Vikings 34-7 Texans (September 22, 2024) Game Recap

MINNEAPOLIS — — As the Minnesota Vikings enjoyed the unusual atmosphere of total control in the fourth quarter, Justin Jefferson climbed onto the bench to repeatedly wave his arms, encouraging the home crowd to roar even louder for a defense that had been on the Houston Texans’ heels all afternoon.

The ovations were well deserved.

Sam Darnold tied his personal best with four touchdown passes and the undefeated Vikings intercepted CJ Stroud twice and tackled him four times in a 34-7 win over the Texans on Sunday.

“That’s something I could definitely get used to,” Jefferson said. “We just dominated everywhere. Defense is definitely the biggest reason.”

Jonathan Greenard had three sacks against former teammate Stroud, the 2023 AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, as the Vikings (3-0) surprised the Texans (2-1) with their aggressive and unpredictable schedule — and some help from the fans at U.S. Bank Stadium.

“I couldn’t hear myself talk out there, so imagine the offense having to control their protection and do certain things up front,” said Cam Bynum, who intercepted Stroud in the fourth quarter.

Darnold connected with Jefferson and Aaron Jones for scores in the first quarter. In the second half, he passed Jalen Nailor for a touchdown for the third straight game and also passed Johnny Mundt.

Jones rushed 19 times for 102 yards and caught five passes for 46 yards for the Vikings, who were a trendy pick for last place in the NFC North but defeated back-to-back contenders to open their home series against San Francisco and Houston. It was Minnesota’s largest margin of victory in five years.

“I think we’re made of the right stuff,” coach Kevin O’Connell said. “We just have to keep proving it.”

Darnold went 17 for 28 for 181 yards without a turnover, and the 2018 third overall draft pick also matched his career best with a three-game winning streak as a starter. Darnold left the game to have his left knee checked after a late hit penalty on former Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter, but he returned one play later to a loud howl.

The Vikings improved their record against the Texans to 6-0. With 3:56 left in the third quarter, they finally scored, thanks to a pass from Stroud to Cam Akers. Akers played part of last season with the Vikings and got his first start for the Texans when Joe Mixon was injured.

Stroud went 20 for 31 for 215 yards. It was the first time in 10 starts that he was intercepted.

Stroud’s initial pass was stopped at the line by Harrison Phillips, who immediately returned the ball to linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill for a nice interception that he returned to the 21. Darnold raced left six plays later and found Jefferson free in the front corner of the end zone for the early lead.

The Vikings had every respect for the talent the Texans brought in, starting with Stroud, the 2023 No. 2 draft pick, as the centerpiece of this emerging team. But they were convinced that their aggressive and unpredictable defense would also pose problems.

“The Texans helped the Vikings tremendously,” coach DeMeco Ryans said.

The Texans were clearly unable to respond to the crowd noise, which was amplified by the pressure of defensive coordinator Brian Flores and his protégés. Six of the seven penalties in the first half were called before the snap.

Four-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil had three, one an illegal formation call that erased a third-down throw that had moved the chains to midfield. Another was the last of three consecutive false starts by the Texans after they were on third-and-4 at the Minnesota 25. Tunsil was flagged again for an illegal formation, which the Vikings dismissed, allowing them to force a run.

Darnold could imagine Stroud struggling with the disguises and unorthodox formations leading up to the snap, having battled Flores’ defense during training camp.

“It can take a lot of thinking out of the quarterback position,” Darnold said, “and that’s always tough.”

Diggs knows

Stefon Diggs led the Texans with 10 catches for 94 yards in his first game in Minnesota since leaving the Vikings four years ago.

“I’ve played here a long time and I’ve seen a lot of offenses struggle when I’ve been on the other side,” Diggs said. “Obviously it was a tough atmosphere, but a lot of it was self-inflicted.”

Collins fell silent

Nico Collins, the NFL’s leading receiver entering the week with 252 yards through the first two games, was largely a nonfactor with four receptions for 86 yards thanks to some late padding. His 34-yard catch on third down set up Houston’s lone touchdown.

Injuries

Texans: In addition to Mixon’s absence (ankle), reserve RB Dameon Pierce (hamstring) also missed his second straight game.

Vikings: WR Jordan Addison (ankle), LB Ivan Pace Jr. (quad, ankle) and OLB Dallas Turner (knee) were all inactive. Grugier-Hill took Pace’s spot at first down defense.

Texans: Host Jacksonville next Sunday.

Vikings: Visit Green Bay next Sunday.

——

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL