Vikings vs. Colts Week 9: What we learned on Sunday includes depth players showing major promise

The Minnesota Vikings are 6-2 heading into the second half of the season after a 21-13 win over the Indianapolis Colts.  The 2024 season has been one of good vibes and unfortunate injuries for the Vikings. Their first-round pick quarterback J.J. McCarthy went down with a torn meniscus against the Las Vegas Raiders in the […]

Tyler Forness — NFL & College Football News Writer
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Nov 3, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) sacks Indianapolis Colts quarterback Joe Flacco (15) during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium.
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The Minnesota Vikings are 6-2 heading into the second half of the season after a 21-13 win over the Indianapolis Colts. 

The 2024 season has been one of good vibes and unfortunate injuries for the Vikings. Their first-round pick quarterback J.J. McCarthy went down with a torn meniscus against the Las Vegas Raiders in the first preseason game and left tackle Christian Darrisaw to a torn ACL and MCL against the Los Angeles Rams in week eight.

Sunday's game against the Colts showed us a lot of things that will help us project forward the rest of the Vikings' 2024 season.

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Cam Akers is firmly RB2

This is one that we thought might end up happening when the Vikings acquired Akers from the Houston Texans a few weeks ago. After not playing on offense his first few games, Akers played 16 snaps on offense with Ty Chandler playing none.

They didn't just play Akers, he got some serious run during the game. In the fourth quarter, Akers was given the ball on four straight plays and was effective when doing so. Akers finished the game with 46 yards on six carries and seven yards on two receptions. With that kind of success with the ball in his hands, Akers looks firmly in possession of the RB2 role and that casts doubt on Chandler's future with the team.Da

Dallas Turner has arrived

After the game against the Rams where Turner only played in three snaps, Turner got much more run. He was used in a variety of ways, which was to be expected with his incredible athletic profile.

Against the Colts, Turner played 26 snaps.

  • 9 in run defense
  • 11 pass rush reps
  • 6 times dropping in coverage

Turner also generated a whopping four pressures on Sunday night and was excellent in multiple ways. It took a minute for him to get on the field because Andrew Van Ginkel plays the same role and he's been tremendous. With the season getting into the dog days and Turner having eight games under his belt, the time to unleash him is now.

Is Ed Ingram turning a corner?

Ever since the bye week, Ingram is playing much better. He is handling stunts with more consistency and driving players back in the run game.

If Pro Football Focus grades are your thing, His pass blocking grades over the last three weeks have been improving steadily

  • vs. Lions: 64.8, 1 pressure
  • at Rams: 75.9, 2 pressures
  • vs. Colts: 77.6, 1 pressure

I haven't been a big fan of the PFF grades Ingram has earned throughout the year, but lately, they are finally starting to match the quality of his play. Before the bye, Ingram was charted with 17 pressures. In the three games since, he's been charted with just four. The level of play has increased significantly and it will be a big help for the Vikings as they try to move forward towards a division title.

Jonathan Greenard is playing at an All Pro level

When the Vikings signed him to a four-year, $76 million contract in the first half hour of free agency, it was an interesting one. The Vikings had just prioritized him over Danielle Hunter and it felt like an odd move. It didn't take him long to show why the Vikings were right in giving him that contract.

Greenard has been playing at an All-Pro level and one worthy enough of consideration of winning Defensive Player of the Year. He currently ranks:

  • 1st in PFF pressures generated
  • T-6th in sacks
  • 6th in ESPN's run stuff win rate
  • 15th in ESPN's pass rush win rate

You name it, Greenard has been doing it for the Vikings, including being very disruptive in the running game. He is going to be the catalyst of the Vikings' defense this year and that could be enough to make a run.

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