Vikings QB Sam Darnold achieves something nobody else has done against the Packers
The Minnesota Vikings knew they were in for a heavyweight fight against bitter division rival Green Bay Packers and it has certainly lived up to the hype. After the first quarter, the Vikings trailed the Packers by 3-0 despite forcing a turnover with a Josh Jacobs fumble just five plays into the game. On the […]
The Minnesota Vikings knew they were in for a heavyweight fight against bitter division rival Green Bay Packers and it has certainly lived up to the hype.
After the first quarter, the Vikings trailed the Packers by 3-0 despite forcing a turnover with a Josh Jacobs fumble just five plays into the game.
On the ensuing drive, the Vikings had the ball with a chance to take the lead, and quarterback Sam Darnold did just that.
Minnesota Vikings accomplish something no other team has this season
The Vikings didn't just score a touchdown on the ensuing drive, but it was a 31-yard touchdown pass from Darnold to wide receiver Jalen Nailor.
This was a classic cover-2/quarters beater to exploit a split safety look. Wide receiver Justin Jefferson ran a dig route on the backside to have the safety trigger forward and allow Nailor on the backside post to run into open space, which he does very well.
The play was also the longest pass through the air against the Packers on the season and the first time a team had hit on a pass play that had traveled at least 30 yards through the air.
The Vikings have thrived on explosive play this season, and Darnold has done a great job taking advantage of those plays all season long. Getting one or two more of those explosive plays could end up getting the Vikings the win over the Packers.