The Vikings are 5-0, and one of the more eye-catching moments from their win over the Saints came on a gamble Kevin O’Connell would like back.
Minnesota leaned on its defense to beat New Orleans 23-13, but the offense still had its share of say in the result. That included a trick play involving Justin Jefferson that nearly turned into a disaster. Kevin Seifert noted on X that the Vikings had been moving the ball on the ground before going to a throwback pass from Jefferson to Kyler Murray, and O’Connell later owned the decision.
“It was an aggressive play call and looking back on it, I didn't particularly like the call. So I put that on me.”
The Vikings escaped without a turnover, but the moment stood out because it was the kind of risk that can swing a game. Even so, Minnesota kept control and finished off the Saints to stay unbeaten through five games.
Murray also helped steady things on offense, and his connection with Jefferson drew praise after the game. Heavy.com reported that Murray called Jefferson “one of a kind” after seeing him operate in a full game for the first time with him.
“It’s my first full game with him, but I’ve seen in spurts throughout my time here why he’s one of a kind,” Murray said. “To see it live today, with a catch like that, triple coverage around him, no flinch, just focus and elite ball skills - it was a hell of a catch. The team needed it.”
Jefferson gave that credit right back, pointing to Murray’s ability to extend plays and salvage broken situations.
“The off-schedule plays he made scrambling and using his feet to create first downs and build momentum were definitely big for us,” Jefferson said. “When a play doesn’t look like much, but he’s making something out of nothing, that goes a long way for us.”
Aaron Jones has also been a factor in Minnesota’s offense. Fox9.com reported that O’Connell praised the running back’s response and toughness.
“He’s responded in a way that it’s hard to put into words the toughness. He’s been an absolute pro, a warrior. And I’m so thankful we have Aaron Jones on our team,” O’Connell said.
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Booths rise has been especially encouraging, with the young defensive back tying for the league lead in interceptions and giving the Vikings another playmaker in a secondary that needs them. On the other side of the ball, though, the passing game still has a question hanging over it, and Jalen Jennings has yet to turn the opportunity around even with injuries around him creating openings that should have mattered. [Read more 🡒]