Vikings Defy Odds: Win Without Touchdowns Despite 3 Turnovers, Making NFL History

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Minnesota’s formidable defense restricted Jacksonville to a mere 143 yards, marking the lowest total during coach Doug Pederson’s tenure of three seasons. Despite Sam Darnold’s three interceptions, the Vikings managed to secure a 12-7 victory over the Jaguars on Sunday in a stadium predominantly filled with purple attire.

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“These are the kinds of games that strong teams manage to win, no matter how they unfold throughout the day,” remarked Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell. “I take pride in that, but there are certainly numerous aspects we need to address and improve.”

The victory for the Vikings (7-2) was far from pretty, resembling one of the more lopsided outcomes in the league this season.

Minnesota executed 82 plays compared to Jacksonville’s 43. The Vikings maintained possession for 42 minutes and 19 seconds, while the Jaguars held the ball for just 17 minutes and 41 seconds. Minnesota achieved 28 first downs, in contrast to Jacksonville’s 10, and conducted 39 plays within Jaguars territory, amassing a total of 402 yards.

However, Darnold appeared to gift the game to Jacksonville (2-8). This marked his first game with three interceptions in three years, and he also threw a fourth interception that was nullified by a penalty.

All three interceptions were aimed at All-Pro receiver Justin Jefferson, who recorded five receptions for 48 yards, with two occurring in the red zone.

“I need to significantly improve my ability to protect the football,” Darnold acknowledged. “That much is clear.”

The Vikings concluded the game with three field goals during their five opportunities within the 20-yard line. They gained the lead following the third of John Parker Romo’s four successful field goals, which were from distances of 29, 34, 33, and 45 yards in his debut in the NFL.

The Jaguars had a late opportunity, aided by Travon Walker’s sack on a crucial third-and-1 play, a questionable decision given the team’s lack of offensive momentum.

Mac Jones, stepping in for the injured Trevor Lawrence (non-throwing shoulder) and making his first start in nearly a year, struggled to make an impact. However, he managed to advance Jacksonville in the closing moments, receiving assistance from a face-mask penalty against linebacker Blake Cashman.

Unfortunately, Jones threw his second interception with 1:49 left, effectively ending the comeback attempt. Earlier in the fourth quarter, he had already committed two additional turnovers—one interception and a fumbled snap.

“I didn’t execute the simple plays well enough,” Jones remarked.

As the Vikings appeared poised to punt in the final minute, Walker was penalized for unnecessary roughness on third down while attempting to dislodge the ball from running back Aaron Jones. The Vikings subsequently took a knee to run out the clock.

Mac Jones completed 14 of 22 passes for 111 yards, resulting in a passer rating of 38.3.

According to NFL Research, the Vikings became the first team since 2006 to win a game despite committing three turnovers and scoring no touchdowns.

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