The Minnesota Vikings extended their unbeaten streak to six games, beating a struggling Indianapolis Colts team 16-10 with a familiar if frustrating formula: conservative, ball control offense, efficient special teams and a dominant defense. There were a couple cracks in the later two phases as the Vikings had a field goal blocked and the defense allowed an explosive 38-yard run for the Colts’ only touchdown.
And the Vikings offense was not able to take advantage of a struggling Colts defense. A variety of errors resulted in stalled drives. Not being able to convert 3rd and 4th and one, dropped passes or slightly inaccurate passes also killed a few drives, as did a holding penalty that negated what would have been a first and goal at the 3-yard line on an explosive pass to Jordan Addison. But the offense also did not turnover the ball, and tying or winning the turnover battle has given the Vikings a 90% win rate in the Kevin O’Connell era and sure enough, the Vikings won again. But an offense that finally had all its starting skill players on the field still failed to shift into a higher gear. That continues to be the most troubling aspect of the Vikings undefeated streak, particularly as the Vikings haven’t faced particularly strong defenses.
With that, here is this week’s stock market report.
Blake Cashman. He was all over the field against the Colts, racking up 6 pressures including 2 sacks, 3 pass break ups in coverage, and 12 tackles according to preliminary PFF tracking. That was probably his most complete game as a Viking.
Harrison Smith. He picked off his 40th pass of his career and joined Hall of Famers Ronde Barber and Charles Woodson as the only players in NFL history to accomplish the feat. He also recorded a sack and was solid in run defense as well.
Jauan Jennings. There were signs of life from Jennings as part of the Vikings offense. He had two receptions for 34 yards and a shot at a difficult catch for a touchdown that he wasn’t able to make, but overall some improvement for Jennings and his getting more involved in the Vikings passing game.
Kyle Van Noy. He is the highest PFF-graded edge rusher for the Vikings this season, largely based on run defense. He’s been an invaluable addition and contributor who’s helped tighten up the defense at key moments.
Aaron Jones. He looked like a nearly 32-year old back overworked the past four games. Outside of one toss run later in the game, everything looked tough for Jones, who averaged just 3.3 yards per carry. He just isn’t able to force any missed tackles.
A patient, conservative, ball control approach as the Vikings offense tries to ramp things up.
How long it’s taking for the Vikings offense to ramp up.
The Vikings defense’s ability to make plays when needed.
The Vikings offense’s ability to do the same.
The Vikings travel to Detroit next Sunday and their high-powered offense. It’s an important division game that should be a big test and the start of a grueling midseason stretch that will an immense challenge to the Vikings’ 11-game unbeaten streak.
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