Vikings stay undefeated with 34-7 dismantling of Texans behind fierce defense, Darnold’s 4 TDs

MINNEAPOLIS — With the Minnesota Vikings savoring the unfamiliar vibe of being in full management within the fourth quarter, Justin Jefferson climbed on the bench to repeatedly wave his arms in encouragement of the house crowd to roar even louder for a protection that had the Houston Texans on their heels all afternoon.

The ovations have been well-deserved.

Sam Darnold matched his profession excessive with 4 landing passes, and the undefeated Vikings intercepted C.J. Stroud twice and sacked him 4 occasions in a 34-7 victory over the Texans on Sunday.

“That is one thing I might get used to for certain,” Jefferson mentioned. “We simply dominated throughout. Protection is unquestionably the primary purpose.”

Jonathan Greenard had three sacks of his former teammate Stroud, the 2023 AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the 12 months, because the Vikings (3-0) rattled the Texans (2-1) with their aggressive and unpredictable scheme — and a few assist from the followers at U.S. Financial institution Stadium.

I could not hear myself speak on the market, so think about for the offense having to examine their protections and do sure issues like that up entrance,” mentioned Cam Bynum, who picked off Stroud within the fourth quarter.

Darnold related with Jefferson and Aaron Jones for scores within the first quarter. Within the second half, he delivered a landing to Jalen Nailor for the third straight recreation and obtained Johnny Mundt one, too.

Jones rushed 19 occasions for 102 yards and caught 5 passes for 46 yards for the Vikings, who have been a stylish decide for final place within the NFC North however have crushed back-to-back contenders to start out their house slate towards San Francisco and Houston. This was Minnesota’s largest successful margin in 5 years.

I feel we’re fabricated from the fitting stuff,” coach Kevin O’Connell mentioned. “We have simply obtained to maintain proving it.”

Darnold went 17 for 28 for 181 yards with out a turnover, and the 2018 third general draft decide additionally tied his profession greatest with a three-game successful streak as a starter. Darnold left the sport to get his left knee checked after a late hit penalty on former Vikings defensive finish Danielle Hunter, however he got here again after one play to a loud roar.

The Vikings improved to 6-0 all time towards the Texans, who lastly scored with 3:56 left within the third quarter on a go from Stroud to Cam Akers, who spent a part of final season with the Vikings and obtained his first begin with the Texans with Joe Mixon injured.

Stroud went 20 for 31 for 215 yards. This was the primary time in 10 begins he’d been picked off.

Stroud’s first go was swatted on the line by Harrison Phillips, sending the ball straight again to linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill for a gift-wrapped interception he returned to the 21. Darnold scrambled left six performs later and located Jefferson open within the entrance nook of the top zone for the early lead.

The Vikings had full respect for the expertise the Texans offered, beginning with the 2023 second general draft decide in Stroud because the centerpiece of this on-the-rise group, however they have been assured their aggressive and unpredictable protection would current issues of its personal.

The Texans helped the Vikings lots,” coach DeMeco Ryans mentioned.

The Texans have been clearly off-kilter with the group noise that fed off the stress generated by defensive coordinator Brian Flores and his protegees, with six of seven first-half penalties coming previous to the snap.

4-time Professional Bowl left sort out Laremy Tunsil had three of them, one an unlawful formation name that erased a 3rd down throw that will’ve moved the chains to close midfield. One other one was the final of three straight false begins by the Texans after they’d third-and-4 on the Minnesota 25. Tunsil obtained flagged once more for unlawful formation, which was declined by the Vikings so they may drive a punt.

Darnold might relate to Stroud’s issue navigating the pre-snap disguises and unorthodox alignments, having confronted the Flores-run protection throughout coaching camp.

“It could trigger quite a lot of pondering on the quarterback place,” Darnold mentioned, “and that is at all times onerous.”

Diggs is aware of

Stefon Diggs led the Texans with 10 catches for 94 yards in his first recreation in Minnesota since leaving the Vikings 4 years in the past.

“I performed right here for a very long time, and I noticed a lot of offenses battle after I was on the opposite facet,” Diggs mentioned. “Clearly, it was a tricky ambiance, however quite a lot of it was self-inflicted.”

Collins quieted

Nico Collins, the NFL’s main receiver getting into the week with 252 yards within the first two video games, was principally a nonfactor with 4 receptions for 86 yards due to some late padding. His 34-yard catch on third down arrange Houston’s solely landing.

Accidents

Texans: Along with the absence of Mixon (ankle), backup RB Dameon Pierce (hamstring) missed his second straight recreation.

Vikings: WR Jordan Addison (ankle), LB Ivan Tempo Jr. (quad, ankle) and OLB Dallas Turner (knee) have been all inactive. Grugier-Hill took Tempo’s place within the first down protection.

Up subsequent

Texans: Host Jacksonville subsequent Sunday.

Vikings: Go to Inexperienced Bay subsequent Sunday.