It’s been a while since the Vikings last won a game in Detroit, or any game against the Lions. Well, that drought is finally in the rearview mirror. The purple franchise is now 4-4 this season, and they stay alive.
6 Quick Takeaways from the Vikings’ Week 9 Triumph
Here are some things we’ve learned about the squad.
1. J.J. McCarthy returns to Michigan.
Quarterback J.J. McCarthy had to wait seven weeks to return to the field after his high ankle sprain. In what was his third career start, McCarthy had pretty unspectacular statistics, throwing for 143 yards, two touchdowns, and one pick, as well as rushing for one touchdown. Ironically, he had those exact numbers in his first start against the Chicago Bears.
McCarthy looked decisive early in the game and was in total control, delivering two quick touchdowns. Then, some inaccuracies popped up.
Overall, the sophomore flashed his potential as a playmaker by using his legs and throwing the ball vertically, something Kevin O’Connell’s offense lacked in recent weeks with Carson Wentz under center. McCarthy didn’t have a flawless game and probably wants some plays back, but his performance was encouraging.
2. The defense is alive.
Entering the game, the defense coordinated by Brian Flores earned some criticism after allowing the Chargers to score 37 and the Eagles to score 28. Well, on Sunday, they were sharp. A touchdown on the first drive was followed by various forced punts and a crucial fumble forced by Blake Cashman.
Detroit had Flores’ number in the past, but he finally dialed up successful blitzes against Jared Goff, resulting in five sacks. Vikings’ nightmare Jahmyr Gibbs was held to 25 rushing yards. Just like McCarthy’s game, there’s some stuff to work on — like some vile missed tackles — but ultimately, the group got the job done.
3. The weapons need chances.
Everyone knows the Vikings have the pass-catchers that can help every passer, and they all showed up on Sunday.
Jordan Addison led the Vikings with 48 receiving yards, including securing a 31-yarder near the endzone. Justin Jefferson “mossed” a defender for a touchdown and had six catches for 47 yards. He didn’t produce a ton of yards, but he made plays when McCarthy targeted him. T.J. Hockenson had a drop, but also found paydirt.
An unsung hero is Jalen Nailor. The WR3 caught only one pass all afternoon, but that was the game-clincher on a third down. The catch (pictured above) was contested and tough, but he came down with it and allowed McCarthy to call victory formation.
Aaron Jones didn’t look like a 30-year-old at all and was explosive until a shoulder injury knocked him out of the game. If healthy, the running back duo is one O’Connell should trust more.
McCarthy gave his guys chances, and that’s always a good idea when they have that kind of talent.
4. Myles Price can do the thing if the teammates let him.
Special teamer Myles Price showed his explosiveness in the preseason and earned the role as the team’s top returner on punts and kickoffs.
Against the division rivals, Price broke a 99-yard kick return, but it was called back due to a Tavierre Thomas holding. He also returned another kickoff for 61 yards, setting up short field position in the first quarter.
The rookie is a dangerous returner on any given opportunity, but his teammates need to stop committing penalties in the third phase and let Price do his job.
5. Unsung defenders made plays.
On defense, Andrew Van Ginkel returned, and the entire starting lineup was available for the first time this season. Blake Cashman made 14 tackles and forced a fumble, Javon Hargrave registered a sack, and Jonathan Greenard was a menace all day.
But it’s time to highlight another defender: Eric Wilson. The second-time Viking sacked Jared Goff twice, and he made multiple big-time stops in addition to that. Gibbs had his hands full with blocking the relentless Wilson, who was hunting Goff all day.
Jalen Redmond increased his season sack total to four. Fellow defensive lineman Levi Drake Rodriguez registered a sack, and last year’s seventh-rounder also got his hands on a field goal attempt. The sophomore is slowly developing into a key piece for the Vikings.
6. The season isn’t over.
The Vikings are now 4-4. A week ago, it looked like the club could look forward to the draft much earlier than folks had hoped, but suddenly, the playoffs are at least realistic if the team can continue to play like they did on Sunday.
On Tuesday, the NFL’s trade deadline will take place, and the Vikings could make a move or two to solidify playoff aspirations.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.
