Three keys to the Vikings’ 12-7 win over the Jaguars

Vikings defense and special teams bailed out Sam Darnold and the offense in Jacksonville.

The Minnesota Star Tribune
November 10, 2024 at 11:40PM
Kicker John Parker Romo celebrates Sunday after he made four field goals — for the Viking' only points — in a 12-7 victory at Jacksonville. (Jerry Holt/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Key player

Vikings kicker Parker Romo

Linebacker Blake Cashman had an active game in his return from a turf toe injury, tying for the team lead with five tackles and what should’ve been two sacks had he not grabbed the facemask of Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones, which negated a takedown during Jacksonville’s final drive. But Romo, a third-year journeyman who signed with the Vikings last week to replace the injured Will Reichard, was needed most by a Vikings offense that consistently struggled to finish. Romo went 4-for-4 on field-goal attempts in his first NFL regular-season game, making them from 29, 33, 34 and 45 yards away. That’s especially welcomed for a Vikings team that will be without Reichard for at least another three games.

Key play

Safety Camryn Bynum’s game-sealing interception

The Vikings defense forced takeaways — or the Jaguars offense gave the ball away, depending on your perspective — in each of Jacksonville’s final three drives. But only one Jaguars possession appeared as if it was going anywhere, and that was the final one. After Cashman was flagged for grabbing Jones’ facemask, he was sent on a blitz again on the next play by defensive coordinator Brian Flores. This time, Cashman hit Jones in the back as the quarterback unleashed an ill-aimed prayer downfield to Jaguars wide receiver Gabe Davis. Bynum tracked the ball in the end zone as if he were the intended target, landing the pick.

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Key number

5

Quarterback Sam Darnold had not thrown multiple interceptions in any of his first seven games for the Vikings this season. He has now thrown five interceptions in the last two games. Darnold threw three picks against the Jaguars — a defense that had just two interceptions in nine games entering Sunday — a week after throwing two picks against the Indianapolis Colts, doubling his interception total for the season. The interceptions were either baffling decisions or poorly aimed throws that will likely have the Vikings coaching staff even more focused on Darnold’s game management.

Up next

At Tennessee, Sunday, noon

The Vikings return to Nashville for just the third time this millennium, finishing their tour of the AFC South against the Titans. The Vikings won the last trip to Nissan Stadium during the 2016 season opener when they rattled off 25 unanswered points, including two defensive touchdowns, in a start by then-backup quarterback Shaun Hill. The Vikings also visited Tennessee in 2008 and lost. The Vikings are 9-5 all time against the Titans and Oilers.

Nov. 17: at Tennessee

Nov. 24 at Chicago

Dec. 1: vs. Arizona

Dec. 8: vs. Atlanta

Dec. 16: vs. Chicago

Dec. 22: at Seattle

Dec. 29: vs. Green Bay

Jan. 4 or 5: at Detroit

Got a question about the Vikings? Email it to accessvikings@startribune.com. We’ll answer your questions in an upcoming Access Vikings newsletter or podcast.

about the writer

about the writer

Andrew Krammer

Reporter

Andrew Krammer covers the Vikings for the Star Tribune, entering his sixth NFL season. From the Metrodome to U.S. Bank Stadium, he's reported on everything from Case Keenum's Minneapolis Miracle, the offensive line's kangaroo court to Adrian Peterson's suspension.

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