In 5 days, the Minnesota Vikings went from being on the prime of the NFL world, together with the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs, to a two-game shedding streak and questions all over the place.
The NFL strikes quick. The Vikings misplaced within the remaining minute to the Detroit Lions final Sunday, then misplaced 30-20 to the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday evening. A 5-0 begin is now a 5-2 file, and Minnesota is formally behind the Lions within the NFC North.
The Rams, with Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua again, seemed like a brand new staff and need to rethink buying Kupp in a possible commerce and surprise in the event that they’re playoff contenders, particularly within the NFC West. The Vikings need to surprise what their subsequent step is, too.
The Vikings’ protection that baffled the remainder of the NFL for 5 weeks has struggled for 2 straight weeks, with the Lions and Rams shifting the ball in opposition to Minnesota. The offense is ok however stalled typically after a very good begin, and shedding left deal with Christian Darrisaw may very well be an issue.
Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores was off to an excellent begin this season and his protection shut down some good offenses. However Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and Rams coach Sean McVay have had loads of solutions the final two weeks. The Vikings aren’t in hassle as a result of two losses, however the shine of their feel-good begin is beginning to put on off.
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) scrambles as Vikings defensive deal with Harrison Phillips (97) tries to deal with him within the first half. (AP Picture/Ryan Solar)
Each offenses begin quick
The Rams performed a prime-time sport in opposition to the Chiefs just a few years in the past wherein each groups scored 50 factors, and for a bit on Thursday evening it appeared like we would get a repeat.
The Vikings scored on the primary drive, simply shifting down the sphere. The Rams answered with a landing, the Vikings responded instantly with Sam Darnold’s second landing move of the sport after which Kupp scored to tie the sport. 4 possessions, 4 touchdowns. It was a enjoyable showdown between two unbelievable offensive coaches.
The Vikings had hassle with Nacua, enjoying his first sport for the reason that season opener after lacking time as a result of a knee harm. Nacua was over 100 yards receiving earlier than the third quarter ended.
The defenses settled in after the early scoring flurry. Either side had hassle sustaining drives earlier than halftime. Then, with lower than a minute left within the half and the Vikings backed up on their very own 3-yard line, Darrisaw, Minnesota’s unbelievable left deal with, had his leg rolled up on throughout a run play and he needed to be helped to the locker room.
The Vikings didn’t seem like the staff that individuals anticipated would end final within the NFC North, however they didn’t seem like the staff that was one of many two remaining undefeated groups within the NFL lower than every week in the past.
Rams lead into the 4th quarter
The Rams took a lead late within the third quarter on a pleasant deep move from Stafford to Demarcus Robinson for a 25-yard landing. The Vikings have been in place to get a landing of their very own, however Jalen Nailor dropped a third-down move that was going to be a primary down and possibly a landing. The Vikings settled for a area objective. That’s the kind of enormous mistake the Vikings hardly ever made throughout their 5-0 begin.
There have been different errors. The Vikings took a number of defensive penalties on third downs, conserving Rams drives alive. The protection that confused many in a scorching begin didn’t confuse McVay or Stafford. Stafford was hardly ever pressured and wasn’t sacked as soon as.
One other third-down penalty within the fourth quarter led to Robinson’s second landing with 6:17 left. Darnold took a expensive sack and threw incomplete on third-and-21, resulting in a punt. The Rams protection hasn’t been superb this season, however the Vikings couldn’t do a lot in opposition to it.
To assist chew up many of the remainder of the clock, the Rams used the Vikings’ aggressive nature in opposition to them. On a third-and-9, they ran a play that seemed like a brief receiver display to Nacua. However Stafford waited and threw deep to Kupp for a 27-yard acquire. The Vikings had one other shot, however the Rams’ punt went out of bounds on the 3-yard line with 1:46 to go and Minnesota holding no timeouts. Darnold was sacked for a security by Byron Younger — Younger obtained away with a facemask penalty — and that ended the Vikings’ possibilities.
The Vikings’ schedule eases up in upcoming weeks. However after being the speak of the NFL, they’ll need to reinvent themselves to keep away from an extended shedding streak.
LIVE COVERAGE IS OVER35 updates
Thu, October 24, 2024 at 10:09 PM CDT
FINAL: Rams 30, Vikings 20
A enjoyable sport ends with a bit of controversy, however the Rams seemed like the higher staff. Matthew Stafford was 25-for-34 for 279 yards, 4 touchdowns and an interception within the first video games again for Puka Nacua (106 receiving yards) and Cooper Kupp (51 yards and a TD).
The Rams enhance to 3-4 whereas the Vikings endure their second straight loss after a 5-0 begin.
Thu, October 24, 2024 at 10:06 PM CDT
SAFETY: Byron Younger will get the game-ending sack
That’ll do it in Los Angeles. Byron Younger beats two blockers to get to Darnold. It seems just like the officers missed a facemask penalty. An especially apparent facemask penalty. Sadly, the play is not reviewable.
The Rams will take it, however that is going to get mentioned after the sport, and past.
Thu, October 24, 2024 at 10:04 PM CDT
Rams get stopped, however punter Ethan Evans pins Vikings on the 3
The Vikings get the cease, however they’re going to must go 97 yards plus a two-point conversion simply to ship this to extra time. No timeouts left and 1:46 to go.
Thu, October 24, 2024 at 9:59 PM CDT
Cooper Kupp extends the drive and reaches midfield
Enormous catch for a man getting back from harm. He is obtained 42 yards and a TD tonight,
Thu, October 24, 2024 at 9:52 PM CDT
Rams get the cease
Sam Darnold’s move falls incomplete on Third-and-21 and the Vikings choose to guess on their protection and punt it with 4:11 left. The Rams can win right here with yet another rating.
Thu, October 24, 2024 at 9:44 PM CDT
TOUCHDOWN: One other for Demarcus Robinson
There’s one other for the veteran broad receiver, and an excellent discover by Matthew Stafford. Rams up eight factors with 6:17 left.
Thu, October 24, 2024 at 9:42 PM CDT
Rams go for it on 4th down and get it
One other carry for Kyren Williams, who has 89 yards a TD catch up to now tonight.
Thu, October 24, 2024 at 9:33 PM CDT
FIELD GOAL: Vikings make up some floor after Aaron Jones catch
Aaron Jones prolonged the drive with a spectacular third-down catch, however the Rams maintain agency within the purple zone to remain forward 21-20. With 12:47 left within the fourth quarter, large drive arising right here.
Thu, October 24, 2024 at 9:19 PM CDT
TOUCHDOWN: Demarcus Robinson hauls it in
Demarcus Robinson’s first catch of the evening is a giant one. He overcomes a maintain from the Vikings secondary for a contest 25-yard catch to place the Rams up 21-17. Huge restoration drive for Stafford, who throws for 71 yards and a TD after that choose.
Thu, October 24, 2024 at 9:11 PM CDT
Justin Jefferson’s juggling catch even higher in gradual movement
Justin Jefferson’s 27-yard seize seems even higher on replay, going from his left hand to his proper earlier than he secures the ball and is pushed out of bounds.
Thu, October 24, 2024 at 9:10 PM CDT
Subject objective: Vikings 17, Rams 14
After Justin Jefferson’s catch provides Minnesota 1st-and-goal from the 4-yard line, the Vikings cannot punch it in the long run zone.
Will Reichard’s 23-yard area objective provides Minnesota a 17–14 lead.
Thu, October 24, 2024 at 9:08 PM CDT
Justin Jefferson with a 27-yard reception
Justin Jefferson continues to get open for the Vikings. Sam Darnold hits him for a 27-yard acquire down the left sideline.
Thu, October 24, 2024 at 9:03 PM CDT
Vikings’ OT Christian Darrisaw out with knee harm
Vikings left deal with Christian Darrisaw had his leg rolled up on simply earlier than halftime and suffered an obvious knee harm. Amazon’s Kaylee Hartung reviews that he’s out for the remainder of the sport.
Thu, October 24, 2024 at 9:00 PM CDT
Matthew Stafford picked off
After a turnover-free first half, Matthew Stafford throws an interception on the Rams’ opening drive of the second half.
On Third-and-6 from the Vikings’ 46, Stafford overthrows Demarcus Robinson and will get picked off by Byron Murphy Jr.
Thu, October 24, 2024 at 8:53 PM CDT
Rams get the 2nd half kickoff
The Rams get the ball to start the second half.
Will Reichard’s kick goes to the top zone for a touchback. Rams start at their 30-yard line.
Thu, October 24, 2024 at 8:38 PM CDT
HALFTIME: Vikings 14, Rams 14
We’re on the half! Listed here are a few of the key stats up to now:
We’re on the two-minute warning and the Rams have the ball. They’ve a protracted strategy to go, nonetheless, backed up at their very own 23-yard line.
Thu, October 24, 2024 at 8:22 PM CDT
The Rams’ flip to punt
OK, each groups weren’t going to attain touchdowns on each possession. After the Vikings punt for the primary time on this sport, the Rams cannot transfer the ball on the next collection.
Ethan Evans’ 42-yard punt places the Vikings at their 36-yard line with 4:46 remaining within the first half.
In the meantime, get pleasure from Al Michaels’ steak stats at West L.A. restaurant Toscana:
Thu, October 24, 2024 at 8:10 PM CDT
Sam Darnold’s first two incompletions
On the fifth collection of this sport, Sam Darnold threw his first two incompletions. And the Vikings are the primary staff to punt, going 3-and-out.
Thu, October 24, 2024 at 8:05 PM CDT
In case you’re simply checking in…
It has been a monitor meet between the Vikings and Rams up to now.
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