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Vikings overcome Sam Darnold's 3 INTs to beat Jaguars: Key takeaways

11 November 2024Last Update :
Vikings overcome Sam Darnold's 3 INTs to beat Jaguars: Key takeaways

By Alec Lewis and Lauren Smith

The Minnesota Vikings defense collected three turnovers in the fourth quarter and John Parker Romo added four field goals as they posted a 12-7 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on the road Sunday.

The Vikings took the game’s first lead on the first of Romo’s field goals on their opening drive, but the Jaguars answered with a 1-yard rushing touchdown from quarterback Mac Jones — making his first start for the Jaguars in place of an injured Trevor Lawrence (shoulder) — on the ensuing possession.

Three of Minnesota’s next four possessions ended with interceptions from quarterback Sam Darnold, and Jacksonville carried a 7-3 lead well into the second half.

The Vikings didn’t reach the end zone for the first time this season, but Romo added three more field goals in the second half — his third of the game gave the Vikings the lead with 7:14 to play — as Minnesota closed out the win.

Minnesota’s defense ended Jacksonville’s final three drives with a fumble recovery and two interceptions.

The Vikings (7-2) have back-to-back victories for the first time since their 5-0 start following the win, while the Jaguars have now lost three consecutive games to drop to 2-8 this season.

Interceptions cost Vikings offense

Last weekend, Darnold nearly threw away a game against the Colts with two poor interceptions. On Sunday, Darnold threw three picks, all of which came in Jacksonville territory.

These interceptions were the only reason the game was close. The Vikings ran nearly double the number of plays as Jacksonville. They had almost four times the number of yards. And they had the ball for more the double the amount of time as the Jaguars. For all intents and purposes, the Vikings pummeled Jacksonville into oblivion.

Darnold’s interceptions were as head-scratching this week as they were last week. Twice, he forced the ball to superstar receiver Justin Jefferson. The Jaguars tipped the first one in the first half, and in the second half Jaguars safety Darnell Savage leaped and snagged the interception at the goal line. The third, a pick by Jacksonville linebacker Foysade Oluokon in the end zone, was reviewed and ultimately upheld.

After Sunday’s game, Darnold is tied for the most interceptions thrown in the NFL (10) with Jordan Love and Geno Smith. — Alec Lewis, Vikings beat writer

Minnesota defense key in win

Brian Flores’ Vikings defense has returned to its early-season ways, suffocating quarterbacks with aggression.

Last week, Joe Flacco was the subject of the wrath, and this week Jones was the recipient of a full-on flustering. Jacksonville pieced together a nine-play, 70-yard drive on its second possession of the game. Jones looked comfortable on the drive, sitting in the pocket and dicing the Vikings’ zones in the secondary.

Then, Flores began heating Jones up, unleashing multiple blitzers. The extra pressure made Jones uncomfortable and affected accuracy.

The Jaguars led for most of the game but kept passing the ball with Jones. Late in the fourth quarter, with a chance to retake the lead, he tossed a pass to Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. over the middle of the field, then another to safety Cam Bynum on the next possession.

The Vikings finished with three sacks, eight tackles for loss, two interceptions and a fumble recovery. — Lewis

Jaguars offense struggles to find rhythm

Lawrence missed Sunday’s game with a left shoulder injury, and Jacksonville felt his absence.

The Jaguars only averaged 3.4 yards per play. Running backs Travis Etienne and Tank Bigsby combined for 52 yards on 16 carries. Jones, meanwhile, completed 14 of 22 passes for 111 yards and two interceptions. Ascending rookie receiver Brian Thomas Jr. only received three targets and finished with 12 yards on two catches.

Pre-snap penalties didn’t doom the Jaguars’ offense, but Jacksonville established zero rhythm.

Jacksonville ended with these seven offensive possessions: punt, punt, punt, punt, fumble, interception and interception. — Lewis

Required reading

  • Jaguars’ Trevor Lawrence out vs. Vikings, could miss rest of season: Sources
  • Vikings predictions at NFL midseason: How about 11 wins — and a playoff victory?
  • NFL Coach of the Year, MVP and biggest surprises (and disappointments) at midseason
  • Vikings still content with interior defensive line despite not making deadline trade

(Photo: Rich Storry / Getty Images)

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