The Minnesota Vikings are still perfect, and the reason Sunday afternoon was plain as day: defense travels.
Minnesota went into New Orleans and beat the Saints 23-13, leaning on a unit that smothered almost everything in front of it. The Vikings’ No. 4 defense, which had been allowing an average of 289.3 yards per game, held New Orleans to 142 yards and kept the Saints out of rhythm from start to finish.
Kyler Murray threw for 229 yards and a touchdown, Aaron Jones rushed for 113 yards and a score, and Minnesota improved to 5-0. New Orleans dropped to 1-4.
The game swung on field position, mistakes and a handful of decisive defensive snaps. Tyler Shough, who entered the day fourth in the league in passing yards, managed only 96 yards and threw two interceptions for the Saints. Minnesota also forced key turnovers on special teams and defense, then cashed in just enough on offense to stay in control.
The Vikings opened with a 40-yard field goal from Will Reichard, but that first possession came with a cost. Tight end T.J. Hockenson, Minnesota’s leading receiver, left the drive with a concussion.
New Orleans answered later in the first quarter when Jones fumbled at the Saints’ 3-yard line and Chase Young recovered, turning the ball back to the Saints at their 34. The score stayed 3-0 through the end of the opening quarter.
The Saints put together their best sustained drive of the day in the second quarter. They converted two fourth downs during a 15-play march, and Kendre Miller finished it with a 2-yard touchdown run to put New Orleans ahead 7-3.
Minnesota trimmed that margin just before halftime when Reichard drilled a 54-yard field goal as time expired, sending the Vikings to the break down 7-6.
The second half belonged to Minnesota’s defense and a pair of timely offensive strikes. New Orleans’ Jayden Price fumbled on the kickoff return to start the third quarter, and Jeshaun Jones recovered at the Saints’ 37. Six plays later, Murray hit Justin Jefferson on a 15-yard touchdown pass, giving the Vikings a 13-7 lead.
The Saints had a chance to answer immediately, but Shough was picked off by Byron Murphy Jr. at the New Orleans 37. Minnesota couldn’t turn that takeaway into points, though, because Myles Price fumbled on the possession and Jonas Sanker returned it 87 yards for a touchdown. That play tied the game at 13 going into the fourth quarter.
Minnesota needed only two snaps to reclaim control. On the second play of the final period, Aaron Jones broke free for an 8-yard touchdown run to make it 20-13. Reichard then added his 34th straight made field goal, a 55-yarder, to stretch the lead to 23-13 midway through the quarter.
From there, the Vikings’ defense did the rest, closing out another win and keeping Minnesota unbeaten.
In Other News...
Vikings Face A Tough Game Day Question With Key Absences
Minnesotas pregame picture got a lot clearer on the inactive list, and a lot more challenging, too. The Vikings will go into their matchup with New Orleans missing Jordan Addison, Odell Beckham Jr., Christian Darrisaw, Chuck Demmings, Jakobe Thomas and Elijah Williams, while Justin Jefferson and Brian ONeill are available, giving the offense at least one of its top playmakers and a key piece up front.
Christian Darrisaws absence leaves a notable hole on the left side, and the Saints also arrived with their own share of questions after listing Vernon Broughton, Kaden Elliss, Anfernee Jennings, Mike Reid, Nathan Shepherd and Jeremiah Wright inactive. New Orleans still has Barion Brown, Julian Blackmon and Alvin Kamara available despite being questionable, so the final shape of the game will come down to which side handles its absences better once the ball is kicked off. [Read more 🡒]
Vikings Stayed Unbeaten Through A Messy Win That Said Plenty
The Vikings went into their meeting with the Saints trying to protect an unbeaten start before the bye week, and they had to do it while already shorthanded on offense. Minnesota kept finding ways to stay afloat anyway, leaning on Kyler Murrays mobility and accurate passing as the game turned messy around them, but the win came with the kind of wear and tear that can linger far beyond one Sunday.
Minnesota also had to absorb more blows in-game, with T.J. Hockenson leaving on the second snap and the offense already operating without Christian Darrisaw, Jordan Addison and Donovan Jackson. Even so, the Vikings pushed through turnovers and a handful of self-inflicted mistakes to get to 5-0, though the red-zone fumbles that gave the Saints extra points left plenty for the Vikings to sort out when they return from the break. [Read more 🡒]
Justin Jefferson's Status Puts Vikings Week 5 Offense In Spotlight
The Vikings head into Week 5 with their passing game suddenly in focus, as both Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison are listed as questionable for the matchup with the Saints. Jefferson is working through an ankle injury after missing the previous game, while Addison is dealing with a hamstring issue, leaving Minnesota with real uncertainty at two of its most important receiver spots.
Jefferson has said he plans to play, but the final call still matters because the Vikings have already had to prepare for a plan B. Minnesota elevated Odell Beckham Jr. and Jeshaun Jones from the practice squad, a clear sign the team is bracing for the possibility of being short-handed when it tries to keep the offense on schedule in New Orleans. [Read more 🡒]