4 Quick Takeaways from the Vikings’ Week 5 Triumph
The Minnesota Vikings were staring at a 2-3 record at the bye week, but they found a way to escape their Europe trip with at least one victory. A last-minute game-winning drive, captained by Carson Wentz, secured the win.
4 Quick Takeaways from the Vikings’ Week 5 Triumph
We’ve learned some things.
1. Justin Jefferson is good at football.
Justin Jefferson just continues to be one of the very best players in football. Through the first five games of the season, he has already caught 29 passes for 449 yards and one touchdown, despite the shaky passing attack.
The wideout finished the Cleveland Browns game with seven receptions for 123 yards, including various plays on big downs. He’s a one-of-a-kind player and truly quarterback-proof. JJets is on pace for over 1,500 yards despite playing two games with a struggling J.J. McCarthy and three others with Carson Wentz.
2. The offensive line is fine if the ball is out quickly.
Quarterback Wentz wasn’t always well protected in his third start this season, but he generally had enough time to get rid of the ball. He did a better job at identifying the rush and targeting his first option, while Kevin O’Connell might have drawn up some quicker passing plays.
On the ground, the patchwork line helped the club gain nearly 100 rushing yards despite playing against an opponent with a formidable ground defense.
The line started with Christian Darrisaw at left tackle, who was taken off the field in the third quarter due to his snap limit. Justin Skule was the other starting tackle, and Walter Rouse replaced Darrisaw. At center, Blake Brandel made his career center debut after years at tackle and guard. Will Fries was the only usual starter who finished the game, and Joe Huber made his NFL debut, playing left guard.
It wasn’t perfect, but it was better than expected against one of the league’s top fronts.
3. Some issues continue.
The Vikings allowed the Browns to run for 140 yards, a week after Kenneth Gainwell had a career day and three weeks after the Falcons ran all over them. At some point, the Vikings need to find an answer.
Furthermore, Kevin O’Connell’s unit committed another seven penalties for 50 yards, continually setting up poor field position on special teams.
Another problem is the turnovers. Jordan Mason and Zavier Scott both fumbled on running plays, while the defense was unable to secure a takeaway. Losing the turnover battle is an easy way to lose football games, and the Vikings have been doing that.
At least Wentz didn’t add a turnover to the list and had an overall solid day.
4. Jordan Addison has a fascinating day.
Wideout Jordan Addison had to watch the team’s first two drives from the bench. He didn’t play a single snap, and eyebrows were raised. Reports suggested that he was not hurt.
Well, the speedster missed a walkthrough practice this week, and O’Connell had no choice but to make a statement and leave him on the sideline for some time.
Then, he returned and had a quiet day. Well, at least until he caught a game-winner. Addison has been a big-play playmaker for the Vikings since his arrival, and he once again came through. Still, he was suspended for three games to start the year, and a couple of weeks later, he drew a team suspension.
It’s his third year, and at some point, the maturation process needs to take place.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Pro Football Reference helped with this article.