Vikings Shine in 31-0 Dominance Over Commanders
After enduring a disheartening four-game losing streak, the Minnesota Vikings rediscovered their winning ways in emphatic fashion, blanking the Washington Commanders 31-0. The highlight of the day was the remarkable performance by quarterback J.J. McCarthy, but the victory was a true team effort, featuring standout contributions from multiple players. A closer look at the Vikings’ snap counts and notable PFF grades reveals the details of this impressive shutout.
Vikings Offensive Snap Counts
With a total of 64 offensive snaps, here’s how the Vikings’ players fared:
LG Donovan Jackson: 64
RG Will Fries: 64
QB J.J. McCarthy: 64
RT Brian O’Neill: 61
C Ryan Kelly: 61
LT Christian Darrisaw: 51
WR Justin Jefferson: 51
WR Jordan Addison: 43
TE Josh Oliver: 40
WR Jalen Nailor: 37
TE T.J. Hockenson: 36
RB Aaron Jones: 29
FB C.J. Ham: 26
TE Ben Sims: 19
RB Jordan Mason: 19
LT Justin Skule: 13
WR Tai Felton: 11
RB Zavier Scott: 6
WR Myles Price: 3
C Michael Jurgens: 3
RT Blake Brandel: 3
The Vikings built a comfortable 31-point lead early in the fourth quarter, allowing key players such as Darrisaw and Jefferson to rest. This opened the door for Felton, who made the most of his opportunity by recording his second career reception.
As the game unfolded, the Vikings showcased a strategic use of heavy personnel. Oliver and Hockenson were pivotal, combining for all three of McCarthy’s touchdown passes. Sims also contributed with nearly 20 snaps and an early catch, while Ham’s 26 snaps represented his most significant playing time since 2021. Notably, the Vikings enjoyed the luxury of having all five starting offensive linemen healthy for this matchup—a rarity this season.
Top PFF Grades on Offense
The Vikings’ offensive performance was underscored by impressive PFF grades (minimum 20 snaps):
1. Josh Oliver: 92.8
2. Brian O’Neill: 92.3
3. Ryan Kelly: 78.7
4. J.J. McCarthy: 78.4
5. Aaron Jones: 76.8
While many players on the Vikings offense received favorable grades, Oliver and O’Neill stood out with elite marks. O’Neill was instrumental in the Vikings’ run game, which totaled 141 yards on 28 carries. Kelly and Jones also made notable contributions, and McCarthy exhibited poise by getting the ball out swiftly and efficiently. The only area of concern was Fries’ pass protection, as he allowed four pressures during the game.
Vikings Defensive Snap Counts
On the defensive side, the Vikings maintained a strong presence with 52 snaps distributed as follows:
LB Blake Cashman: 52
S Josh Metellus: 52
CB Byron Murphy Jr.: 52
LB Eric Wilson: 52
S Harrison Smith: 52
DT Jalen Redmond: 41
DT Jonathan Allen: 39
CB Isaiah Rodgers: 39
OLB Andrew Van Ginkel: 34
OLB Jonathan Greenard: 29
OLB Dallas Turner: 27
DT Javon Hargrave: 27
CB Fabian Moreau: 20
S Jay Ward: 19
DT Taki Taimani: 16
DT Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins: 15
LB Ivan Pace Jr.: 6
Wilson’s stellar performances have solidified his role as an every-down linebacker, while Redmond continues to lead the defensive line in snaps. The Vikings effectively rotated their outside linebackers, mitigating the impact of injuries to both Greenard and Van Ginkel. Ward and Moreau stepped up in the secondary with Theo Jackson sidelined, and Taimani and Ingram-Dawkins took advantage of Levi Drake Rodriguez’s absence.
Top PFF Grades on Defense
The Vikings’ defense also delivered standout performances, evident in the following PFF grades (minimum 20 snaps):
1. Javon Hargrave: 93.0
2. Harrison Smith: 90.1
3. Andrew Van Ginkel: 81.0
4. Isaiah Rodgers: 75.5
5. Eric Wilson: 73.9
Leading the charge were Hargrave, Smith, and Van Ginkel, who played critical roles in forcing turnovers. Hargrave showcased his skills by forcing and recovering a fumble in the second half, while Smith recorded his 38th career interception and added three pressures as a blitzer. Van Ginkel performed his signature move, tipping and intercepting a screen pass, nearly running it back for a pick-six. Wilson continued his impressive season with a sack on three pressures, while Redmond added a sack of his own.
Overall, the Vikings’ defensive unit displayed cohesion and tenacity, contributing significantly to a decisive victory. As the season progresses, this performance sets a promising tone for Minnesota moving forward.
