The Minnesota Vikings were left for dead after their Thursday night debacle against the San Diego Chargers two weeks ago. But in their 27-24 victory over the division-leading Detroit Lions last Sunday, their offense, defense, and special teams looked renewed and refreshed. Most significantly, after a long layoff, franchise quarterback J.J. McCarthy played like a seasoned NFL pro.
The task gets no easier this week with the Baltimore Ravens coming to town. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is back after missing time with a hamstring injury. Priority one is always to try to neutralize the two-time MVP. The Vikings hope to maintain their momentum this week and through the eight other remaining regular-season games.
Vikings Offense Looked Sharp and Poised
It wasn’t perfect, but the Vikings’ offense took a big step forward against the Lions. To the shock of no one, a healthy offensive line was a big contributor to their win. Tackles Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill, both back from injuries, returned to the lineup and provided a noticeable upgrade in pass protection. Only center Ryan Kelly, still recovering from a concussion, remains sidelined. His return is considered imminent.
A fired-up McCarthy was just the spark the offense needed. For the game, he was 14-25 for 143 yards and two touchdown passes. JJ also scrambled for a third-quarter touchdown to put the Vikings up 24-14. He showed great rapport with receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, and responded well when flushed from the pocket. His third down, 16-yard back shoulder pass to Jalen Nailor to seal the game was as pretty a throw as you’ll ever see.
And for a time on Sunday against the Lions, the Vikings enjoyed a rejuvenated rushing attack with the return of Aaron Jones. He rushed for 78 yards on nine carries and caught two passes for 20 yards. Unfortunately, once again, the injury bug bit him as he suffered a shoulder injury in the third quarter. He is listed as questionable for the Ravens. Minnesota head coach Kevin O’Connell will once again turn to Jordan Mason to pick up the slack. Mason will need to improve upon his recent production for the Vikings to maintain a balanced offense.
Flores Has Vikings Defense Fired-Up
Vikings’ defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ troops came out swinging against Detroit. With edge Andrew Van Ginkel back in the lineup, the Vikings’ pass rush had Lions quarterback Jared Goff scrambling for safety all day. Blitzing more than normal, Flores frequently used inside linebackers Blake Cashman and Eric Wilson to pressure the Detroit quarterback. Wilson led the way in the sack department with two. And in welcome news for Minnesota, three interior linemen, Javon Hargrave, Jalen Redmond, and Levi Drake Rodriguez, each recorded a sack.
Cashman led all Vikings in tackles with 14, with Byron Murphy Jr. and Hargrave close behind with eight. With injuries to cornerback Jeff Okudah and safety Theo Jackson, Goff did burn the Vikings for two touchdowns and 284 passing yards. With both players unlikely to suit up against the Ravens, Flores will have to cook up more magic to slow down Jackson, Derrick Henry, and the rest of the Baltimore offense.
Special Teams Provides a Spark
One area of particular improvement this season for the Vikings is the performance of their special teams unit. Placekicker Will Reichard was two for two in field goal attempts against the Lions and is 16-18 for the year. More importantly, he is 6-8 from 50 yards and beyond, giving Minnesota a weapon they did not possess in previous seasons.
And undrafted free agent Myles Price has been a welcome addition to the previously dormant Vikings return game. Against Detroit, he returned five kicks for 164 yards, averaging 32.8 yards per return. He also had a 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown nullified by a holding penalty.
Prediction
I’m going out on a limb, but against the Ravens, I predict the Vikings’ passing game continues to hit on all cylinders with Justin Jefferson hitting paydirt twice. And the Minnesota defense will bend but not break against the potent Baltimore offense. With two interceptions off Jackson, one for a pick six, the Vikings prevail on Sunday, 31-21.
