VT’s Vikings Postgame: 6 Quick Thoughts Following a Gritty, Grinding Win in Chicago

A ton of credit goes to head coach Kevin O’Connell.

The Vikings postgame considers a team that was considered a strong underdog going into the contest. I was among the many to predict that the Vikings would drop down to 1-1. Instead, the Vikings are sitting at 2-0 and with growing confidence. Consider some of the broader thoughts on the game that finished off at a score of 9-3.

Vikings Postgame: 6 Quick Thoughts

1 — Kevin O’Connell’s Terrific Game

The skipper is figuring it out more and more.

Upon first glance, putting 9 points on the board is a poor effort. Coming to that conclusion would be a mistake. Anyone who watched could see that the conditions were brutal. Kevin O’Connell called a beautiful game. In particular, the final drive to add points and drain the clock. Crucially, Chicago was left without any timeouts.

O’Connell has finally been persuaded that the run game matters. Better yet, O’Connell has figured out how to gain ground yards. If health allows, the Vikings could be a dangerous group.

2 — More Brilliance from Dallas Turner

Alec Lewis (The Athletic) sends along some insight:

Being able to rush the passer is vital. But being able to rush the passer late in the 4th? Turner has become a stud.

3 — Blake Brandel Concern?

The single high and hot snap can be forgiven due to the circumstances. Still, though, there’s the lingering concern due to Mr. Brandel making the switch to the position late in his career. Even a single bad snap every few games could become a major problem. Something to watch,.

4 — Major Response from the Secondary

Nice all around response from those guys after a really tough Week 1.

To be sure, bad weather favors the defense, but a lot of the guys put together more promising effort. Byron Murphy had 7 tackles and an INT. Josh Metellus looked much faster and more decisive while climbing up to 7 tackles. And then Isaiah Rodgers was among the best overall players. He was vital to the team’s success.

Oh, and James Pierre looks like a keeper. Solid signing.

5 — Carson Wentz is a Backup

Carson Wentz isn’t a bad football player. However, he should get shuffled back down to being the backup.

Much of the game’s passing attack got tamed by the weather. Obviously, Mr. Wentz can’t be critiqued for the conditions since the offensive output across the whole game was being humbled due to the wind and rain.

What’s nevertheless true is that Wentz is a terrific depth option rather than being somebody to carry a full season. The possibility exists that he could go on a Case Keenum run if there were circumstances that needed that approach, but Kyler Murray is expected back in Week 3.

Wentz finished his day having gone 11/20 for 143 yards, 0 TDs, and 0 INTs. His passer rating finished off a 77.7. On at least a few occasions, Justin Jefferson was ultra close to pushing the numbers higher. How much of those close moments come down to declining arm strength?

6 — Only a Single Injury of Note

Only a single injury issue to report after the game: Ty Ingram-Dawkins. The sophomore defensive lineman is working through a hip injury. We’ll see what sort of update arrives.

Now, there’s a caveat to remember: players can sometimes move into Monday with some bumps and bruises that need extra attention. Pretty infamously, that reality arrived for J.J. McCarthy at one point. Last week, runner Jordan Mason came in on Monday with a sore thumb; he’s now on the IR.

So, don’t celebrate too much about roster health. But, to be sure, surviving an NFC North road test in the rain like that with just one obvious ailment is a good day.

Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.