The Rams were known to be vulnerable on the ground. Latavius Murray took advantage.
Murray ran for 95 yards in Sunday's 24-7 win at U.S. Bank Stadium, an individual number eclipsed only by Jacksonville star rookie Leonard Fournette against the Rams defense this season.
"It starts with the offensive line," Murray said. "No sacks, no turnovers. They were opening holes."
And Murray was blasting through them.
Murray broke an arm tackle by Rams defender Aaron Donald for a 13-yard pickup early, before he would cross the goal line for a season-high two touchdowns. Los Angeles entered the game as one of the league's most porous run defenses, surrendering 4.5 yards per carry.
Murray showed just how vulnerable the Rams run defense is, picking up 72 rushing yards on just nine carries after halftime. His second touchdown was the difference-maker. It gave the Vikings a 14-7 lead, only after an official review was needed to see whether he broke the plane. Right guard Joe Berger gave Murray a nudge for the score, which was confirmed by replay.
"We love when Murray gets the ball, because he will get a yard or 2 yards by just getting hit and falling," tackle Rashod Hill said. "He's a powerful, big back."
A loud reception
Crowd noise inside U.S. Bank Stadium succeeded in interrupting the Rams and quarterback Jared Goff, who runs a system requiring a healthy dose of communication at the line of scrimmage. Los Angeles needed to call a timeout early on third-and-10 to avoid a delay of game. Later they took a delay of game on third down.
