Vikings Savor Big Victory, Prepare for the Packers

The Minnesota Vikings knew they would be playing a motivated and dinged-up team as they faced off against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football. They were motivated because they had been stunned by the Cleveland Browns in a Week 6 loss.

And dinged up because they would be playing the game without the services of offensive stars Trent Williams and Deebo Samuel. Also, star running back Christian MaCaffrey was not 100% as he was returning from an oblique injury.

Vikings beat San Francisco

When the game ended and the smoke cleared, the Vikings walked away with a very satisfying 22-17 win at US Bank Stadium. They played their most sound and well-rounded game of the season.

The Justin Jefferson-less passing attack was lethal with Kirk Cousins hitting super rookie Jordan Addison for two scores including a 60-yard sleight-of-hand reception. And tight end T.J. Hokenson reminded everyone why the Vikings signed him to an expensive multi-year contract.

And the running game, while not explosive, still demonstrated the effectiveness of a multi-back offense. Both Alexander Mattison and Cam Akers had some nice moments during the game. And Ty Chandler showed the explosiveness of his game, even though one of the efforts was called back due to a penalty.

Vikings Offensive Line was Dominant

But the real stars on that side of the ball was the offensive line that dominated the 49ers’ formidable defensive front all night. Tackle Christian Darrisaw continued to play like the All-Pro player that he is becoming. And consistent, solid efforts were turned in by right tackle Brian O’Neill and right guard Ed Ingram.

And on defense, the Vikings’ defense caused three 49er turnovers and held the San Francisco running attack to a mere 65 yards. Number one defensive star of the game was Camryn Bynum who intercepted 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy twice. He also contributed nine tackles as he played without a doubt the best game of his career.

Hicks and Smith Shine Again

Middle linebacker Jordan Hicks continued his inspired play as evidenced by his eight tackles. He was the main reason why the 49ers’ running game was a nonfactor all night. And Vikings safety Harrison Smith had his second outstanding game in a row. He was credited with six tackles, and he stripped McCaffrey of the football in the first quarter. The ball was recovered by tackle Dean Lowry on the Minnesota 11-yard line.

And edge rusher Danielle Hunter kept up his torrid sack pace by recording his ninth quarterback takedown of the season. The Vikings have bought into defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ system in a big way. Their enhanced aggressiveness and tenacity have transformed this defense into one of the best in the NFC.

Vikings, Packers to Tangle at Lambeau

Next comes the Packers at Lambeau Field which always stirs up high emotion and great drama. The Green Bay offense has been sputtering as of late with quarterback Jordan Love looking tentative and indecisive in the pocket. To add to that, running back Aaron Jones has been slowed by a hamstring injury which caused him to miss three games already this season.

But young wide receiver Christian Watson has been deemed ready to play after injuring his knee late in the loss to the Denver Broncos last Sunday. A healthy Watson will be a key for the Packers as Love tries to break out of his funk.

And the Packers have been plagued by slow starts their past four games. During that period, they have been outscored 63-6 in the first quarter. Partially because of this, they are currently on a three-game losing streak.

As always, all bets are off when the Vikings play the Packers. Many of these games have produced surprising results, regardless of what the respective team’s records are. It’s a classic, inter-divisional game that is always a fan highlight of the season. Skol Vikings!!!