The Minnesota Vikings easily defeated the Tennessee Titans 23-13 on Sunday. It’s the Vikings 8th win of the season and helps them keep pace with the surging Detroit Lions. Let’s take a look at the Players of the Game.
Sam Darnold – Darnold was in command of the game yesterday. It wasn’t just turnover free football (I put that fumble on Jones), he was moving the ball. 20 for 32 for 246 yards and 2 TDs doesn’t sound amazing, but it would’ve been a much better stat line if Jalen Nailor was able to catch a bomb that Darnold laid in his lap. The ball is being spread around more, with 10 different players targeted on Sunday. I liked the way Darnold looked and hope it continues in Chicago.
Harrison Smith – You get the game sealing INT, you get a nomination. It’s the 2nd week in a row the game is finished by a safety tracking a deep ball. Love to see the team not play prevent and finish off strong.
With less than 2 min to go, @Vikings steal the ball back!
: #MINvsTEN on CBS/Paramount+
: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/kkWL6gWirD— NFL (@NFL) November 17, 2024
Andrew Van Ginkel – 8 total tackles, 3 TFL, 2 sacks and he was all over the place. The Titans OL is porous and the Ginkster was taking advantage. He had a whole crew of people watch him put on a show in Tennessee. I don’t think the Van Ginkel crew have a bad time anywhere, but I think it’s safe to say he enjoys playing in Minnesota. Van Ginkel’s has 8 sacks already this season and is on pace to double his previous career high of 6.
When you think your outfit is cool but your high school buddies show up like this pic.twitter.com/O8TtPX0k2M
— Sam Van Ginkel (@Sam_VanGinkel) November 18, 2024
Pat Jones II – Pat Jones II sacks is back. 3 TFLs, 2 sacks and 5 QB hits. Jones was in the backfield all day. He’s the unsung hero in the middle for the most part. Jones was rewarded with a season high 75% of the snaps on Sunday. He’s struggled to consistently produce when he’s given a bigger role. We’ll see if it’s the Titans OL or if he’s turned the corner.
Pat Jones II : 5 tackles, 3 for loss, 2 sacks & a career-high 5 QB hits (7 sacks this season) pic.twitter.com/XHzx4eQVv1
— Lee Harvey (@MusikFan4Life) November 18, 2024
Kevin O’Connell – It was a thorough team win and the head coach deserves some credit. The Vikings have won the last two games against poor opposition. It seems like there was a lack of momentum around the team, especially the offense. The fans were getting restless. KOC got them back on track with a nice and easy win. Taking care of the Bears will go a long way to keeping that momentum heading in the right direction.
Oh shit Let’s go @Vikings set the tone get the Vibe right and go for it all. Boom • https://t.co/jnbpt4Vpb3 pic.twitter.com/pWkzRdgHJ5
— 50cent (@50cent) September 16, 2024
Honorable Mention: Blake Cashman, Jonathan Greenard, Brian Flores, Brian O’Neil, Justin Jefferson
All played/coached well, but there are too many in an easy win.
