Everything that went right and wrong in the Vikings' win over Texans

The Vikings' 34-7 performance featured impressive showings on all three phases

© Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

---

By Matthew Coller

what went right

Sam Darnold wasn’t seriously hurt

When Darnold went down midway through the win over the Texans, the air briefly went out of US Bank Stadium. When he went back into the game, the stadium exploded with cheers. But there was still some concern after the game about how Darnold’s injured knee would come out of the game, especially with news of an MRI needing to be done.

Well, a second sigh of relief was breathed by all in the organization when the Vikings got news that it was a bruise to his knee rather than anything more serious. Kevin O’Connell said that he expects him not to miss any time and should be in line for a fairly regular work week.

“When I saw him go down in the moment, there was the initial feeling, because I did not see it, there's the initial feeling there,” O’Connell said. “Then he comes back in the game, I'm holding the call sheet so I can't clap like everybody else did. But I would have when he came running back in the game. Then just to get the good news today, we're moving forward. Sam's in a great spot. Going to have another good week of prep and keep stacking good performances.”

Of course, Darnold’s overall performance certainly lands in the “what went right category” in itself. He had just one turnover-worthy play, converted opportunities into touchdowns and now ranks as PFF’s sixth best QB.

Blitzing CJ Stroud’s brains out

The Vikings’ defense is rightfully getting a lot of attention after another dominant performance. This one was done differently in terms of pressure than the previous two weeks. Brian Flores went back to his signature pressure packages, sending at least one extra rusher on 57.9% of CJ Stroud’s drop-backs, per PFF, and the results were Stroud going 11-for-19 with 106 yards and he was forced to throw the ball in just 2.35 seconds when blitzed.

Last year the Vikings had to send extra pressure more than anyone else in the NFL but this year they have been able to mix and match when called upon because the front four can handle it themselves or they can throw confusing looks with blitzes. They are just adding to the number of looks that opposing teams have to deal with.

Left side of the O-line on lockdown

The Texans were able to get after Darnold at times as he was sacked four times. That pressure did not come from the left side of the line as Christian Darrisaw had another outstanding day, giving up three total pressures while facing off with two of the top edge rushers in the league. Brandel had another strong game as well, giving up just one pressure. They both graded well by PFF’s standards with Brandel getting a 77.9 pass blocking grade and Darrisaw 74.6.

Credit to veteran backup David Quessenberry for nine snaps, zero pressures and O’Connell pointed out in his postgame speech to the team in the locker room that he ran the ball right behind him late in the game.

Aaron Jones in the passing game