Vikings move forward behind Darnold and maintain control – Albert Lea Tribune

EAGAN — The game suddenly went wrong for the Minnesota Vikings, as an 11-point lead over the Chicago Bears evaporated in the closing seconds.

They solved the problem in overtime, without breaking a sweat, because Sam Darnold was unimpressed.

Aside from the occasional turnover in games the Vikings still managed to win, Darnold once again proved in Sunday’s win over the Bears that he commands a passing attack that has the potential to be one of the NFL’s most potent players.

“I think he’s a mentally tough guy. I think he’s a physically tough guy. “I think he trusts the guys around him and our system,” coach Kevin O’Connell said after the 30-27 win. “I think he’s a high-level playmaker. “When he keeps playing, I think we’re a tough team.”

After the defense forced the Bears to punt on the first possession of overtime, Darnold overcame a 7-yard sack on the first play and two subsequent tackles to lead the Vikings on a 68-yard drive, setting up the game-ending field goal. False start and hold penalty.

On third-and-10 of 21, he hit Jordan Addison near the 13-yard sideline. On first-and-15 of 29, Darnold threw a throw to Justin Jefferson for 20 yards after he had been virtually silent all afternoon, forcing his way past Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson on a post route for a clutch catch. by a defense determined to back him up with double protection at all times.

On second-and-11 from the 48, Darnold connected with a wide-open TJ Hockenson underneath for 12 yards. Then after a second-and-8 play-action fake two plays later, Parker found Hockenson again on a 29-yard deep corner route to put Romo in prime position for the walk-off winner.

“Just make it work. It’s that simple. “It’s just one play at a time,” Darnold said, going 22 for 34 for 330 yards and two touchdowns with no turnovers. “I think I tell the guys that every time I tell them in a huddle, but that’s my mindset every time I step out on the field, especially in this situation.”

Even as Jefferson continues to get an extraordinary amount of coverage, the Vikings, running O’Connell’s system with Addison, Hockenson, Aaron Jones and the rest of his staff, have proven that they have an offense that can win the game when necessary. The rebirth of his career wouldn’t have been possible without Darnold, who helped the Vikings (9-2) become one of the biggest surprises in what is now the toughest league.

“He’s calm, collected and collected,” Hockenson said. “That’s what you want as the leader of the meeting.”

What works?

The Vikings’ defense ranks ninth in the league in third downs and is allowing a 34.5% conversion rate after limiting the Bears to a 6-for-17 performance. The Vikings hold first place on fourth downs with a 36.4% margin after the Bears went 2 for 3. Both conversions occurred during touchdown drives in the fourth quarter. The Vikings also rank fourth in the NFL in opponent points per drive (1.52).

What is the need for help?

The Vikings had seven possessions beyond the 20-yard line in Chicago, but only three of them led to a touchdown. Their only turnovers were the kind of game-changing giveaways they have struggled to eliminate this month; A fumble by Aaron Jones at the 1-yard line ruined a promising first drive. The Vikings rank 20th in the league in scoring rate in the red zone (53.9%) and 17th in goals on goal (72%).

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Addison had eight catches for 162 yards and a touchdown on Darnold’s nine carries, both career highs. The second-year wide receiver had a quieter season than his rookie year, but made significant progress on an afternoon when Jefferson was smothered as usual by the opposing secondary.

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TE Johnny Mundt caught the onside kick in the shin as he charged downfield, and the team’s first kick recovery in the NFL this season helped the Bears extend the game. Mundt also made a false start on the overtime drive. His only catch was a 7-yard gain when stopped near the goal line, one play before the lost fumble. Mundt played 33 of 71 snaps and

Hockenson took 48 photos while Oliver was out.

injuries

The Vikings lost LT Cam Robinson (foot) and LB Ivan Pace (hamstring) to injuries in the first quarter against the Bears, and O’Connell said Monday those players are still in “evaluation mode.” Oliver (ankle) will have the opportunity to return after being sidelined last week.

key number

101.7 — Darnold’s passer rating ranks ninth in the NFL. Darnold has a passer rating of over 100 in nine of 11 games this season. He had just 12 such performances in 56 career starts before joining the Vikings.

next

The Vikings will play four of their next five games at home; Arizona (6-5) this week will have a rematch with Atlanta (6-5) on Dec. 8 and Chicago (4-7) in a Monday night game in December. 16.