The Vikings won their sixth consecutive game on Sunday, adn they finally did it in dominant fashion. Their 42-21 win over Kirk Cousins and the Falcons marked their frist victory by more then ten points since week 3 against the Texans. It was a tie game after three quarters, but the Vikings used a 21-0 fourth quarter to bury Atlanta behind massive performances from Sam Darnold, Jordan Addison, and Justin Jefferson.
Vikings offensive snap counts vs. Falcons (out of 60)
* C garrett Bradbury: 60
* LG Blake Brandel: 60
* RG Dalton Risner: 60
* RT Brian O’Neill: 60
* LT Cam Robinson: 60
* QB Sam Darnold: 58
* WR Justin Jefferson: 57
* WR Jordan Addison: 45
* RB Aaron Jones: 38
* TE T.J.Hockenson: 37
* TE Josh Oliver: 30
* WR Jalen Nailor: 24
* RB Cam Akers: 19
* FB C.J.Ham: 19
* TE Johnny Mundt: 11
* WR Brandon Powell: 10
* WR Trent Sherfield: 10
* QB Nick Mullens: 2
There isn’t much to break down here. Oliver returned to action after missing two games and played half the snaps. He had been out-snapping Hockenson before getting hurt, but Hock is now fully healthy after returning from his ACL injury over a month ago. Mundt’s snap share predictably dropped. Mullens came into the game to kneel the ball twice at the very end.
Top 5 PFF grades on offense (min. 20 snaps)
1. Darnold — 90.9
2. Addison — 90.1
3. Jefferson — 89.7
4. Jones — 80.8
5. Oliver — 74.0
Risner, O’Neill, hockenson, and robinson where in the 60s, which is above-average. This was truly an all-time type of game from a quarterback and his top two receivers — the likes of which we might not see again for a long time.Darnold was brilliant,earning a 157.9 passer rating while becoming the first Vikings quarterback in 20 years to throw five touchdown passes in a game. Addison and Jefferson caught all five and combined for 265 receiving yards. It was overshadowed, but Jones also had a solid day with 84 yards and a TD on 15 touches.
Vikings defensive snap counts vs. Falcons (out of 74)
* S Camryn Bynum: 71
* S Josh metellus: 67
* LB Blake Cashman: 63
* CB Byron Murphy Jr: 63
* S Harrison smith: 63
* OLB Jonathan Greenard: 60
* CB Shaq Griffin: 57
* OLB Andrew Van Ginkel: 56
* DL Jalen redmond: 39
* DL Harrison Phillips: 39
* CB Fabian Moreau: 39
* DL Jihad Ward: 31
* DL Jonathan Bullard: 29
* OLB Gabriel Murphy: 28
* OLB Dallas Turner: 26
* DL Jerry Tillery: 19
* LB Kamu Grugier-Hill: 17
* LB Brian Asamoah II: 11
* S Theo Jackson: 11
* LB Jamin Davis: 9
* OLB Bo Richter: 6
* CB Dwight McGlothern: 6
* S Jay Ward: 4
Redmond, who had a breakout game last week, ascended to new levels in this game. He got his first career start, played nearly 40 snaps, and recorded two tackles for loss and two batted passes. The former UFL star now has four TFLs in the last two games. He’s surged past Tillery on the depth chart.
Gabriel Murphy made his NFL debut in this game and out-snapped Turner, the Vikings’ first-round pick, though both played well. It’ll be interesting to see what the playing time looks like between those two rookies if Pat Jones
With no Stephon Gilmore,Moreau stepped into a larger role,as anticipated. McGlothern also got to see the field on defense in his NFL debut. The Vikings’ big late lead allowed them to empty the bench on the Falcons’ final series. Davis, it should be noted, had the team’s only sack of the game well before garbage time. The newcomer made an impact in Ivan Pace Jr.’s absence.
Top 5 PFF grades on defense (min. 20 snaps)
1. B. Murphy — 76.4
2. Moreau — 75.1
3. Smith —74.7
4. Redmond — 69.7
5. G. Murphy — 69.5
The veteran Murphy recorded his sixth interception of the season with a one-handed snag in the second half, putting him one back of the NFL lead in that department. The rookie Murphy impressed in his first game, getting a tackle and a QB hit.
The three lowest grades went to Phillips, Bullard, and Jihad Ward, which is a compelling case for more Redmond snaps next week. Four of the Vikings’ best players — Greenard, Cashman, Metellus, and Van Ginkel — all earned sub-60 grades (despite Metellus having an interception). Greenard was held without a pressure for just the second time all year.
– How does sam Darnold’s recent performance impact the Vikings’ playoff chances?
Time.news Interview: Vikings’ Dominant Performance Analyzed
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Today, we’re diving into the Vikings’ remarkable 42-21 victory over the Falcons, their sixth consecutive win. Too unravel the key highlights and implications of this game, we have sports analyst and football expert, Dr. Emily Stone,with us. Welcome, Dr. Stone!
Dr. Emily Stone: Thanks for having me! It’s great to be here to dissect such an remarkable performance from the Vikings.
Interviewer: It was quite the game! The vikings secured their first win by more than ten points as Week 3. What do you attribute this shift to in their performance?
dr. emily Stone: Well, it truly seems like the team finally found it’s rhythm. For three quarters,it was a tight contest,but they exploded in the fourth quarter with a 21-0 run. This is a testament to their preparation and adjustments made by the coaching staff during the game.
Interviewer: speaking of adjustments, Sam Darnold really shone with a rating of 157.9. How meaningful was his role in this victory?
Dr. Emily Stone: Darnold’s performance was pivotal. He earned an impressive PFF grade of 90.9, which is stellar. He not only managed the game effectively but made some critical throws that opened up the play for receivers like Jordan Addison and Justin Jefferson, both of whom also rated high offensively. When a quarterback plays at this level,it elevates the entire offense.
Interviewer: You mentioned Jordan Addison and Justin Jefferson, who both had incredible performances. Can you elaborate on the impact of their play?
Dr. emily Stone: absolutely! Addison’s 90.1 and Jefferson’s 89.7 PFF grades showed their ability to capitalize on Darnold’s throws. Their runs after the catch and ability to find soft spots in the Falcons’ defense created major mismatches.This trio—Darnold, Addison, and Jefferson—worked in sync, and it’s exciting to see that chemistry developing.
Interviewer: The Vikings’ offensive line held strong as well,with all starting linemen playing the entire game. How does this contribute to their overall success?
Dr. Emily Stone: Offensive line consistency is critical for any quarterback’s success. Having all five starters on the field not only allows for solid protection but also helps in building that necesary chemistry among the players. The fact that they were above average in snap counts against a formidable defense shows their resilience and the commitment to protecting Darnold.
Interviewer: You mentioned earlier that this performance was “all-time” for a quarterback. Do you think this coudl be a turning point for the vikings going forward?
Dr. Emily Stone: Yes, I believe it might very well be a significant turning point. Not only did they secure a dominant win, but they also demonstrated a level of offensive execution and confidence that can carry into the upcoming weeks. If they can maintain this momentum, they could very well make a push in the playoffs.
Interviewer: Before we wrap up, what do you think the Vikings need to focus on in the next game to capitalize on this success?
Dr. Emily Stone: They need to keep building that offensive rhythm while ensuring their defense can maintain consistency. The fourth-quarter performance is a benchmark to aim for, but they must avoid complacency. Also, continuing to integrate players like Josh Oliver, who is recovering from injury, could further enhance their offensive strategy.
Interviewer: great insights, Dr. Stone! The vikings certainly look promising, and it will be exciting to see how the rest of their season unfolds.Thank you for your time and analysis today.
Dr. emily Stone: Thank you for having me! I’m looking forward to seeing how this season progresses. Go Vikings!
Interviewer: And that’s a wrap, folks! Keep tuning in as we follow the Vikings and other key football developments throughout the season.