Murray Runs Past Ravens

(by Jonathan Lewis MSU Contributor)

The Vikings improved to 5-2 after a 24-16 win over the Baltimore Ravens at US Bank Stadium. The Vikings defense established the tone, holding the Ravens to just over 200 total yards of offense and despite struggles of the Vikings to establish any sort of rhythm with their offense, they were able to do enough to get the win.

The Good: In what quickly became a bruising game against the Ravens tough front 7, Latavius Murray became the focal point of the Vikings offense, and seems to finally be getting up to speed after being slowed early in the preseason by ankle surgery. Murray rushed 18 times for 113 yards and a touchdown, and the Vikings ran for 169 yards as a team on 33 carries. The Vikings defense was ferocious throughout the game, sacking Joe Flacco 5 times and holding the Ravens without a touchdown until the final drive of the game. The Vikings held one of the top rushing attacks in the league to 64 yards on 20 carries, and forced the Ravens into many third and long situations. The Vikings knew without many of Flacco’s top targets that he would have to settle for short to intermediate routes and Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks in particular both did a fantastic job of disrupting slow developing pass plays all game long. Kai Forbath did a great job converting his opportunities, hitting 6 field goals from varying depths including a long of 52 yards. Forbath did miss an extra point, but convincingly hit all of his field goal attempts. In a game where yards were tough to come by, Forbath became a vital piece of the Vikings offense and he delivered.

The Bad: Really the only negative to take away from the game was Case Keenum and his only turnover was not even his fault. Keenum threw an interception on his first throw of the game on a ball that was tipped in the air by Laquon Treadwell and intercepted by Brandon Carr. Other than that Keenum was able to do just enough to keep the offense moving, but the Vikings did leave some points on the field. The Vikings will have to wait and see after injuries to Jeremiah Sirles and Riley Reiff. If those lineman are unable to play the Vikings will have to turn to Danny Isadora and Rashod Hill, who both played well in relief. The Vikings will head to London to take on the Cleveland Browns, who are still winless, which gives them a great chance to head into the bye week at 6-2, and firmly in first place in the NFC North after yet another Green Bay loss.