This story was updated because an earlier version included an inaccurate headline
They don’t call it the Frozen Thundra for nothing.
The Houston Texans’ offense remained cold as C.J. Stroud threw a pair of interceptions en route to a 34-7 loss against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Davis Mills replaced Stroud in the final five minutes to ensure he remained healthy for next week’s divisional matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
In a game with countless history between both sides, Minnesota (3-0) set the standard thanks to a pair of former Texans. Jonathan Greenard, who led the Texans in sacks last year, pressured Stroud into throwing a tad late on the opening drive.
His pass was batted at the line of scrimmage and landed in the arms of former Texans linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill for an interception.
Final from Minnesota pic.twitter.com/W5BNPz3GvP
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) September 22, 2024
Stroud, who was 20 of 31 for 215 yards, was sacked four times. The rhythm between the Pro Bowl quarterback and go-to receiver Nico Collins was off, minus a 34-yard gain in the third quarter.
That set up a 6-yard touchdown pass to Cam Akers, who recorded his first start since Week 1 of the 2023 season in place of the injured Joe Mixon.
Defensively, Houston couldn’t slow down former first-round pick Sam Darnold’s connection with Justin Jefferson in the first half. Following Stroud’s first interception, the duo connected on an 8-yard pass to take an early 7-0 lead.
Defense is on it early.
📺: @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/ZBNES5f3oT
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 22, 2024
Darnold, who was 17 of 28 for 181 yards, connected with Aaron Jones for scores in the first quarter to extend the lead to 14. In the second half, he delivered a touchdown to Jalen Nailor for the third straight game and before tying his career-high in touchdown passes on a 4-yard pass to tight end Johnny Mundt in the fourth.
Houston’s defense recorded four sacks but allowed four explosive plays of 20-plus yards.
The Texans never capitalized and were clearly off-balance between a blend of crowd noise and pressure generated by defensive coordinator Brian Flores. Last week against the 49ers, Flores forced Brock Prudy into throwing two interceptions because of his pressure rate.
.@jalennailor's 3rd TD of the season gives the #Vikings a 21-0 lead.
📺: @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/ZJxnMM5VBM
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 22, 2024
Greenard finished with three sacks against his former teammate. Texans offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil was flagged five times, including three for false starts, bringing his season total to seven through three games.
Stefon Diggs, who returned to Minneapolis for the first time since being traded to the Buffalo Bills in 2020, led the Texans with 10 catches for 94 yards. Collins, who entered Sunday as the NFL’s leading receiver, finished with 86 yards on four catches.
The Vikings improved to 6-0 all-time against the Texans and 3-0 on the season for the first time since 2016.
The Texans return home to take on the Jaguars next Sunday at noon CT.
