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Despite a rough showing from quarterback Sam Darnold that featured three interceptions, the Minnesota Vikings are leaving Jacksonville with a 12-7 win over the Jaguars thanks to a great defensive effort and a kicker signed four days ago. Parker Romo, who spent the summer with Minnesota but was released during the preseason, not only made his NFL debut on Sunday but converted all four field goal chances, accounting for all 12 of the Vikings’ points in the win. Follow us on Facebook Darnold and the Vikings moved the ball well all day but poor decisions and throws by the quarterback resulted in three interceptions and kept Minnesota behind most of the day.
Then, after a late Jacksonville turnover, instead of running a dive or sneak on third-and-one, Minnesota went play-action and took a sack, pushing them out of field goal range. Related: Justin Jefferson now 4th on Vikings career receiving yards leaderboard Fortunately, Romo — a 27-year-old rookie who was signed four days ago — converted on his chances and Minnesota’s defense was great on all but one drive to not only keep the Vikings alive but lift them to a win. Jacksonville had just three drives all day that lasted more than four plays, and each of their final three drives ended in Vikings takeaways.
The Vikings had five possessions that went at least seven plays. On paper, the game was so lopsided it seems impossible this was a five-point game, as Minnesota outgained Jacksonville 397-143 on the day, ran more than 30 more plays than the Jags, had nearly three times as many first downs and had the ball over twice as long. But all of Darnold’s interceptions came in Jacksonville territory, keeping the game close.
Related: Vikings RB Aaron Jones exits game vs. Jags due to injury, questionable to return Still, despite those mistakes, losing Aaron Jones for most of the second half due to injury and some questionable officiating, the Vikings survived and move to 7-2 on the season. Jacksonville drops to 2-8.
Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images.
