Minnesota Vikings edged tight battle with Baltimore Ravens. They lost their focus on discipline, racking up eight false-start penalties that significantly cost them. The home team’s 15 false-start penalties also set a record for the most by a home team over the last 16 seasons. Though the Vikings nearly made a miraculous comeback, they dropped the game 27-19. KEY PLAYERS COACHES SHARED THEIR THOUGHTS ON THE TEAM’S STRUGGLES THROUGHOUT THE MATCH.
Kevin Seifert, an ESPN staff writer who has covered the NFL for over 20 years, reported on the game’s events. He pointed out that the penalties, in addition to turnovers, derailed the Vikings’ offensive production. The Vikings gained us by more than six yards per play. Due to numerous hang-ups, they couldn’t gain the most from this offensive outpouring.
Quarterback J.J. McCarthy shouldered all of the blame for those pre-snap false starts. He acknowledged the need for improvement, stating, “As a quarterback, you’re the orchestrator of the orchestra,” emphasizing his role in managing the team’s cadence. McCarthy added, “Remember the snap count and execute it when the ball is snapped,” highlighting the importance of discipline at the line of scrimmage.
If that weren’t enough the Vikings right tackle Brian O’Neill had three false-start penalties on his own. He expressed a commitment to improvement, stating, “I’ve got to be better and I will, and we’ve got to be better as a unit to figure it out.” His sentiments gave voice to an entire locker room’s longing for accountability that was palpable following the game.
The Ravens’ defense employed strategies that may have contributed to the Vikings’ pre-snap penalties. Aaron Jones, a Vikings roster holdover, says they’re making “move calls” up front. This new tactic will rattle McCarthy’s rhythm. He added, “So, they’re trying to get them to jump as well.” This was a good tactic that unfortunately was well-earned based on the number of pennies we earned in penalties.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell addressed the situation post-game, stating, “The pre-snap, whatever was going on with the cadence or whatever it may be, it’s just not acceptable in any way.” He emphasized that his staff’s constant unrealistic spiteful or dangerous strategies and period of time with the Ravens. Yet they did talk about how to provoke false starts.
Besides O’Neill and McCarthy, receiver Justin Jefferson and tight end Ben Yurosek each committed one false-start penalty. Those penalties just kept stacking up making it hard on the Vikings’ offense. This internal fight was a major factor in their inability to get in the end zone.
On paper, the Vikings had one of the best offenses in the league with high explosive plays, and over six yards per play. Their own missteps were even harder to surmount. It was their failure to keep their cool at key times that ultimately undid their chances in their battle with Baltimore.
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