On Sunday, the Minnesota Vikings have been defeated at residence by the Chicago Bears on a last-second discipline objective, 19-17. It was one other sturdy exhibiting for the protection, however the offense struggled but once more to maneuver the ball and attain field-goal vary. Whereas some could have hoped that going in opposition to a banged-up protection would lead to a number of extra factors, this was to not be the case. Nevertheless it was not all unhealthy throughout. The positional grades are in, so let’s discuss them.
Quarterback: D
J.J. McCarthy struggled as soon as once more this previous Sunday, going 16/32 with 150 yards, one landing, and two interceptions. The accuracy considerations have been as soon as once more on show, because the crew struggled to seek out the right arm power on throws whereas lacking open receivers. He nearly had a 3rd interception after throwing into double protection late, however was bailed out by two Bears’ defensers working into each other. It might have solely been his fifth profession begin, however the Vikings followers confirmed their displeasure, unleashing the boo birds loudly for all to listen to.
Commercial
Operating Again: B+
135 mixed yards on the bottom by Aaron Jones Sr. and Jordan Mason, the latter having the ability to discover his approach into the tip zone this week. The offense obtained Jones going early, and he was working with a goal and getting good chunks of yards. Averaging 5.2 yards per carry between the 2 backs over 22 whole carries showcased that the push assault sport plan was proper on the cash.
Vast Receivers: C-
Whereas we did simply focus on the accuracy considerations from McCarthy, the completion proportion would have been larger had this group not dropped so many passes. Six whole drops from the talent positions this week, together with a handful of essential drops from Jordan Addison. Whereas he did make up for it with simply seconds to go within the fourth quarter by hauling in a again shoulder throw for a landing to take the lead, it does make you surprise how this sport may need appeared had there not been so many drops.
Commercial
Tight Ends: C+
TJ Hockenson performed his half within the drops fiasco that came about in opposition to the Chicago Bears, however he and Josh Oliver did a pleasant job in run blocking this week, albeit in opposition to a weaker edge rusher group. 4 whole receptions for 36 yards on seven targets must be encouraging, a minimum of for Hockenson, who struggled to see targets from McCarthy thus far this yr.
Offensive Line: A
This offensive line, particularly the inside, did an impressive job this week creating working lanes for these working backs, but in addition defending McCarthy. Each Jones and Mason discovered success speeding between the tackles, which is all thanks to those IOL guys up entrance. One sort out for loss this week, and maintaining their quarterback clear must be one thing this crew can dangle their hat on.
Commercial
Defensive Line: B-
The large guys up entrance for the protection began the sport sturdy, not giving up too many lengthy runs from D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai. Nevertheless, as the sport went on, Swift particularly began to get going and was capable of break off a handful of runs of 5 or extra. This Vikings entrance struggled to get Caleb Williams on the bottom, nevertheless it wasn’t for lack of making an attempt. Nevertheless, his elusiveness and agility allowed him to interrupt free from a number of potential sacks.
Linebackers: B+
Blake Cashman and Andrew Van Ginkel have been in every single place on Sunday, totaling a staggering 23 tackles between the 2 of them. Van Ginkel even obtained in on the motion within the sack division, dropping Williams early within the fourth quarter for a large loss. Dallas Turner had arguably his greatest sport of the yr, ending with seven tackles, three quarterback hits, two tackles for loss, together with one sack, and even had a go breakup as effectively.
Commercial
Defensive Backs: B+
This secondary did an exquisite job slowing down the litany of weapons the Chicago Bears have. When your opponents’ two greatest extensive receivers whole three receptions for 59 yards on 9 targets, you have been doing one thing proper. Byron Murphy Jr. and Isaiah Rodgers every nabbed a sort out for loss to pair with their nice protection on the again finish. General, a powerful exhibiting for this protection.
Particular Groups: C+
Everyone knows that Myles Value has some juice, however the fumbles have been a priority this season with him. Whereas he didn’t put the ball on the bottom yesterday, he did let the opening kickoff undergo the again of the tip zone as an alternative of downing it, which introduced the ball out to the 20. 172 whole return yards was wonderful, giving Minnesota a number of possibilities to start out with nice discipline place.
Commercial
Why this group solely grades out at a C+ is because of Devin Duvernay taking the kickoff again 56 yards after J.J. McCarthy related with Jordan Addison late to take the lead. Permitting such a large return gave Chicago nice beginning discipline place, and solely took a number of runs to get them shut sufficient to kick the game-winning discipline objective.
This text initially appeared on Vikings Wire: Report card grades from the Vikings’ loss to the Bears in Week 11
