MINNEAPOLIS — By now, it’s not even fair to the Minnesota Vikings to call them surprise contenders.
“We’re relentless,” star wide receiver Justin Jefferson told CBSSports.com after Sunday’s 27-25 win.
It’s a long way of saying what’s been true for much of 2024: The Vikings are simply a complete team.
Even when Brian Flores’ defense buckles, it almost never breaks, leaving Sunday with an NFL-best 31 takeaways.
It’s not only a testament to the talent on the field, but the leadership of head coach Kevin O’Connell.
MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Vikings are already too good to be considered surprise contenders. They are simply a formidable force. Even though Sunday’s rematch with the Green Bay Packers ended in an awkwardly close game, the purple-clad team won for the ninth consecutive game and the fourteenth time in the 2024 NFL season, putting Minnesota in the running for the top playoff seed in Week 18.
With a journeyman at quarterback, a defense that frequently gives up chunk plays, and without the same level of national attention that frequently goes to the rival Detroit Lions or the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs—the only team with more wins this season—how exactly are the Vikings accomplishing this?
“We’re relentless,” star wide receiver Justin Jefferson said to CBSSports.com following Sunday’s victory, which ended in a 27–25 victory. Numerous events that occur during the season and during games have the power to decide whether or not we fold and hang our heads. With all of the energy and excitement of those big plays, there are innumerable instances where we are supporting, relying on, or feeding off one another. Just getting those turnovers with our defense [also] gives us that spark. “.”.
That essentially sums up what has been true for the majority of 2024: The Vikings are a full team. Aaron Jones has filled in in the backfield when Sam Darnold hasn’t displayed his best poise and output under center. Jordan Addison and Jalen Nailor, two wide receivers, are likely to stretch the field with their own scores on the rare occasions when Jefferson is completely covered. Sunday ended with an NFL-best 31 takeaways, proving that Brian Flores’ defense nearly never falters.
It’s a credit to head coach Kevin O’Connell’s leadership as well as the skill on the field.
