Minnesota Vikings Win A Close One In Jacksonville
It wasn't pretty, but the Minnesota Vikings improved to 7-2 with a 12-7 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. Minnesota didn't score a touchdown in the game, calling on new kicker John Parker Romo for all their points.
Here are the big takeaways from the strange matchup between the Vikings and the Jaguars.
Is Sam Darnold Seeing Ghosts?
This may have been Sam Darnold's worst game in a Minnesota Vikings uniform. The former first-round pick completed 24-of-38 passes for 241 yards and three interceptions. His first INT bounced off the hands of Justin Jefferson. Darnold's second interception probably should've been overturned, but it wasn't.
On the third pick, Darnold again targeted Jefferson in the end zone. Darnell Savage read it all the way and made the Vikings pay.
Sam now has seven interceptions on the season, compared to his 17 touchdown throws. His career-high 15 interceptions came in his rookie season with the New York Jets. Darnold has a chance to bounce back next week against a Tennessee Titans team that has only forced three interceptions through its first eight games.
The Vikings Defense Took Over
Minnesota's defense set the tone early, forcing the Jaguars into a three-and-out to start the game. Jacksonville went 70 yards in nine plays for a touchdown on the following drive, but that was about it for the Mac Jones-led offense.
Jones finished the game with 111 yards, two interceptions, and a quarterback rating of 38.3. The two turnovers came on the Jaguars' final two drives of the game.
Blake Cashman returned to the lineup and made five tackles. Ivan Pace Jr., Stephon Gilmore, and Josh Metellus also recorded five total tackles. The defense sacked Jones three times for a loss of 24 yards.
Next Up For The Vikings
The Vikings play on the road in Tennessee next weekend. It would be great to see Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison more involved in the offense. I'd also like a touchdown from an offense that has struggled the last two weeks.
Minnesota finishes the season with the following matchups: at Chicago Bears (Week 12), vs. Arizona Cardinals (Week 13), vs. Atlanta Falcons (Week 14), vs. Chicago Bears (Week 15), at Seattle Seahawks (Week 16), vs. Green Bay Packers (Week 17), and they wrap up the regular season against the Detroit Lions in Week 18.
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