EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — The changes the Minnesota Vikings made this year to a team that won seven games in 2023 didn't move the needle much outside of their headquarters, making them a trendy pick for last place in a strong division by the influencers, oddsmakers and pundits who drive the offseason narratives around the NFL. The new guys have proven to be anything but scrap-heap signings.
Behind their carefully revamped defense — and a revitalized quarterback in Sam Darnold — the Vikings stayed undefeated with another head-turning performance to beat the defending NFC champion San Francisco 49ers 23-17. “A lot of people didn’t really have us on the list. A lot of people really didn’t put any type of emphasis on our team.
We’re just going to show the world what we have in our ability,” wide receiver Justin Jefferson said. “We’re the only ones that know the type of guys that we have in this building.” After fading down the stretch last year, the defense received an infusion of depth, speed and versatility.
The Vikings sacked Brock Purdy six times, intercepted him once and recovered a fumble of his, too. Ten of the 18 players who played against San Francisco are new this season, and only one, first-rounder Dallas Turner, was a draft pick. Edge rushers Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel are good enough for every-down duty.
Jihad Ward has provided another pass-rushing option off the bench. Linebacker Blake Cashman has been flying all over the field. Stephon .