COMPLETE RESULTS

Kevin Patras’ insights:

1. Flores’ D confuses Stroud and the Texans offense. Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores had CJ Stroud in a spin cycle, alternating between pressure and feigning to confuse the second-year quarterback. Minnesota’s defense started the game with a pass interception on the first official play and never looked back. Before a final drive by the backup quarterback in garbage time Davis MillsFlores’ defense allowed the Stroud-led Texans only 224 yards. The Vikes scored two INTs, five sacks and completely controlled the line of scrimmage. The former Texans edge rusher Jonathan Greenard subdued his former team, scoring three sacks and six QB pressures on the afternoon. The Vikings had a feeding frenzy at the quarterback. Ten Minnesota defenders caused at least two QB pressures, including six each from Greenard and Jihad District. The pressure mounted on Stroud, who looked more uncomfortable than he has ever looked in his career. The quarterback’s second interception of the game was a miserable pass well past his intended target. It was the kind of pass that comes from a quarterback who is pressured all day by a Flores defense.
2. Darnold continues his career renaissanceThe Vikings’ offense took advantage of the short field distances on their first two drives, built a 14-0 lead and never gave it up. Sam Darnold quietly flown past Justin Jefferson (six receptions for 81 yards and a touchdown) on key downs to move the chains. Twelve of the Vikings’ 19 first downs came through the air, all eight of them in the first half. It wasn’t the most productive afternoon for Kevin O’Connell’s offense, which only managed 274 total yards, but Darnold made plays when he needed to. Minnesota’s 4 of 5 in the red zone highlighted Darnold’s ability in critical situations. The quarterback threw four touchdowns on the day, the first time in his career he threw multiple touchdowns in three consecutive games. In 66 games with the Jets, Panthers and 49ers, Darnold recorded a four-touchdown game. He has already reached that mark in three games with KOC. Darnold’s excellent play was underscored by legitimate concerns when the quarterback was hit deep in the second half. Fortunately, he only missed one play.
3. For the Texans, everything that could go wrong went wrong. It was a “burning the ball” game for DeMeco Ryans’ club. From the first INT defense of the deflected pass, bad luck was in the air for Houston. On the following drive Ka’imi Fairbairn missed a field goal. Poor coverage and missed tackles plagued the Texans. Penalties also plagued Houston, especially those before the snap. Midway through the second quarter, the Texans moved to Minnesota’s 25-yard line, but four consecutive penalties before the snap turned a third-and-4 into a fourth-and-19 and a punt. Every rebound seemed to go against the Texans. For example, a sack fumble by Darnold in the third quarter was recovered by Brandon Powell for a 7-yard gain. Sometimes – especially on the road – the bad things pile up. All Ryans can do is burn the tape, clean up the correctable mistakes and move on.

Next-gen stat insights for Texans-Vikings (via NFL Pro): After CJ Stroud was blitzed on over half of his dropbacks (54.4%) in the first half, the Vikings dialed back the aggression and sent five or more pass rushers to the field on just 27.3% of Stroud’s dropbacks in the second half. Stroud struggled with the blitz, completing 9 of 15 for 103 yards, one touchdown and one interception (-15.6% CPOE).

NFL Research: Sam Darnold became the fourth quarterback in Vikings history to start a 3-0 season, joining Hall of Famer Fran Tarkenton, Daunte Culpepper and HOFer Brett Favre.