, as well as handing outstanding Giants rookie Malik Nabers his worst of the four games he has played in the league.
C.J. Stroud, Brock Purdy, and Daniel Jones all saw ghosts for a while, and the cornerbacks deserve some credit. None of the trio has emerged as a liability, and the forecasted train wreck at the backend of the defense hasn’t transpired.
3. Efficient Rushing Attack
The rushing offense was a major point of emphasis in the offseason for the second straight year, but it might have worked this time. Alexander Mattison was released after one season of starting duties, and former Packers runner Aaron Jones was signed.
The veteran has recorded 5.4 yards per carry in three games, and fellow running back Ty Chandler has contributed 4.5 yards per carry. It’s been a solid turnaround. While the advanced statistics are unsure how well the Vikings have been running the ball (18th in DVOA and 5th in EPA/play), the improvements helped the Vikings play a more balanced offense than in recent years.
It’s also fair to note that the Vikings have played against three of the better defensive lines in the NFL and still had some success.
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Janik Eckardt is a football fan who likes numbers and stats. The Vikings became his favorite team despite their quarterback at the time, Christian Ponder. He is a walking soccer encyclopedia, loves watching sitcoms, and prefers Classic rock over other genres. Follow him on Twitter if you like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt