The Minnesota Vikings have now dropped back-to-back games coming off their five-game win streak with another tough loss, this time at the hands of the Chicago Bears by a score of 12-10.
The Vikings defense did all it could to keep the team in the game, keeping Justin Fields and the Bears offense largely in check. Chicago failed to score a touchdown all night, and the defense was able to get not one, but two key turnovers late.
However, the offense was unable to capitalize and gave the Bears defense four turnovers of their own on the night to become the first team all year to lose a game while not allowing a touchdown to the opponent.
While the loss is disappointing, there were some interesting notes from the Vikings snap counts from the game. Here’s the breakdown.
Offensive snap counts
- 55: Brian O’Neill, Christian Darrisaw, Dalton Risner, Ed Ingram, Garrett Bradbury, Josh Dobbs
- 53: Jordan Addison
- 47: K.J. Osborn
- 44: T.J. Hockenson
- 36: Brandon Powell
- 31: Alexander Mattison
- 21: Josh Oliver
- 18: Ty Chandler
- 11: C.J. Ham
- 7: Johnny Mundt
- 6: Jalen Nailor
- 1: N’Keal Harry
Offensive snap count analysis
The first thing that jumps out in looking at the Vikings snap counts from the Monday night game is that Brandon Powell has clearly established a role as the team’s WR3 in the absence of Justin Jefferson.
Powell was on the field for roughly 65% of the team’s snaps on Monday, indicating he has become a major part of the team’s plans. Unfortunately for Powell, that usage didn’t translate to much success, as he was only able to grab three receptions on the night for 45 yards.
On a positive note, Powell was only targeted three times, so he was able to convert 100% of his targets to receptions. It will be interesting to see what happens with Powell and his usage after the bye week when Jefferson comes back to the team.
Defensive snap counts
- 70: Josh Metellus, Ivan Pace Jr, Cameron Bynum, Byron Murphy Jr, Harrison Smith
- 69: D.J. Wonnum
- 66: Mekhi Blackmon
- 65: Danielle Hunter
- 49: Harrison Phillips
- 43: Johnathan Bullard
- 29: Pat Jones II
- 26: Troy Dye
- 21: Sheldon Day
- 18: Theo Jackson
- 14: Anthony Barr
- 9: Khyiris Tonga
- 7: Jaquelin Roy
- 4: Andrew Booth Jr.
Defensive snap count analysis
The biggest takeaway on the defensive side of things is that Mekhi Blackmon has clearly established himself as a reliable cornerback in the Brian Flores defense opposite Byron Murphy Jr.
It was a bit surprising to see Blackmon play nearly every snap last week against the Broncos, but he was called upon to do the same thing Monday night against the Bears. With Akayleb Evans unavailable, Blackmon was thrust into the spotlight. While he had his struggles, he was able to come away with a highlight play blowing up a screen pass.
Blackmon has played well this season, coming in as PFF’s third-ranked rookie cornerback this season.
