5 stats to know heading into Week 4 Vikings vs Saints
The Minnesota Vikings take on the New Orleans Saints on Sunday morning in London.
The Vikings have a benefit of not only having nine home games but one of their eight road games is a neutral site contest.
As we begin to analyze the game against arguably the Vikings fans most-hated team in the Saints, there are a lot of intriguing angles to discuss.
Here are 5 stats to know going into the pivotal matchup.
The Vikings have never lost in London
Sep 25, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) throws a pass against the Detroit Lions during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
The Vikings have played in two London games since the international series began in 2007. The beat the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2013 and the Cleveland Browns in 2017. They also have the opportunity to become the first NFL team to win their first three games in London.
On the other side, the Saints are also 2-0 having beaten the then San Diego Chargers 37-32 in 2008 and the Miami Dolphins 20-0 in 2017.
The Vikings average more than 16 pressures per game
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Za’Darius Smith (55) celebrates with linebacker Danielle Hunter (99) after Hunter sacked Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the fourth quarter during their football game Sunday, September 11, 2022, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Min. Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
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The key to the Vikings defense is getting pressure on the quarterback and they have done a good job thus far with 49 pressures per PFF on the season. Za’Darius Smith leads the team with 12 and three players (Dalvin Tomlinson, Danielle Hunter and D.J. Wonnum) have seven apiece.
The Saints have only allowed 32 pressures on the season. The two largest sources of allowed pressures are Ryan Ramczyk and Andrus Peat with 14 between them. The tackles will have their hands full with Hunter and Smith on the outside.
Alexander Mattison has been successful in his six starts
Jul 28, 2022; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Alexander Mattison (2) during training camp at TCO Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
The Minnesota Vikings have injuries at the running back position again. Dalvin Cook injured his shoulder again and, while he is expected to play on Sunday, how much of an impact he might have is in question.
His backup Mattison has started six games in his place. In those games, he has been really good with 117 carries for 477 yards and three touchdowns. He isn’t the same dynamic player that he’s been in years past but a quality backup that is a fringe starter. That’s a major benefit for the Vikings backfield.
The Vikings gain first downs at a high rate on early downs
Sep 25, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook (4) and wide receiver K.J. Osborn (left) and guard Ed Ingram (67) react after a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
The Minnesota Vikings have been inconsistent on offense but even with that being true, they have found success on early downs. They lead the league in percentage of first downs turned into a first down along with on both first and second down combined.
Weekly "moving the chains" chart.
Bills are still the best offense and team in the NFL, no reason to overreact, imo.
The Vikings on early downs👀 pic.twitter.com/y0BCG6ldVy
— Timo Riske (@PFF_Moo) September 26, 2022
The Vikings should be able to scheme up plenty of easy completions and runs to keep the offense moving forward on Sunday morning.
Jameis Winston has thrown 5 interceptions
Sep 25, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston (2) looks to pass as Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Derrick Brown (95) pressures in the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Despite his immense arm talent, Winston has issues keeping the football safe. He turns it over at a high rate and that has been a common theme with him. He had the first 30 touchdown and 30 interception season in his last season with Tampa Bay in 2019. Before he tore his ACL last season, Winston was a lot more careful with the football having only thrown three interceptions compared to 14 touchdowns in his seven games. This year, that has flipped. He has thrown five interceptions to only four touchdowns. He also has seven turnover-worthy plays per PFF’s charting. The Vikings can take advantage of that, especially with Harrison Smith coming back this week.
