The Minnesota Vikings‘ first two wins of the 2024 season were a surprise.
The third win was a statement.
The Vikings hosted the Houston Texans on Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium and dominated the game from start to finish, and when the dust settled following the 34-7 thrashing, the Vikings found themselves at 3-0 and as one of the major storylines in the NFL.
Here’s a closer look at what happened in the Vikings’ win over the Texans.
Vikings Defense Dominates C.J. Stroud, Texans Offense
There are plenty of roses to throw at the Vikings’ offense following the win over Houston on Sunday. But it would be a mistake to overlook the role Minnesota’s defense played in what was a dominant, no-doubt-about-it victory over the previously unbeaten Texans.
Houston started slowly with sloppy play and no answers to the Vikings’ scheme. Houston labored all game and was able to generate only one consequential score. And then Houston was unable to muster any hope with last-gasp attempts. It was a Texas-sized struggle for Houston.
The Vikings made the reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year look like … a rookie. C.J. Stroud, who was replaced by backup Davis Mills late in the fourth quarter, finished the game 20 of 31 for 215 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions for a passer rating of 68.6.
.@Cambeezy_ with a big-time INT!
📺: @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/fDpFJcEEcj
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 22, 2024
The running game was no help, either, especially with the top two backs — Joe Mixon and Dameon Pierce — out. It was Cam Akers who was charged with picking up the slack, but the former Viking never got into a rhythm and finished the game with only 21 yards on nine carries.
No one phase or level of the Vikings’ defense outpaced the others. It was a total team effort for defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ group. But one player in particular probably feels a little pep in his step after this one.
Former Houston edge rusher Jonathan Greenard tallied three sacks on the day. His bookend and fellow edge rusher, Andrew Van Ginkel, added one, too. Another former Texan, Kamu Grugier-Hill, had an interception and so did safety Cam Bynum.
Sam Darnold, Justin Jefferson’s Hot Start Continues
It’s been a storybook beginning for Sam Darnold in Minnesota.
The former first-round pick who went on to play in Carolina and San Francisco after the New York Jets traded him, signed with the Vikings last offseason knowing it was likely the team would spend a first-round pick on a quarterback. The Vikings did in fact do that, but J.J. McCarthy’s preseason knee injury solidified Darnold’s role as the starter.
Darnold’s play through the first three weeks of the season only vindicates those in the Vikings’ camp who favored Darnold over McCarthy as the starter for 2024, anyway.
It was more of the same for Darnold against Houston. After four touchdowns in the first two games, Darnold added four more in the third game. He connected with Justin Jefferson, Aaron Jones, Johnny Mundt, and Jalen Nailor for scoring tosses, raising his season total to eight.
Cashed in early.@JJettas2
📺: @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/bMjR0BC1UZ
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 22, 2024
Darnold completed 17 of 28 passes for 181 yards, but his four touchdowns were against no interceptions, which was good enough for a passer rating of 119.2.
Early in the game, Jefferson was unstoppable. He caught all six passes thrown his way in the first half, totaling 81 yards and scoring the first touchdown of the game.
For the season, Jefferson has 14 catches for 273 yards and three touchdowns, re-establishing himself as not only the Vikings’ top weapon but one of the most prolific offensive threats in the game after missing seven full games and parts of two others in 2023.
Jalen Nailor Continues Breakout Season for Vikings
The Vikings are anxiously anticipating the return of No. 2 receiver Jordan Addison, who injured his ankle in Week 1 and has missed the past two games. But they are surely equally as excited about the breakout season his replacement has authored.
Nailor has scored a touchdown in each game this season. His third came on Sunday against Houston when he secured a laser from Darnold in the third quarter to give the Vikings a 21-0 lead. It’s not only the three scores that are an illustration of the Vikings’ confidence in Nailor — it’s his performance in other moments, too.
.@jalennailor‘s 3rd TD of the season gives the #Vikings a 21-0 lead.
📺: @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/ZJxnMM5VBM
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 22, 2024
Last week against the San Francisco 49ers, the Vikings called Nailor’s number on a crucial third down midway through the fourth quarter. Nailor hauled in a back-shoulder pass from Darnold down the right seem. On Sunday against Houston, the Vikings decided to go for it on 4th-and-1 despite being in field goal range. And Nailor got the call again, this time converting on a jet sweep to keep the Vikings’ drive alive.
On Sunday against Houston, Nailor totaled three catches for 31 yards and the touchdown. Even if Addison is able to return next week in Green Bay, Nailor has established himself as a legitimate option on O’Connell’s offense.
Aaron Jones Remains the Vikings’ Feature Back
The Vikings signed Jones this offseason in an attempt to revive their rushing attack. The move worked. Jones rushed for 92 yards and a score in Week 1, and then on Sunday against Houston, Jones logged his first 100-yard rushing day for the Vikings.
Jones finished the game with 102 rushing yards on 19 carries, constantly taxing the Texans’ defense and easing the pressure on the Vikings’ pass protection and Darnold.
Although Jones’ primary role is to run the ball, he’s billed as a true dual threat who can produce as a receiver, as well. And he fit into that billing on Sunday, hauling in five receptions from Darnold for 46 yards, including an eight-yard scoring reception in the first quarter that staked the Vikings to a 14-0 lead.
Over the first three games, Jones has shared backfield reps with No. 2 running back Ty Chandler. Jones has maintained the lion’s share of the reps but Chandler has still provided a solid change-of-pace effect. Make no mistake, though — Jones is the Vikings’ featured back, and he played like it on Sunday.