The Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Rams kicked off Week 8 of the NFL schedule and grabbed nationwide consideration with their outcomes. The officiating overshadowed what was a terrific sport, however the Vikings nonetheless misplaced.
The Vikings got here out of the gates firing on all cylinders, and Sam Darnold had his two greatest drives of the season. From there, the whole lot began to fall off for the Vikings throughout the board. The report card grades this week might be very fascinating.
This efficiency has lots to unpack; let’s do our greatest, do our instructor’s work, and grade this efficiency.
Quarterbacks
Oct 24, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) reacts in opposition to the Los Angeles Rams within the first half at SoFi Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Kirby Lee-Imagn Photographs
Grade: B
Sam Darnold didn’t flip the ball over, however he cooled down after a flashy begin to the sport. He wasn’t the explanation the Vikings misplaced the sport, however he additionally didn’t assist them win it. He has confirmed to be a sport supervisor, however his lack of playmaking is holding this group again formally.
Working Backs
Oct 24, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Minnesota Vikings working again Aaron Jones (33) runs the ball in opposition to Los Angeles Rams cornerback Darious Williams (24) through the second half at SoFi Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Photographs
Grade: B
Aaron Jones had a terrific sport and continues to be the straw that stirs the drink with the Vikings offense. With all due respect to Justin Jefferson, Jones has been pivotal to the offense’s success. He’s the one fixed and dual-threat the offense has repeatedly used.
Extensive Receivers and Tight Ends
Oct 20, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings huge receiver Justin Jefferson (18) tries to succeed in for a go that falls incomplete as Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold (0) defends through the second quarter at U.S. Financial institution Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Photographs
Grade: A
Justin Jefferson had over 100 yards once more, Josh Oliver and Trent Sherfield Jr. pitched in, and collectively, they did what they needed to for Darnold. The second half was robust for them because the Rams made changes and shut them down greater than not consequently.
Offensive Line
Oct 24, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell watches sport motion in opposition to the Los Angeles Rams through the second half at SoFi Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Photographs
Grade: A-
This was one of many higher video games from the offensive line, particularly from the inside. Kobie Turner and Braden Fiske have been contained fairly nicely however Jared Verse had a sack and a half. Ed Ingram was enjoying for his beginning job and he did nicely sufficient he ought to fend off Dalton Risner one other week.
Defensive Line
Oct 24, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Ivan Tempo Jr. (0) grabs the face masks of Los Angeles Rams working again Kyren Williams (23) through the first half at SoFi Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Photographs
Grade: C-
Kyren Williams ran everywhere in the Vikings for one in all his greatest video games of the season. Matthew Stafford had on a regular basis on this planet and scored 4 touchdowns consequently. This group has carried out past disappointingly in back-to-back weeks.
Linebackers
Oct 24, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams working again Kyren Williams (23) is introduced down by Minnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (43) through the first half at SoFi Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Photographs
Grade: D
There was no go rush, no run protection, and this was the worst efficiency of the season from this group. There’s not a lot else to say, however they should get it collectively; in any other case, this season might be misplaced shortly.
Secondary
Oct 24, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams working again Kyren Williams (23) carries the ball in opposition to Minnesota Vikings cornerback Stephon Gilmore (2) within the second half at SoFi Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Kirby Lee-Imagn Photographs
Grade: C
Stephon Gilmore and Byron Murphy Jr. made some performs but in addition gave up lots. Gilmore seemed his age in opposition to Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua. He was getting beat on reps repeatedly. Murphy Jr., outdoors of the interception, additionally gave a forgettable efficiency.