The Vikings’ offense managed to convert just 13 percent of their third down tries, but created enough explosive plays to edge the Jets for a 37-17 win. Daniel House provides a few key takeaways.
The Vikings’ offense managed to convert just 13 percent of their
third down tries, but created enough explosive plays to edge the Jets for a
37-17 win. Minnesota’s defense forced four takeaways and running back Latavius
Murray ran for a pair of touchdowns as the Vikings jumped into first place in
the NFC North.
The Vikings’ offense did just enough to win despite converting
just 2 of their 15 third down tries. Minnesota’s play-calling was odd in early
down situations as the team struggled to run the ball and favored the wide receiver
screen game. This allowed the Jets to be more creative when the Vikings were in
third-and-long situations. Several of the play calls were predictable and led
to short or negative plays. The Minnesota offense squandered many opportunities
with excellent field position. In the first half, they had the football on the
Jets’ 35, 44 and 30-yard-lines, but had just three points to show for it.
The Vikings’ offense locked up inside the red zone as the
running game struggled and a few penalties placed them in long down situations.
One of the only completely smooth drives by the Minnesota offense came on the
first series of the game. Wide receiver Adam Thielen hauled in a 34-yard touchdown
as the Vikings marched on a 4-play, 68-yard scoring drive. Thielen tied the
all-time record after posting his seventh consecutive game with 100 or more
receiving yards. His brilliance to open the season should have him in the
conversation for some of the league’s top offensive honors.
Kirk Cousins also snuck a deep 34-yard fade into Aldrick
Robinson for a score late in the fourth quarter. Otherwise, the Jets’ secondary
did a solid job of covering the Vikings’ playmakers up the field. Darryl
Roberts knocked away a few passes, including a deep pass over the middle
intended for wide receiver Stefon Diggs. Minnesota’s offense wasn’t very
creative in early downs, which placed them in unfavorable situations on third
down. If they were more innovative with their play-calling variety, the game
likely would have been much different. As the Vikings started to run more route
concepts which forced the secondary to communicate and pass off, the offense
started to open up. This was a sound adjustment that helped Minnesota create
enough explosive plays to win.
The big key was an occasionally productive running game the Vikings
had in the second half. Latavius Murray rushed for 69 yards on 15 carries,
adding a pair of scores. The Minnesota offensive line opened a big lane for his
38-yard touchdown run. Center Pat Elflein delivered a key block and Danny
Isidora drove into the second level to spring the play. Elflein played
extremely well and was a key performer on the offensive line. Isidora also
paved some lanes in the running game as he filled in for Tom Compton, who left
the game with a knee injury. The team’s pass protection is still occasionally
poor, especially with Rashod Hill at left tackle. However, they managed to hold
blocks during critical moments of the game. Perhaps the Vikings will consider
keeping Brian O’Neill at right tackle when Riley Reiff returns from injury.
The Vikings defense continues to be built around their third
down defense and pass rush. At one point, Minnesota had a streak of 20 consecutive
third down stops, dating back to last week’s game. Defensive end Stephen
Weatherly was making plays off the edge and even dropped into coverage for a
pass breakup. Weatherly’s improved pass rushing moves and skills against the
run has helped Minnesota overcome the loss of Everson Griffen. Defensive tackle
Sheldon Richardson was also impactful on several plays, creating numerous
pressures. The entire defensive line helps one another work within favorable
situations. When the Vikings can force teams into third-and-long, blitz
packages follow. Anthony Barr continued to rush the passer and the coaches sent
safety Harrison Smith off blitzes. This type of pressure helped the Vikings
create four takeaways, including three interceptions. The entire unit has
clamped down against the run, which has helped provide more flexibility from a
schematic standpoint on third-and-long.
The Jets were scheming to have multiple tight ends on the field
throughout Sunday’s game. Their goal was to have the Vikings’ defense in the
base package as much as possible. This allowed them to attack Minnesota’s
safeties and linebackers with tight ends. Chris Herndon had a 12-yard touchdown
reception and nearly beat Jayron Kearse for an 18-yard score. One weakness the
Vikings still have to correct is their coverage off play-action roll-outs in
the flat against tight ends. At one point, linebacker Eric Kendricks was beaten
in man coverage off a wheel route, too. Kendricks has struggled early in the
season, especially as a tackler. Just a few breakdowns throughout games have
allowed teams to attack the Vikings’ defense with tight ends. Many of their
breakdowns on defense were related to bad matchups or the failure to pass off receivers
correctly in the secondary.
Moving forward, it will be worth monitoring the status of
several key injuries that occurred late in this game. Linebacker Anthony Barr
injured his hamstring in the fourth quarter and did not return. Cornerback
Xavier Rhodes also exited slowly with an apparent ankle injury. The Vikings
host the Saints next week and will need a healthy defense to compete against an
offense with an elite quarterback and explosive weapons.
Jets dropped passes played a big role in the outcome. Game was closer or at least should have been than the score indicated. They'll need to be better to beat the Saints.
ReplyDeleteXavier Rhodes (Sprained ankle)
ReplyDeleteAnthony Barr (Tweaked hamstring)