10 Big Takeaways From Vikings vs. Dolphins 2022 NFL Week 6
The Vikings found a way to win another game where their offense was dormant for the majority of the game. They pulled it together and did what they needed to do to top the Dolphins 24-16. They go into the bye week with a record of 5-1.
1. Cam Bynum Is Better Than He’s Given Credit For
Cam Bynum came up big in today’s game with a fumble recovery to change the momentum and an onside kick recovery to seal the victory for the Vikings. He had a total of four tackles and pass defended as well.
2. Patrick Peterson Seems To Be Aging In Reverse
Patrick Peterson had a huge game for the Vikings once again. He had several big pass breakups to go along with his interception and four total tackles. He played like the savvy veteran that he is and showed that he can still cover some of the younger guys that the dolphins threw at him.
3. Jordan Hicks And Eric Kendricks Might Be Better Than Kendricks And Barr
Jordan Hicks and Eric Kendricks combined for a total of 22 tackles throughout today’s game. Hicks also had a sack, a pass defended, and two QB hits. Kendricks added one tackle for loss as these two were all over the field making plays.
4. Za’Darius Smith and Patrick Jones II Were Hunting QBs All Day
Za’Darius Smith seemingly lived in the dolphin’s backfield all day. He finished the game with 4 QB hits and 2 sacks on the day. Patrick Jones II took over for the injured DJ Wonnum with 2 QB hits and 2 sacks as well. Danielle Hunter and Jordan Hicks both added a sack a piece to give the Vikings a total of 6 sacks on the day.
5. Vikings’ Offense Struggles To Maintain Drives
The Viking’s offense was only able to get 11 first downs as opposed to the Dolphins’ 23 first downs. The Dolphins also had almost twice as many offensive yards with 458 yards compared to the Viking’s 234 total yards. They went 2 of 12 on third downs and they were very fortunate they did not lose this game because of it. The Dolphins had nearly 11 minutes more time of possession.
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6. Penalties Turned The Tide For The Vikings
The Dolphins had a total of ten penalties for 97 yards while the Vikings only had two penalties for 20 yards. The Vikings were able to play a clean game as far as penalties go.
7. Vikings Win The Battle Of Turnovers
The Vikings were able to force a total of three turnovers with a fumble and two interceptions. The only way that the Viking’s offense turned over the ball or gave the ball back to the Dolphins was on punts and kickoffs. By going 2 for 12 on third down they ended up punting a total of 10 times. Granted Ryan Wright rewarded them for those decisions by getting 6 punts inside the 20-yard line and had a long of 73 yards.
8. Vikings’ Ability To Pressure The QB Changed The Game
The Vikings were able to rack up a total of 13 QB hits and six sacks. They caused turnovers and never let Skylar Thompson or Teddy Bridgewater feel comfortable in the pocket.
9. Run Game Came Alive When It Needed To
Dalvin Cook struggled to gain positive yardage on the ground all day until 3:15 left in the 4th quarter. He made a nice cutback and was patient enough to find a hole before turning on the afterburners for a 53-yard TD. CJ Ham and Alexander Mattison each had one run for three yards. The main difference is that Ham’s run got the Viking’s offense the first down.
10. Justin Jefferson And Adam Thielen Do Enough To Secure A Victory
They only combined for a total of ten receptions but they were able to turn those receptions into 143 yards and a TD. Not a stellar performance by either one of them individually but they combined to help the team win and could be counted on when they were needed.
The Vikings managed to win yet another ugly game. While it was not pretty, a win is a win. The Vikings end six weeks of the 2022 NFL season with a record of 5-1 and look forward to their bye week next week. In the meantime, keep up with everything Vikings at thedailyskol.com!