Vikings weeks 1 and 2 recap

The Vikings have found their footing. After Rookie QB JJ McCarthy got a season-ending injury, the Vikings had as little hope as ever. But, Thanks to the surgence of Veteran QB Sam Darnold, The Vikings come into week 3 with a 2-0 record and on top of the NFC North. Of course, 2-0 isn’t something to write home about quite yet, but it gives them hope for the future.

Starting off in their week 1 matchup against the New York Giants, Sam Darnold came out firing. He started off the game 12/12 passing. Despite the Giants being one of the worst teams in the NFL, the Vikings looked great all around. Darnold finished the night 19/24 for 208 YDs, 2 TDs, and an Interception. He finished with a solid 79.8 QBR, with a total rating of 113.2. New addition RB Aaron Jones, who they picked up in free agency after being released by the Green Bay Packers, ran for a solid 94 yards and picked up a touchdown on 14 carries. Star Justin Jefferson accumulated 4 receptions for 54 yards and a touchdown, and the other receiving touchdown was gifted to rising star Jalen Nailor, who got it on his first and only reception of the game. On the defensive end, CB Byron Murphy and S Harrison Smith led the team in total tackles, with 9 and 7 respectively. The Vikings defense forced 2 interceptions as well, One from Harrison Smith, and the other coming from DE Andrew Van Ginkel, who ran it into the endzone for a pick 6. Just an outright incredible performance, with the Vikings defeating the Giants 28-6.

Okay, so the win against the Giants was nice, but that was one of the worst teams in the league, so it was expected. The real challenge was in week two against the reigning Super Bowl runner-ups, the San Francisco 49ers. It was a testament to truly see what the potential of this team was. Sure enough, the Vikings defense pulled through. They forced 6 sacks and picked off QB Brock Purdy once. Sam Darnold continued his hot streak, throwing 17-26 for 268 yards, 2 TDs, and an Interception. Aaron Jones had a worse game, only going for 32 yards, but Ty Chandler stepped up, getting himself 82 yards on 10 carries. The receiving end of things was headlined by a 97 yard Touchdown to Justin Jefferson. Jefferson had another 4 receptions with 133 yards overall. Jalen Nailor once again scored a touchdown, but this time he had 3 receptions for 54 yards. Linebacker Duo Blake Cashman and Ivan Pace Jr led the team in tackles, Cashman having a massive 13, and Pace Jr locking up 9. All in all, the game was never in doubt. From start to finish, the Vikings took command of the game. They ended up winning 23-17.

Is this hot start maintainable? Well, it certainly is possible. If Darnold continues his resurgence, the Vikings could see themselves competing for the division. This week, they play the Texans, another Super Bowl-contending team. It will be another test to see if this Vikings team is legit or not. But for now, this is about as good of a start as you could ask for.

Editors Note: The Vikings demolished the favored Houston Texans 31-7 on Sunday, Sept. 22 to put them at 3-0 for the season.