Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell insists his team is “not far off” offensively, even after another low-scoring afternoon ended in a 16-10 comeback win over the Indianapolis Colts that kept the Vikings perfect at 6-0. The victory gives Minnesota the best record in the NFC, built largely on the league’s top defence and one of its best special teams units rather than on points.
Minnesota Vikings (Credits: ESPN)
Vikings Reach 6-0 Despite Historically Low Offence
The numbers behind the unbeaten start are remarkable. Minnesota has scored just 125 points in six games, the second-fewest by a 6-0 team since 1940, and its 10 touchdowns are the fewest by a team with that record since the 1933 Chicago Bears. On Sunday, the offence managed 275 total yards and scored only one touchdown on eight possessions, settling for four field goals — one of them blocked — along with two punts and a turnover on downs.
O’Connell, however, pointed to the positives beneath the scoreline, noting nine explosive plays on offence and a clean sheet in the turnover column for the third time in six games. Quarterback Kyler Murray threw for 150 yards, including a 35-yard scramble that set up the game’s decisive score, a five-yard touchdown pass to T.J. Hockenson early in the fourth quarter.
Vikings Defence Leads 16-10 Comeback Over Colts
Once again, it was the defence that carried Minnesota home. Linebacker Blake Cashman delivered a standout performance with 12 tackles, two sacks, six pressures and four passes broken up against Daniel Jones, while veteran safety Harrison Smith sealed the win with his 40th career interception — the game’s only turnover.
The Colts had taken an early lead through a long Jonathan Taylor touchdown run and were helped by two missed field goals from a kicker who had not missed all season, but the Vikings defence allowed little more after that opening burst. Murray and receiver Justin Jefferson both struck a similar note of forced optimism afterwards, saying the offence is getting more comfortable and will continue to improve.
The warning signs are clear, though. Four of Minnesota’s first six opponents currently hold losing records, and the schedule now turns brutal: Detroit, Buffalo, Green Bay and San Francisco are next, with only the Bills game at home. O’Connell acknowledged that reality, saying the team knows what kind of opponents lie ahead and where it wants to go. For now, though, the Vikings are 6-0 — and winning ugly still counts.
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Source: ESPN — read the full story there.
