The Minnesota Vikings found a way to persevere their own mistakes on Sunday afternoon in a 23-13 win over the Tennessee Titans.
Not everything was on the Vikings either, as the referees calling 13 penalties for 91 yards on the Titans ended up being a major factor in getting the Vikings the victory. There were penalties on the Vikings' failed fourth and goal that ended in a touchdown along with a 51-yard touchdown pass to Calvin Ridley that came back on an illegal formation.
The biggest factors in the Vikings getting the win were a player who was their biggest liability a week ago and three other free-agent signings who have been excellent all season.
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah should be Executive of the Year
The Vikings are currently 8-2 on the season with the biggest reason being the free-agent signings who were brought in this year by Adofo-Mensah.
Sam Darnold was rough against the Jacksonville Jaguars but he bounced back in a huge way on Sunday. He completed 20-32 passes for 246 yards and two touchdowns but what was really impressive was how good his decision-making was.
After nearly throwing five interceptions (three official), Darnold didn't put the ball in harm's way a single time against the Titans. He also managed the pocket to perfection, bailing when the pressure was coming and creating outside of structure. That is exactly how the Vikings can take advantage this season and make an impact in the playoff race.
The other major factor from this free agent class has been the additions on the front seven. Jonathan Greenard has been arguably the best player on the team this year. He entered the week tied for third in pressures per Pro Football Focus with 48 and has been tremendous both in rushing the passer and against the run.
The same goes for Andrew Van Ginkel, who the Vikings have been using more off the ball in recent weeks to continue their simulated pressures and disguising of coverages. He sacked Will Levis on back-to-back plays to end a drive near the end of the first half.
Blake Cashman has been the most important player. His versatility in blitzing, stopping the run and dropping back into coverage has been massive for the versatility and success of the Vikings' defense. His return last week against the Jaguars was vital in the defense turning the corner.
These moves, plus how Adofo-Mensah got impactful pieces in the NFL Draft for both now and in the future have catapulted the Vikings to their Super Bowl window one year early. They aren't just 8-2, they also have a firm hold on a wild card spot and can still win the division.
Getting the Vikings to a point of both immediate success and future flexibility was the key for Adofo-Mensah when he took over for Rick Spielman as general manager. They cleaned up the salary cap space while also boasting a 27-16 regular season record in his first two and a half seasons on the job.
This has been one of the most impressive jobs in the National Football League and is more than deserving of the award, especially when you consider the Vikings have $68,329,496 in dead salary cap.
