Vikings’ Latest Full System Failure vs Ravens

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J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

A week after the Minnesota Vikings knocked off the Detroit Lions in upset fashion, there was hope that they could slither their way back into the playoff picture. As slight home underdogs against the Baltimore Ravens they were going to have their hands full.

Thankfully the injury report continued to trend positively for Minnesota and they have virtually all of their key cogs locked and loaded. When the final seconds ticked off the clock though, it didn’t matter and the mess was on everyone’s hands.

McCarthy and O’Connell fail each other

The phrase “slow car accident” sufficiently described what took place at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday. Although it was just a 27-19 loss for the Minnesota Vikings, the game was effectively over after Minnesota failed to add onto a 10-0 lead.

J.J. McCarthy dropped back 43 times and had multiple arm punts resulting in a pair of picks. He sailed wide receivers, and despite the running game clicking, Kevin O’Connell made no adjustments.

For weeks this season O’Connell has shown an inability to handle play calling responsibilities. Time management has always been an issue, and changing the plan of attack as the game evolves around you hasn’t been a strength. That was on full display Sunday, and McCarthy made matters worse.

I don’t know if the head coach needs to give up play calling duties, but if he wants McCarthy to develop as an NFL quarterback, this isn’t the way to get it done.

Aaron Jones turned his nine carries into 47 yards (5.2 yards per carry) and Jordan Mason had four rushes for 25 yards (6.3 yards per carry). Giving them just a combined 13 totes makes no sense, and puts all of the pressure on an untested quarterback that has shown struggles.

MN Vikings inflict death by paper cuts

It’s hard to win in the NFL, and getting the job done on any given Sunday is largely why style points don’t matter. It’s also hard to win when you struggle to get out of your own way.

Minnesota had 13 penalties for 102 yards. Of them, eight were false starts for 40 yards. Myles Price also fumbled two consecutive kick returns, and was only bailed out by the second one not being a turnover.

This was a home game for Minnesota mind you. Noise, or the lack thereof while watching the performance later in the game, should not be an issue at U.S. Bank Stadium for the Vikings offense. The level of complete ineptitude from a discipline standpoint on Sunday was jarring.

Whether the Vikings turn things around going forward or not, continued mental mistakes will sink whatever hopes they have.

Superstar level flop from Justin Jefferson

Justin Jefferson is quite arguably the best wide receiver in football. On Sunday you could have made the argument he looked like one of the worst. Jefferson turned his 12 targets into just four receptions, and he often looked disengaged and uninterested.

Both of McCarthy’s arm punts were targets to Jefferson. One was into double coverage, but the wideout did little to come down with the ball. The other he tripped over the defender’s feet and was never in a position to make a catch.

With the Ravens letting Minnesota hang around, there was plenty of opportunity for a star to step up and make a play. Unfortunately Jefferson had little interest in being that answer Sunday and Minnesota came up short in what amounted to a one-score game.

There is opportunity for soul-searching prior to another key divisional matchup. The Chicago Bears come to U.S. Bank Stadium next week, and they present an opportunity for the Vikings to get the season sweep. Now 1-3 at home, they need to start showing up in front of the people that care the most.

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