The Minnesota Vikings have moved to 5-0 beating the New Orleans Saints, 23-13. The game wasn’t as close as the score was. The Vikings defense continues to dominate teams. The offense looked as good as it has all year with Kevin O’Connell giving game balls to Kyler Murray, Justin Jefferson, and Aaron Jones.
Will Reichard
The team’s MVP continued his perfect season, going 3-for-3 on field goals and 2-for-2 on extra points. Reichard has become much more than just a reliable kicker. He’s a legitimate weapon
and a difference-maker. It feels like every time Minnesota crosses midfield, three points are almost automatic.
Kyler Murray
Murray wasn’t spectacular, but he did enough. With Addison and Darrisaw out and Hockenson going down early, the Vikings didn’t need him to play hero ball. They just needed him to avoid the killer mistake.
Aaron Jones
Jones did have a costly fumble in the red zone, but it shouldn’t overshadow another outstanding performance. Ever since Jordan Mason went down, Jones has carried a massive workload and continued to deliver. His 113 rushing yards helped control the tempo of the game and kept the Saints defense on the field. Hopefully there is help coming after the upcoming bye.
Byron Murphy Jr.
Murphy put together one of the best games of his Vikings career. He came away with two interceptions and essentially erased his side of the field, allowing just three yards in coverage. The pressure generated up front certainly helped, but Murphy took advantage of every opportunity that came his way. The Vikings defense continues to overwhelm opponents, and Murphy has developed into one of the biggest reasons why.
Brian Flores
The Vikings are 5-0 because of Brian Flores’ defense. Every week it’s difficult to single out just one player because everybody seems to be contributing. One week it’s Dallas Turner. The next week it’s Byron Murphy Jr. Then it’s Jalen Redmond, Blake Cashman, or Eric Wilson. Flores has built a defense where all 11 players are flying around and making plays. The Vikings have held opponents under 20 points in every game this season and continue to force turnovers at critical moments. At some point, the credit has to go to the guy putting everyone in position to succeed. Flores continues to dial up pressure, confuse quarterbacks, and make offenses look uncomfortable for four quarters. When it’s impossible to pick just one defensive player, it’s usually a good time to recognize the coach behind it all.
