5th consecutive victory for Minnesota. First for Joshua Dobbs. New Orleans attempted the comeback. But, Jameis Winston is still just as inconsistent.
Minnesota Vikings (6-4) – New Orleans Saints (5-5): 27-19
After last week’s improvement against the Falcons, Joshua Dobbs (23/34, 8 carries, 302 yards, 2 TDs) remains on cloud nine. The quarterback had another convincing match, especially in the first period, and made Kirk Cousins forget. Minnesota wins its 5th consecutive victory, threatens the Lions in the NFC North, and is more than ever in the race to qualify for the playoffs.
Still as laborious in attack, the Saints of a disappointing Derek Carr (13/18, 110 yards) cannot always count on their defense. Injured, he then saw his replacement Jameis Winston (13/25, 122 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INT) perform some miracles. But, Jameis Winston remains Jameis Winston. Sometimes great, but too inconsistent, he gave us hope. But, it ended in a defeat for a New Orleans team that was too short. The Saints are in balance, and are under threat from the Buccaneers and the Falcons, in an NFC South very far from having delivered its verdict.
Joshua Dobbs in Houdini mode
In the second quarter, the game will accelerate and turn to Minnesota’s advantage. After an incredible play from Dobbs for Hockenson, running back Ty Chandler (15 races, 45 yards, TD) concluded with a touchdown in wildcat formation.
The Vikings make good plays, and when there are bad ones, the Saints take care of helping them. Penalties from Lonnie Johnson Jr. and Pete Werner will allow Joshua Dobbs in magician mode to score a new touchdown in the race.
But the Saints will have another problem: tight end TJ Hockenson (11 REC, 134 yards, TD). The former Lions pushes New Orleans single-handedly, to give a comfortable advantage to the totally lost Saints. With only 110 yards at halftime, the attack is once again moribund and without ideas (24-3).
Derek Carr injured, Jameis Winston so close, so far
In New Orleans, the problems continue with the injury of Derek Carr, out for a concussion protocol. Jameis Winston replaces him, and finds Chris Olave (6 REC, 94 yards, TD) for a magnificent touchdown on his… 2nd pass of the match. Suddenly, New Orleans changes face in the wake of the replacement quarterback, who offers the first career receiving touchdown to rookie AT Perry.
On the Minnesota side, compared to the first period, it’s day and night. Their offensive plays resulted in only one successful field goal. The rest, 5 punts and 1 missed field goal. By dint of managing, Minnesota scares itself. Fortunately, the defense did the job to finish the game, with 2 interceptions by rookie Mekhi Blackmon, and Byron Murphy. To the delight of Joshua Dobbs, who signs a first victory as a starter in his new team.
Oh my Dobbs.
📺: #NOvsMIN on FOX
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/kECSNGbyLL pic.twitter.com/F8NFzUuM21— NFL (@NFL) November 12, 2023
