Now, with less than a month to go before the start of training camp, the Vikings are telling media members that they are happy with the roster, as is. But on paper, fans and reporters point to the cornerback room with skepticism.

The only starting CB still on roster from 2024 is Byron Murphy Jr, who signed a massive new contract extension to come back. From there though, there are a ton of questions surrounding which other Vikings corners are capable of playing 500-1000 defensive snaps in 2025.

Because the two defensive backs who filled Minnesota’s CB2 and CB3 roles in 2024 are no longer on the team. Stephon Gilmore, going on 35 years old early next season, remains a free agent.

While technically the Minnesota Vikings could still make Gilmore a training camp addition, just like last year, they’ve shown no interest in such a reunion, to this point. Another 2024 CB the Vikings haven’t really seemed intrigued by the idea of bringing back, is Shaq Griffin.

Shaq Griffin no longer an option for Minnesota Vikings

Meanwhile, the soon-to-be 30-year-old hasn’t been waiting up for them, either. Instead, Griffin has been flirting heavily with the team that drafted him back in 2017, the Seattle Seahawks. And on Wednesday, they made their west coast reunion official. After one season as a Viking, Shaq Griffin will again be a Seahawk in 2025.

Veteran corner Shaq Griffin is signing a one-year, $3M deal with Seattle worth up to $4M, per source. Sides have been talking through offseason, now reach deal. https://t.co/M0Fj4mojHG

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) June 25, 2025

Last season, his eighth in the NFL, Griffin appeared in all 17 games for the Minnesota Vikings, including three starts. Now, he’ll head back to Seattle where his 2024 teammate Sam Darnold is waiting for him. As a Viking, Griffin snagged 2 interceptions, to go with 6 passes defensed, 41 total tackles and 1 TFL.

Griffin last played for the team that drafted him in the third round pick back in 2017. Seattle is where Shaq made his lone Pro Bowl (2019), too. The Seahawks finished second in the NFC West last season, but they’re a much different team in 2025.

Vikings could still use cornerback help… on paper

As of now, the Minnesota Vikings are set to lean heavily on newly acquired Isaiah Rodgers and Jeff Okudah, along with 2023 third round pick, Mekhi Blackmon, who spent 2024 recovering from major knee surgery. Of those CBs, Okudah is the only one with legitimate starting NFL experience… and we all know how that went.

Thus, it sure looks like the Vikings secondary could use at least one more starting-caliber veteran who can come in and compete near the top of the depth chart, immediately, much like Gilmore last season. But it doesn’t matter what the depth chart looks like on paper, if Minnesota is really as confident in their new crop of CBs as they claim.

New Vikings cornerback Isaiah Rodgers and Byron Murphy are already 'best friends' after just meeting this spring.

Rodgers will have a big role this fall.

I caught up with the DBs at mini camp this week: pic.twitter.com/SAKMJMRGEP

— Ren Clayton (@Ren_Clayton) June 14, 2025

The MN Vikings weren’t in on Jaire Alexander, and don’t appear interested in Jalen Ramsey. There are still veteran options on the open market, and more will come through, as camp cuts commence. Will Kwesi & Co. pounce? We’ll find out soon enough.

NFL insiders, especially since the tag deadline passed on Tuesday, have worked tirelessly to convince us that a long-term contract for Darnold was not only possible in Minnesota, but that the two sides were actively engaged in talks to make it happen.

All this recent reporting on a possible Darnold + Vikings reunion has had quite the butterfly effect across the league’s QB market, too. At one point mid-week, some were so convinced in the Vikings’ interest to retain Darnold that the Las Vegas Raiders were even eyeing up a possible JJ McCarthy trade.

Breaking: Sam Darnold won’t return to the Minnesota Vikings in 2025

But it looks like all of that is now dead. Because over the past 15 hours, league insiders have been using the Seattle Seahawks’ newfound interest in Darnold — after they traded away QB Geno Smith to the Raiders for a 3rd round pick — as the turning point of Sam’s 2025 offseason.

The narrative flipped fast, too. By early Saturday morning, not only were talks between the Vikings and Darnold falling apart, but Tom Pelissero (NFL Network) had already reported what most of us knew deep down.

When free agency officially starts on March 12, Sam Darnold will be too expensive for the Vikings to consider bringing back. Thus, the 27-year-old 2024 MVP candidate will not be returning to Minnesota. Pelissero points to Daniel Jones — “who is mulling multiple opportunities” as one veteran QB the Vikings are trying to pair with McCarthy for 2025.

With the Geno Smith trade opening a spot in Seattle, Sam Darnold is not expected to return to the #Vikings, who are now focused on other options they’ve been pursuing in recent weeks, sources tell The Insiders.

Those options include re-signing Daniel Jones, who is mulling… pic.twitter.com/TYhgG9jPhf

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 8, 2025

What’s next for Darnold, Vikings?

Sam Darnold had by far the best season of his 7-year NFL career with the Minnesota Vikings, tossing for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns and just 12 interceptions. In 2024, the former USC star proved to enough teams that his early-career failures were more a product of his situation in New York, than his abilities as an NFL QB.

Related: What Does Raiders QB Trade Mean for Vikings, Sam Darnold?

Now, Sam Darnold will get his chance to prove his worth for the long haul, whether that is in Seattle or elsewhere. We just know it won’t be here. One reason why the Seahawks may be so interested in Darnold — He performed well vs the “12th Man” when the Vikings traveled to the Coffee Capital last season.

It was in Seattle, week 15, that Sam tossed for 246 yards, 3 touchdowns and 0 interceptions, part of a stretch from weeks 10 to 16 in which he threw for 2,012 yards, 18 touchdowns and just 2 interceptions, to put the Minnesota Vikings in position to earn the No. 1 overall seed in the NFC for the playoffs. Of course, we all knew what happened after that.

But first, they had to get passed Seattle, on the road. After the Vikings jumped out to an early 17-7 lead, the Seahawks charged back, and the contest was very back-and-forth, in the second half. But a late touchdown drive by Geno Smith & Co, put Seattle up 24-20, with under 5 minutes remaining.

Minnesota Vikings beat Seahawks on another Sam Darnold comeback

Thus, Sam Darnold was forced to orchestrate another last minute comeback, something he has already done multiple times this season. So, the former No. 3 overall pick took the football and led Minnesota on a 4-play, 70-yard touchdown drive that ended in this beautiful Sam Darnold to Justin Jefferson TD, and a 27-24 lead for the Minnesota Vikings.

Darnold making this throw, reading a need to step up in the pocket, knowing he was about to get leveled, is unreal. pic.twitter.com/24v7m6asZC

— Ted (@tlschwerz) December 23, 2024

But earlier in that same drive, Sam Darnold dropped back on 2nd and 10, where he was sacked by Seattle defensive lineman Byron Murphy, which should have lined up a 3rd and 18, from inside Minnesota’s own 25-yard-line.

Related: What We Learned About the Vikings in Nerve-Racking Win vs Seahawks

Instead, the Vikings were awarded a first down on the 39-yard-line, after a 15 yard penalty, after the Seahawks rookie was called for a facemask penalty on Darnold. On the replay, you can see Murphy grab the facemask with his left hand, then use it to help pull Sam down to the ground.

Here's Seahawks DL Byron Murphy "just scraping" Sam Darnold's facemask yesterday… 😂🤥 pic.twitter.com/c6vd8bYzaq

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) December 23, 2024

After the game, Byron Murphy met with reporters, where he caused a bit of a stir, regarding the penalty that was called against him on that 2nd and 10 play. He told gathered media members inside the locker room that he only “scraped” Sam Darnold’s facemask, and never actually grabbed it.

Byron Murphy denies grabbing Darnold’s facemask

Maybe Murphy had not yet seen a replay. Maybe he was having an out of body experience. Most likely, he is being thick-headed, not wanting to admit a mistake that badly hurt his football team, and may have even cost a win against the Minnesota Vikings.

Ticked rookie DT Byron Murphy says of the facemask penalty he got while sacking Sam Darnold on 3rd down the play before Minnesota’s game-winning TD pass to Jefferson: “Bull-shit call.”

Said he didn’t grasp the QB’s face mask, just grazed it with his hand, arm @thenewstribune pic.twitter.com/tSlCHFFUli

— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) December 23, 2024

“I just feel like it was some BS. I never grabbed it. I just scraped his facemask and they ended up calling it. I just feel like it was a bullshit call. It is what it is.”

Byron Murphy on his facemask penalty (The News Tribune on X)

Earlier this season, the Minnesota Vikings took a loss to the Los Angeles Rams. That game included a late no-call facemask penalty on Sam Darnold that would have kept the purple’s final drive alive. Maybe those refs agreed with Murphy’s definition of a facemask penalty… because this one was nearly as egregious. Thankfully, the referees on Sunday afternoon brought their glasses and flags to work.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Open as Slim Home Favorites vs Hated Rival

On the season Murphy has 34 tackles and a half-sack. He has a pair of tackles for loss and a quarterback hit as well. The 16th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft from Texas has had a solid rookie year. That doesn’t mean he isn’t certifiably crazy for trying to defend himself, here.

Those types of seasons are hard to come by, when looking through Vikings history… and are engrained in the heads of those who witnessed them. Years like 1998 and 2009. But here we are, 16 weeks through the 2024 NFL season (a supposed rebuild year) and this overachieving team had a chance to be 13-2.

So, how did head coach Kevin O’Connell, quarterback Sam Darnold and wide receiver Justin Jefferson handle such pressure? They staved off a hungry Seattle Seahawks team 27-24, on the road, by taking care of the football and taking advantage of opportunities on both sides of the football, when presented.

Darnold showed his stones, yet again, and Justin Jefferson went off for 144 yards and 2 touchdowns on 10 receptions, while everyone else chipped in for 12 more, as Sam did his best to spread the wealth.

As a result of their 13th victory, the Minnesota Vikings hold their own destiny for the NFC’s No. 1 overall seed (and a 1st round playoff bye), with just two weeks to play. So… without further ado, here is what we learned about the Vikings in week 16 vs the Seahawks.

Minnesota Vikings secondary needs Harrison Smith (and the Seahawks knew it)

Let’s talk about the defensive side of the football for a moment. Early Sunday afternoon, legendary Vikings safety Harrison Smith landed on the inactive list. It wasn’t a total surprise, given The Hitman was in and out of practice all week, but that didn’t help the defensive secondary prepare for the all out aerial assault the Seattle Seahawks had planned for week 16.

With Smith in street clothes on the sideline, Seattle offensive coordinator and play-caller Ryan Grubb put Sunday’s contest squarely on the right arm of his quarterback, Geno Smith. The Seahawks ran 25 offensive plays in the first three quarters. Only 8 were run plays, 34 pass.

After running the ball three-straight times to start the game, it was all Geno. The 37-year-old QB out of West Virginia wasn’t great, but he was good. On the day, Smith completed 31-of-43 passes for 315 yards, 3 touchdowns and 2 interceptions.

Related: Franchise Tagging Sam Darnold is the Minnesota Vikings’ Only Option

Early, the Seahawks offense played the dump-down game, which helped bring the second level of the Vikings secondary up. Then, they attacked the Harrison Smith-less defense, completing passes of 17, 15, 25, 20, 25 and 18 yards in the first half, alone.

But in the second half, the Vikings defense cracked down. Geno went 18-of 26 for 1 TD and 1 INT, for just a 79.8 passer rating. It wasn’t their best showing of the season, in part thanks to Harry’s absence, but they showed up when it mattered. Like the last defensive play of the game, which was a game-sealing Theo Jackson interception, his first of the season and second of his three-year NFL career.

WHAT. A. FINISH.

📺: @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/EFXsCwFDzM

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 23, 2024

Sam Darnold has stones of steel

Much like Geno Smith, Sam Darnold was far from perfect for the Minnesota Vikings in week 16, but he was steady. After an efficient 1st half, where Sam went 14-of-21 for 128 yards, 2 touchdowns and 0 interceptions, the 27-year-old former No. 3 overall pick stood in the pocket during the second half and took hit, after hit.

But Darnold only allowed himself to be sacked once. And while it wasn’t his most efficient game (62.8%) the USC alum delivered when it mattered most, especially late in the 4th quarter. None of Sam’s passes were bigger than this 4th quarter off-platform touchdown to Justin Jefferson, which put the Minnesota Vikings back up by three points, a 27-24 lead they never gave back.

.@JJettas2 CLUTCH.#ProBowlVote

📺: @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/HFiWQZibHR

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 22, 2024

That was Sam Darnold’s third TD pass of the afternoon, and the second to Jefferson. He finished 22-of-35 for 246 yards, to go with those touchdowns. His 112.3 passer rating was the 12th time he’s gone over 100.0 this season. It was his 11th game throwing multiple touchdowns, including 15 TDs in the last six weeks.

In that stretch, he’s thrown just one interception. Sam Darnold is not perfect, but every single week he looks more and more like the top-5 pick he was originally supposed to be. Week 16 was no different. In other words, Sunday’s performance vs the Seattle Seahawks will do very little to calm fans who are wondering how the Minnesota Vikings will ever let Darnold go this offseason.

Just keep winning, baby…

Every single week, the Minnesota Vikings have to find a new way to win. Without Harrison Smith wandering the secondary, and getting in Geno Smith’s head pre-snap, the Seahawks were able to push the football down the field. Minnesota was outpaced 361 net yards to 298, and Geno Smith threw for 314 yards.

Related: Vikings Kevin O’Connell Has “It” Says HOF Head Coach

But, the Vikings still managed two interceptions, stretching their total on the season to 22, which tops the NFL. Brian Flores’ bend but don’t break defense was way more breakable in week 16, than what we have seen for most of this season. When it mattered most, though, they did their job.

And now, the Minnesota Vikings have just one more week to go, before what is currently lining up as one of the most epic finishes in NFC North / NFC Central history. If the Vikings and Detroit Lions both win in week 17, then their matchup in week 18 will decide, not only who wins the division, but who wins the NFC regular season crown… which comes with a 1st round bye in the playoffs.

Early Week 16 Minnesota Vikings injury report

Brian O’Neill (knee), who left Sunday’s win vs the Chicago Bears for a short time before returning, was limited, along with, Harrison Phillips (knee), Harrison Smith (foot), Patrick Jones II (knee) and David Quessenberry (oblique). Stephon Gilmore and Josh Oliver were both listed as full participants, meaning we can expect to see Minnesota’s CB1 back on the field Sunday vs the Seattle Seahawks.

There were also two players listed as DNPs (Did Not Practice). 30-year-old cornerback Fabian Moreau — who has been filling in for Stephon Gilmore — and Jalen Redmond, who was pulled late Sunday vs the Bears and placed in concussion protocol.

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell spoke with media on Tuesday, and told us that Brian O’Neill and Patrick Jones II are expected to play on Sunday vs Seattle. Still, it’s no surprise to see them listed on Wednesday’s Vikings injury report.

Related: What We Learned About the Minnesota Vikings in Convincing MNF Win Over Bears

It’s normal for the early week injury report to include a lot of players who might be banged up, but who will practice in full on Thursday and Friday. Still, it is always worth watching, because you never know. For example, a team might start adding players hours after their original injury report drops…

Dallas Turner added to Vikings injury report late

That’s what happened tonight, when the Minnesota Vikings added rookie 1st round pick Dallas Turner to the injury report as “limited” with a knee injury, the fourth such designation on the day. Apparently, someone just forgot to put him on the original…?

OLB Dallas Turner (knee) was limited in today's walkthrough for the #Vikings. https://t.co/FbaiilVkqJ

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 19, 2024

Turner receives his injury designation after one of the most productive weeks of his NFL career. On Sunday vs the Bears, the former Alabama star played 34 snaps on defense, where he posted a respectable 71.2 PFF grade, two pressures, and his 2nd sack of the season.

Related: Raiders Swipe Young Pass Rusher Off Minnesota Vikings Practice Squad

It wasn’t just the numbers, though. When Dallas Turner was on the field Monday, you knew about it because he was popping all of the screen, in good ways. He was running around and making plays, and he stuck out doing it. Hopefully, this weird late addition to the Vikings injury report isn’t anything we need to worry about…

Now, after dominating the Chicago Bears at home, on Monday Night Football in week 15, the Vikings will pack up for week 16 and take flight to Seattle, where they will do battle vs the 8-6 Seahawks, who are tied for first place in the NFC West, and their “The 12th Man” home field advantage.

Week 16 NFL Odds: Minnesota Vikings open as -3.5 favorites @ Seattle Seahawks

But at least for now, oddsmakers do not care that the Seattle Seahawks are at home, or that they are battling for a playoff spot. On Tuesday morning, Vegas put their money on the road Minnesota Vikings, pinning them as -3.5 favorites for week 16.

Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III has been dealing with a calf injury. He’s missed the past two games. Their other running back, Zach Charbonnet, has been good in Walker’s absence. But the Seahawks are hopeful they will get their RB1 back vs the Vikings.

The weather should be warmer in Seattle Sunday, than what the Minnesota Vikings have dealt with recently, on the road. But (of course) there is rain in the forecast. We know Kevin O’Connell isn’t the biggest fan of running the football, but he may have to rely on Aaron Jones & Co more often, if that forecast holds true.

Related: Vikings WR Justin Jefferson Catches TD, Shouts Out Randy Moss on MNF

Could these early odds have anything to do with uncertainty surrounding who will be under center on Sunday? Their starting quarterback Geno Smith was injured against the Green Bay Packers, in week 15, but it sounds as if he’ll play. Nonetheless, it’s a situation to watch.

Geno Smith –

Not seeing a whole lot here other than a “jam” situation as his cleat sticks in the turf. Not much at the ankles.
Wonder if it’s his knee after forced max flexion with his cleat sticking.

He remains on the sideline with staff for now. pic.twitter.com/dyQYLsYWnp

— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) December 16, 2024

Other factors to keep in mind…

After starting the 2024 season on a five-game winning streak, the Vikings suffered through a four-day stumble, back in October, that resulted in two (quick) back-to-back losses.

First, they lost to the Lions in week 7 (Oct. 20), on a last-second field goal. Then, Sam Darnold & Co boarded a plane and flew to LA, where they fell to the Rams in week 8, just four days later, on Thursday Night Football. It’s worth noting they are again flying to the west coast, on a short week.

Related: What We Learned About the Minnesota Vikings in Convincing MNF Win Over Bears

The Vikings have already beaten Seattle’s NFC West rivals, Arizona and San Francisco, but did fall to the Rams, as mentioned earlier. With just three games remaining this season, the Seahawks need to win on Sunday, if they want to control their own playoff destiny, come week 17.

Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings need a win to keep up their pressure on the Detroit Lions, now that both teams have the same record. These two NFC North rivals meet in week 18. It’s very possible that both the division title and a No. 1 playoff seed could on the line, which would make for one of the most important regular season finales in division history.

It was two NFL heavyweights battling it out, until the very last bell. This time, the final decision did not land in Minnesota’s favor. Late game mistakes allowed to Detroit a chance to win, and they took advantage.

At the end of the day, half the teams in the league lose every week, right? I’m not one for moral victories, but it’s been a long time since a team has gone undefeated. The 2007 Patriots went 16-0 in the regular season. Prior to that, it had been 30 years since the Dolphins accomplished that feat (12-0).

Kirk Cousins and the Atlanta Falcons had a tough Sunday

In other words, the Minnesota Vikings were never going 17-0. And let’s be honest. Some losses are worse than others. For example, let’s fly south, to the other end of the United States, to Atlanta, where former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins and his new team were destroyed (at home) 34-14 by the mediocre Seattle Seahawks.

Cousins, Atlanta’s new $180 million QB, threw two interceptions and lost a fumble. It was an all-around tough day for our former quarterback, and his new squad. Cousins wasn’t terrible, from a statistical standpoint. He went 24-of-35 for 232 yards and a touchdown, to go with his three turnovers.

Today’s loss for the Falcons was a group effort. Penalties were a huge problem (9 for 72 yards), and they lost the turnover battle 3-0. That is not a recipe for victory. Worse yet, Kirk accounted for all three of Atlanta’s turnovers.

Picked off by LOVE! pic.twitter.com/a0WHSc1dW6

— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) October 20, 2024

Kirk Cousins’ fumble was extra egregious. For a guy who is often criticized for being too safe, you just cannot do what he did on that play. Throw the ball away, tuck it and take the sack.

Related: JJ McCarthy in the House and Throwing the Football Around Prior to Vikings vs Lions

Do anything other than wait way too long, to attempt an impossible throw that is never going to end up in the hands of a teammate. All while former Minnesota Gophers EDGE rusher Boye Mafe is breathing down your neck. Because that’s what Kirk did. The result? A 40-yard fumble return touchdown that all but iced the game for the Seahawks.

The Seahawks with the strip-sack and scoop n' score vs Kirk Cousins and the Falcons! 🏈🔥 #NFL pic.twitter.com/ULqWozmtH1

— The Comeback (@thecomeback) October 20, 2024

Did the Minnesota Vikings make the right choice letting Kirk walk?

On the season, Kirk Cousins is now 162-of-242 (67%) for 1,830 yards, 10 touchdowns and 7 interceptions for the Atlanta Falcons. Outside of the high interception rate, those are pretty standard Kirk Cousins numbers. Changing systems and moving to a defensive-minded football team was always a risk.

But we know Kirk. He’s always willing to bet on himself. He took more money, knowing there was a lot more risk involved with changing teams and schemes. That was before the Atlanta Falcons drafted Michael Penix Jr with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Penix had one pass today, by the way. He completed it for 14 yards.

Related: What We Learned About the Minnesota Vikings in Hard-Fought Loss vs Lions

How does Sam Darnold’s first season with the Minnesota Vikings compare to Kirk Cousins’ first season as a Falcon? Darnold had a pretty impressive line today, going 22-of-27 (81%) for 259 yards. Unfortunately, he threw 1 interception and 0 touchdowns.

Cousins vs Sam Darnold – 2024

Overall, Sam played pretty well. The fans calling for his head are delusional. But without a doubt, he did struggle in the 2nd half, at times. And Sam’s inability to make a decisive decision on the second-to-last play of the game also proved to be fatal. On the season, though, the Minnesota Vikings won’t be complaining.

Sam Darnold is now 109-of-164 (66.5%) on the season, for 1,370 yards, 12 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. He doesn’t have the volume Kirk does. The Vikings former QB has thrown the ball 78 more times than their current QB, this season. But Sam’s TD/INT ratio is way better, even if Kirk’s completion percentage is higher.

Related: We Now Know Vikings Kicker Will Reichard’s Max Field Goal Distance

We’ll probably see Atlanta Falcons fans calling for Kirk Cousins’ head this week. That’s how things always work with Kirko. Most of that criticism will be somewhat overexaggerated. But nonetheless, I’m sure glad (given the money vs output ratio), that the Minnesota Vikings moved on.

Unlike the Falcons, the Vikings are tied for first in their division, at 5-1. Fortunately for Cousins, there’s a lot of season left to play for his new team. In Minnesota, that includes a quick turnaround this week, when they will be featured on Thursday Night Football vs the LA Rams.

Days later, head coach Kevin O’Connell met with media and publicly made it known that the Vikings wanted to bring Hall back on the practice squad, if he wanted to be in Minnesota. Turns out, that was a hint. He was looking for a fresh start.

Jaren Hall signs with Seattle Seahawks

On Monday afternoon, he found that fresh start all the way across the country, with the Seattle Seahawks. He will not be on their active roster, but the Seahawks practice squad is located much closer to Utah, where he grew up and went to college at Brigham Young University.

Seahawks signed former Vikings quarterback Jaren Hall to their practice squad.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 2, 2024

According to Darren Wolfson (KSTP, SKOR North), the Vikings did indeed try to bring Hall back to the practice squad. Not only is Seattle closer to home, but he will be the clear No. 3 quarterback for the Seahawks, entering week one.

Jaren Hall went 28-of-46 (61%) for 339 yards, 4 touchdowns and 0 interceptions in the 2024 Minnesota Vikings preseason. Outside of a poor (but very short) appearance in week one, the 26-year-old proved himself worthy of a 53-man roster spot. Unfortunately, he’ll have to keep working to get it.

Good pocket presence by Jaren Hall here pic.twitter.com/dkOyV1bbGx

— DIE-HARD 🦅 REALTOR® (@Eaglesfans9) August 24, 2024

Minnesota Vikings opt for Brett Rypien

For the foreseeable future, Brett Rypien will be Minnesota’s QB3. How long will that be? Let’s just say that he probably shouldn’t get too comfortable. Kevin O’Connell doesn’t seem to have his name written into the depth chart with permanent ink.

Related: Vegas Believes in Vikings Rookie Dallas Turner

Reports surfaced nearly immediately after Rypien signed with the Vikings that general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is still on the search for a secondary developmental QB.

In that report the aforementioned Darren Wolfson specifically mentioned Dorian Thompson-Robinson as a QB of interest. In other words, 3rd-string QB is far from being solved at TCO Performance Center.

Last night’s 27-26 heartbreaker in Seattle now has the Minnesota Vikings buried in a deep 1-4 hole to start the 2020 season. Game after game, the disbelief hasn’t been as much about the losses themselves, but instead, HOW they’ve found their way to those losses. The L’s have piled up in the most Minnesota Vikings ways imaginable. Quickly, let’s high-five and cry our way through Sunday night’s rollercoaster of emotions.

It was a dream start, led by Dalvin Cook and Kirk Cousins, that put Minnesota up 13-0 at the end of the 1st half (high-five). Things went south quickly in the second half, starting with two Kirk Cousins’ turnovers in the third quarter and compounded by the loss of Dalvin Cook to a groin injury (cry).

Seattle scored 21 points alone in that third quarter to take a 21-13 lead, entering the 4th. Of course, the Vikings didn’t let us flounder out, instead reeling us back in just when you were about to give up. With 8 minutes left in the 4th, Kirk Cousins and the offense sculpted together an 11-play, 77-yard drive that cut the Seahawk lead to two (they missed the two-point conversion to tie).

The next offensive possession? How about a 15-play, 92-yard drive that ate over 8 minutes of clock and gave the Vikings a 26-21 lead LATE in the fourth (high-five)!

97 yards later… @AThielen19's second TD puts the @Vikings ahead! #SKOL

?: #MINvsSEA on NBC
?: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/fJGRlSb2nV pic.twitter.com/evBgnb1BfO

— NFL (@NFL) October 12, 2020

NSFW

You know the rest, it’s as expected and inevitable as the Timberwolves giving up 120 every night they step on the floor. Russell Wilson directed a 13-play, 94-yard game-winning drive in 1:42 and shattered dreams of Vikings fans everywhere.

In the process, Wilson converted TWO backbreaking 4th downs to DK Metcalf. The first was a 4th and 10 heave from their own 23 yard line that Cam Dantzler misplayed badly, leaving DK wide open for an easy high-point catch. Then, Mr. Unlimited connected with Metcalf on 4th and goal in what looked like great coverage from Anthony Harris (cry).

Win Probability: Vikings @ Seahawks pic.twitter.com/wEyG9ZTGvv

— Lee Sharpe, ⛓️ @ ? (@LeeSharpeNFL) October 12, 2020

The Vikings Aren’t 1-4 Bad

Here’s the thing that kept me up last night, though… The Vikings are so much better than their 1-4 record shows. If you’ve watched all the one-win NFL teams, you’d be the first to tell me that Minnesota is in a completely different class than the Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles or the Washington Football Team. If this 1-4 Vikings team that lacked the talent or coaching to get to the postseason, I’m not writing this blog. They have what’s needed to be a playoff team but only one number matters at the end of the day. It’s the number underneath the “W” column in the standings.

Football is a fragile game and the smallest mistake can cost you a win. Just look at the Vikings’ four losses. They now have (2) one-point losses; Week 3 against the Tennessee Titans 31–30 and yesterday night at Seattle 27-26. Tennessee and Seattle have a combined record of 8-0 this season. I’d argue that Minnesota should’ve won both of those games. Even with all the new analytics now-a-days, there’s still gained from “should’ve won” losses.

Better than Seattle on Sunday Night

The Vikings dominated Seattle in almost every statistical category on Monday night. They out-rushed, out-threw, out-received, and out-possessed Seattle…. but still lost. Bad teams couldn’t do that to Seattle. Bad teams can’t sack Russell Wilson four times in the first half or out posses the seahawks 39:28 to 20:32 for the game.

The game plan was flawless, the execution was ALMOST perfect. It was all there for the taking but three things defined this loss. (1) Cook’s groin injury, (2) two Cousins’ turnovers in the third quarter and (3) a failed 4th down conversation that would’ve sealed the game. Now, Minnesota sits at 1-4 and Cook’s health is in question moving forward. Just gut-wrenching.

Cheers to the best 1-4 team in the NFL, your Minnesota Vikings.

Stephen Strom | Minnesota Sports Fan

The Minnesota Vikings and Seattle Seahawks put on a show tonight for a national Sunday Night Football audience. It was a game in which the Vikings completely dominated the first half on both sides of the ball. The defense posting four sacks on Russell Wilson and held his high-powered Seahawk offense to a 2-quarter goose egg.

Watching it all unfold was shocking… and you knew a Seattle run was coming at some point.

Dalvin is cooking early against the Seahawks ?‍?

(via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/Oxx1BYuL9f

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) October 12, 2020

500+ lbs falling on Russell Wilson you hate to see it……. pic.twitter.com/8YMPjjstOK

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) October 12, 2020

Cook Goes Down (Again)

It did… but it took a Dalvin Cook injury before the Seahawks showed any life. It was a non-contact injury for the Vikings’ most potent offensive weapon. He caught a pass out of the backfield, when something went in his groin. He immediately turned straight for the sideline and hobbled off to the locker room.

Cook did return for one play but he looked hurt and it wasn’t even ran to him. Kirk Cousins threw an interception on the same down and Cook didn’t return for the next drive. He wore his helmet on the sideline for the rest of the game.

Dalvin Cook pulled up with a leg issue pic.twitter.com/onxL8s0U9g

— Vikings Blogger (@firstandskol) October 12, 2020

I was worried about Dalvin returning. He looked hurt on the one play he came back for and it wasn't even to him.

Also, wtf did Kirk see here? #Vikings pic.twitter.com/s2xl9bx9Or

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) October 12, 2020

Seattle Makes Their Run

The Seahawks came out on the next drive and immediately looked like a different offense. Russell Wilson would throw two straight touchdown passes on drives where the Vikings defense, which looked dominant leading up to this point, were suddenly overmatched.

Just like that, the score was 14-13, Seattle. Then it got worse when Chris Carson took off for a 29-yard TD scamper. The score was 21-13 but it might as well have been 51-13. As a lifelong Minnesota Vikings fan, this game was as good as over.

Late Game Kirk Rises to the Occasion…

But then…. Kirk Cousins rose to the occasion late in a game for the second week in a row. It was beautiful. It raised everyone’s game around him, too. Suddenly, Alexander Mattison looked a little bit better and Mike Boone became a really good #2 back. The Vikings’ offense started moving the ball however they wanted vs the Seattle defense. Mattison would finish the game with 112 yards… but it would be one yard too few.

After 21 straight Seattle points, Kirk Cousins and the Minnesota offense answered with 13 points of their own, to take the lead back 26-21. Then, classic Minnesota things happened. Mike Zimmer went for it on 4th down inside the 10-yd-line, instead of kicking a chip-shot field goal in the rain.

The Vikings had been running it down the Seahawks’ throat all drive so I can’t say I blame him. There was two minutes left and Pete Carroll was down to just one timeout. A first down would have sealed the game.

Alexander Mattison TWEAKED ??‍♂️ could’ve had a game sealing TD if he saw the running lane ? pic.twitter.com/eNtcGBHkDp

— VERSACEBOYENT (@versaceboyent2) October 12, 2020

Tough Call

Instead, going for it would end up costing Minnesota the game. Again, I can’t blame Zimmer for the play call. His defense had two chances to stop the Seattle offense from having the last laugh and covering for their HC… but that’s just not how things work when it’s Russell Wilson vs the Vikings.

Cam Dantzler fucked up a 4th down toss-up early in the drive, that would have sealed it. Then Russell Wilson did Russell Wilson things on 4th down from 5 yards out. Just like that, it was over.

ABSOLUTELY. MAGICAL.@DangeRussWilson to @dkm14 at JUST the right time!! #Seahawks | NBC pic.twitter.com/KlWBNrqYmY

— Sunday Night Football (@SNFonNBC) October 12, 2020

Depressed

There were so many good things that happened in this game for the Minnesota Vikings, that it makes this loss extra depressing. A win tonight would have led to so much hope, with much easier games on the upcoming schedule and a completely different Kirk Cousins and defensive stability we didn’t think this team had, before the last two weeks.

Instead, we’ll try to talk ourselves into the possibility of a 1-4 Vikings team digging themselves out of what seems like an insurmountable early-season hole. With Green Bay and Chicago both holding 4-1 records inside of the NFC North alone, that seems like a pipe dream at this point.

Fun game… but losing isn’t fun. Here is what the rollercoaster ride looked like.

Win Probability: Vikings @ Seahawks pic.twitter.com/wEyG9ZTGvv

— Lee Sharpe, ⛓️ @ ? (@LeeSharpeNFL) October 12, 2020

pic.twitter.com/rR10r0pc91

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) October 12, 2020

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan