JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Minnesota’s stingy protection held Jacksonville to 143 yards — the fewest in coach Doug Pederson’s three seasons — and the Vikings overcame Sam Darnold’s three interceptions to beat the Jaguars 12-7 on Sunday.
It was Darnold’s first three-interception recreation in three years. All of them got here whereas focusing on All-Professional receiver Justin Jefferson, who completed with 5 catches for 48 yards.
The Vikings (7-2) trailed a lot of the day, however took the lead on the third of John Parker Romo’s 4 subject targets. Romo hit from 29, 34, 33 and 45 yards in his NFL debut.
The Jaguars (2-8) had an opportunity late due to Travon Walker’s sack on a third-and-1 play. Coach Kevin O’Connell had Darnold passing with roughly three minutes to go, a head-scratcher given Jacksonville had been so torpid on offense.
Mac Jones made his first begin in practically a 12 months, filling in for Trevor Lawrence (non-throwing shoulder), and was largely ineffective. However he had Jacksonville on the transfer down the stretch and obtained assist from a face-mask penalty towards linebacker Blake Cashman.
However Jones threw his second choose with 1:49 remaining to basically finish it. Jones had two extra turnovers earlier within the fourth — an interception and a fumbled snap.
Minnesota regarded like as if it must punt within the remaining minute, however Walker was flagged for pointless roughness on third down for attempting to punch the ball out of operating again Aaron Jones’ palms. The Vikings took a knee from there.
Mac Jones accomplished 14 of twenty-two passes for 111 yards and a 38.3 passer ranking. Darnold’s ranking was barely higher after finishing 24 of 38 passes for 241 yards.
Darnold focused his tight ends 15 occasions. T.J. Hockenson completed with eight receptions for 72 yards. Josh Oliver caught 4 passes for 52 yards.
Jacksonville’s yardage complete was the fifth lowest in franchise historical past.
Robinson’s return
Vikings left sort out Cam Robinson was flagged for 3 penalties in his return to Jacksonville. Essentially the most egregious one got here within the third quarter when Robinson was penalized for hitting cornerback Ronald Darby out of bounds throughout an interception return. A number of of his former groups, together with defensive ends Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker, obtained in Robinson’s face after the play.
The Jaguars traded Robinson to the Vikings final week, and he ended up with a fast return to the place the place he spent the primary eight years of his NFL profession.
Accidents
Vikings: RB Aaron Jones left within the third quarter with a chest damage and later returned.
Jaguars: RB Tank Bigsby (ankle), CB Tyson Campbell (shoulder) and LB Devin Lloyd (shoulder) left the sphere, however later returned. Jaguars DE Arik Armstead left within the fourth to be evaluated for a concussion.
Up subsequent
Vikings: Play at Tennessee subsequent Sunday to finish a three-game stretch towards AFC South opponents.
Jaguars: Play at NFC North-leading Detroit subsequent Sunday.
