Minnesota Vikings (3-0) – Houston Texans (2-1): 31-7
The perfect September continues for Minnesota. Sam Darnold (17/28, 181 yards, 4 TDs) shone like never before since he joined the big leagues. Justin Jefferson (6 receptions, 81 yards, 1 TD), indispensable in the first half, disappeared in the second, limited by a finger injury. Aaron Jones (19 carries, 102 yards; 5 receptions, 46 yards, 1 TD) continues to have fun in his new franchise. Jonathan Greenard (3 sacks) and Kamu Grugier-Hill (1 interception) had a message to send to their former franchise.
For Houston, it's quite the opposite. Under pressure from Brian Flores' defense, CJ Stroud (20/31, 215 yards, 1TD, 2int) struggled. And when he found solutions, it was too often canceled out by penalties. The ground game, hampered by the absences of Joe Mixon and Dameon Pierce, was limited to 38 yards (2.7 per carry).
Houston stymied by indiscipline
The first half of the Texans' offense was catastrophic. After a good first pass was canceled by a penalty, CJ Stroud was intercepted on his 20-yard line. The second possession, which could also have ended with a fumble, finally canceled on video, advanced enough to offer a 54-yard field goal to Ka'imi Fairbairn. Perfect since the beginning of the season, the Houston kicker failed this time.
Behind, the Texans will have two more possessions. They will both be handicapped by repeated penalties. Special mention for the three consecutive false starts, making the Texans go from a 3&4 situation to 3&19.
Oddly enough, when they're not shooting themselves in the foot, the Texans are moving forward. CJ Stroud brings his team into the red zone with 5 minutes left in the third quarter, for the first time in the game. He takes advantage of it to connect with Cam Akers who finally unlocks the counter for Houston.
But since Houston clearly doesn't want to win this game, the mistakes are back. The kickoff goes straight into touch and gives the Vikings the ball on the 40-yard line. The defense also starts to make mistakes and gives up 15 yards for roughing up the quarterback.
CJ Stroud's game ends as it began. Young quarterback gets intercepted by Camryn Bynum and leaves it to Davis Mills to finish a game where the Texans missed out.
Minnesota takes advantage
On the other side, the Vikings don't let the offerings go. The interception and the missed field goal give them advantageous positions to attack. Each of these possessions ends with a touchdown. Sam Darnold takes care of his statistical sheet and send Justin Jefferson first then Aaron Jones in the promised land.
As soon as they had to start from further back, it was more complicated for the Vikings. But the Violets still had a good lead at half-time, 14-0 for the locals.
In possession of the ball after the locker room, Darnold moves the chains and takes advantage of yet another foul by the opposition to find the red zone. A defensive pass interference that allows the locals to widen the gap. Jalen Nailor scores his third touchdown in three games, 21-0.
Stroud's second interception would also bring points to the Violets. After a 39-yard run by Aaron Jones, Darnold found Johnny Mundt in the end zone, 31-7.
The score will not change. Minnesota will try to continue its perfect start to the season in Green Bay. Houston will have to get back on track at home against Jacksonville.
