The second half of the 2024 NFL season kicked off this past weekend, delivering all the excitement that fans could hope for. Week 10 continued a trend of thrilling finishes, with nine out of 14 games decided by just one score, marking the third consecutive week and eighth time this season with that many close contests. Four of these games came down to a final field-goal attempt, and Kansas City kept its undefeated record intact at 9-0 with a dramatic block of the Broncos’ potential game-winner.
For the Minnesota Vikings (7-2), their 12-7 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars (2-8) didn’t require last-second heroics but instead highlighted the importance of every single point. The game showcased a notable debut for kicker Parker Romo, who had only joined the team days prior after rookie kicker Will Reichard went on Injured Reserve. In his first NFL outing, Romo drilled all four of his field-goal attempts, scoring all of Minnesota’s points in the game from distances of 45, 33, 34, and 29 yards. Romo’s remarkable performance made him the first player in NFL history to connect on four or more field goals and account for all of his team’s points in his debut, and the first Vikings kicker since Blair Walsh in 2012 to achieve four field goals in his first game.
Though Minnesota’s offense managed season-highs in time of possession (42:19) and total plays (82), they struggled significantly in the red zone. They nearly reached season-bests in total yards (402) and first downs (28), yet faltered when it mattered most, especially in Jaguars’ territory. Of their 82 plays, 61 took place on Jacksonville’s side of the field, but red-zone inefficiency proved costly. The Vikings ran 20 plays within the Jaguars’ 20-yard line yet accumulated just 20 total yards across five red-zone drives. Quarterback Sam Darnold threw two interceptions in these critical situations, with the remaining three drives ending in field goals, leaving the Vikings without a touchdown despite being in prime scoring positions.
Sam Darnold’s performance, in particular, raised concerns. Finishing 24-of-38 for 241 yards with three interceptions, Darnold posted a passer rating of only 48.2. It marked his second consecutive game with multiple turnovers, bringing his total to five interceptions over the past two weeks. In post-game interviews, Darnold was candid about his struggles, acknowledging his need to take better care of the football. “I’ve got to do a lot better job to take care of [the] football,” Darnold admitted. “I think that’s obvious.” His inconsistency in decision-making has become a growing issue, and his tendency for turnovers could prove costly as the Vikings enter a critical stretch of the season.
Despite Darnold’s rocky performance, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell voiced strong support for his quarterback. O’Connell emphasized the need to rally behind Darnold and expressed confidence that these struggles would become learning moments. “We’re going to check back on this moment and use it the right way, and Sam is going to be better off for it,” O’Connell said. He delivered a locker room speech that reflected his faith in Darnold, encouraging him and the team to push forward despite recent difficulties. O’Connell’s vote of confidence comes as the Vikings face a challenging schedule with almost all remaining opponents still in playoff contention.
On the other side of the ball, Minnesota’s defense stepped up to compensate for the offense’s struggles. The Vikings defense turned in a strong showing, limiting Jacksonville to just 143 yards of total offense in only 17:41 of possession. Jacksonville’s offense managed just 16 plays in the second half, with its final three possessions ending in turnovers, including a critical interception by safety Camryn Bynum with under two minutes remaining. This defensive performance marked a unique milestone; according to NFL Media Research, this was the first time in 148 games since 2010 that a team won a game despite not scoring a touchdown and committing at least three turnovers. Historically, teams with similar stats were 0-196 since December 21, 2006, when the Packers, led by Brett Favre, edged out Minnesota by winning 9-7 under the same circumstances.
Despite the defensive effort and Romo’s perfect kicking debut, the Vikings saw a slight drop in this week’s Power Rankings. NFL analysts are increasingly focused on Darnold’s play and the vulnerabilities it reveals within Minnesota’s lineup. Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox highlighted the two primary areas of concern for the Vikings: an inconsistent secondary and Darnold’s decision-making issues. “The Vikings have a good defense and offensive weapons like Justin Jefferson,” Knox noted, “but Darnold’s struggles with turnovers could make this team a one-and-done in the playoffs.” Knox elaborated, adding that while Darnold may be the best option the Vikings have had since Kirk Cousins’ injury in 2023, his inconsistency could undermine Minnesota’s postseason aspirations.
Darnold now leads the NFL in interceptions with 10, casting further doubt on his long-term role as the team’s starting quarterback. Nevertheless, O’Connell is adamant about supporting him, believing that Darnold remains Minnesota’s best chance as they head toward the playoffs. However, Darnold’s downward trend is particularly troubling considering that he ranked 11th in Expected Points Added (EPA) per dropback earlier in the season and has since slipped to 21st, underscoring his struggles with consistency. This recent decline fuels skepticism among fans and analysts alike, many of whom believe he’s simply keeping the position warm for J.J. McCarthy, the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft who suffered a season-ending injury during training camp.
The Vikings now prepare to face the Tennessee Titans on the road, the first of three consecutive away games that will test their endurance and adaptability. Minnesota’s 7-2 record keeps them in strong playoff contention, but their path remains challenging. While their dominant defense and Romo’s kicking provide reasons for optimism, much depends on Darnold’s ability to clean up his play in high-stakes games. The Titans may technically be on the fringes of playoff contention, but their pass defense has caused problems for quarterbacks throughout the season, making this another critical test for Darnold.
Minnesota’s defensive prowess and offensive potential offer a strong foundation, but their future hinges on Darnold’s ability to overcome his turnover issues. The road to the playoffs is within reach, but if Darnold continues to struggle, the Vikings could face a quick exit come January.
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