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Vikings in Free Fall

October 24, 2025

37-10 in the primetime slot. Where does this team go from here? The defense that Minnesota has long hung their hat on couldn’t get to Justin Herbert despite the pressure. The offense couldn’t get anything going. What happens now? What should Vikings fans feel confident about at this point in the season?

If you’ve been on social media any time since the game began, maybe turn your eyes away from it. Yes, the Vikings had Daniel Jones and Sam Darnold in their building last season. Yes, both were let go and the keys were given to JJ McCarthy. You have to believe that Kevin O’Connell and the rest of the staff liked and believed in what they saw from JJ up to that point; to feel confident enough in rolling with their 9th overall pick. What you can’t predict is the injury bug. JJ has now missed 22 of his first 24 games to start his career. While he has played, there have been mixed results. Particularly in the season opener against Chicago where the offense was dreadful until they came to life in the big way in the 4th to win the game.

KOC knew what they had in Darnold, they had a phenomenal run, but we all remember how it ended. They were a no show against the Lions in January for the NFC North crown and were immediately bounced the next week by the Rams. Do two bad weeks in January erase all of the good? For the Vikings, it did. But now they sit watching Sam Darnold lead the Seahawks to a 5-2 record, we’re seeing Daniel Jones lead the Colts to the one seed in the AFC, and we’re watching an injured Carson Wentz try to will this team to a .500 record.

In an alternate universe, JJ plays in TNF and goes throw for throw with Herbert, maybe they win, and this article along with all of these conversations are meaningless because the Vikings are still winning. Unfortunately, that’s not what’s happening right now, but perhaps it could be once JJ is deemed healthy enough to play. In fact, in the post game presser, KOC confirmed that JJ will start against Detroit in week 9 if he’s ready to go. This coaching staff has found success with nearly every starter they’ve given the opportunity to, I did say “nearly”. Given the recent track record of O’Connell, I think we’re forced to believe that he knows what this team will look like when controls are handed back over to JJ McCarthy.

As for the defense, there is plenty of work that needs to be done. A top unit in 2024 has fallen to average to below average – Especially in the run defense category. The loss of Andrew Van Ginkel cannot be stated enough and it was on full display with Kimani Vidal (who?!) going for over 100 yards with ease. The return of JJ should instill some hope in Skol Nation, but it won’t matter if this defense continues to give up 30+ points per game.

Keith, Author

Keith runs youth flag football leagues by day, and by night he hosts the podcast and writes articles with the confidence of a man who’s been rushing quarterbacks since dial-up. A longtime flag football DE and lifelong Falcons fan, he’s no stranger to heartbreak and enjoys watching the bears get slaughtered each week. Equal parts coach, critic, and chaos, Keith calls it like he sees it… even if it hurts.