🏈 WK 05 ~ GAME DAY vs SAINTS : #18 IN ~ #3 OUT

Observation #8 in MIN win vs N.O. - The defense was effective today but not as explosive as the Saints found a way to control Dallas Turner. Don't worry, I have good things to say about the MIN D in another observation

— VikeFans (@VikeFans) October 11, 2026

Observation #9 in MIN win vs N.O. – Sometimes he gets open, but often he does not. Jauan Jennings was a very expensive FA signing for what they get out of him. KOC needs to describe what is going wrong.

— VikeFans (@VikeFans) October 11, 2026

Observation #10 in MIN win vs N.O. - The Vikings got a holding call on their TD drive on 3rd and a yard because KOC sent no receiver short in the play design. He always has to get too complicated and cute with his calls, or runs it into a stone wall

— VikeFans (@VikeFans) October 11, 2026

Observation #11 in MIN win vs N.O. - In pregame, I dogged Fox for assigning Drew Brees to our game, but he was really excellent today in his analysis. No homerism in his comments and you could tell he knew Murray could be doing more in the passing game.

— VikeFans (@VikeFans) October 11, 2026

Observation #12 in MIN win vs N.O. - Myles Price is a great returner because he has good vision, finds a gap and takes the gap he sees for yardage. He got an extra 5 yards on the first Kickoff and juked once on his long punt return & turned on the jets–no dancing

— VikeFans (@VikeFans) October 11, 2026

Observation #13 in MIN win vs N.O. – INEXCUSABLE – KOC had 4 times today that he either got a delay of game or had to call a timeout (3 times!) to avoid a delay of game due to the slowness he continues to have getting plays in on time. It’s game 5, get it together coach!

— VikeFans (@VikeFans) October 11, 2026

Observation #14 in MIN win vs N.O. – The Vikings desperately need the bye week to get Jordan Mason back. Not because of the fumble by Jones, but because you simply can’t have a team with one viable back.

— VikeFans (@VikeFans) October 11, 2026

Observation #15 in MIN win vs N.O. – It is big when your TE (and new safety-net for your new QB) goes down on play one. However, Gavin Bartholemew played well with Hockinson out and showed good blocking and pass receiver capability. He was critical today.

— VikeFans (@VikeFans) October 11, 2026

Observation #16 in MIN win vs N.O. - Kyler Murray had another 200+ yard passing day (229) and had more variety to his game today. Short passes and medium and the long pass will come. He clearly protects the ball and is not a big risk taker (he needs to sometimes with JJ)

— VikeFans (@VikeFans) October 11, 2026

Observation #17 in MIN win vs N.O. - With 7 minutes to play, the Viking defense had given up 112 yards of offense to the Saints – 66 yds on one drive. This defense is so suffocating and confusing for opposing offenses. Gave up 142 yards all game and one TD. This is an EPIC D.

— VikeFans (@VikeFans) October 11, 2026

Observation #18 in MIN win vs N.O. – Will Reichard is 13-13 perfect in PATs, and a perfect 3-3 from 50+ yards. His stats say it, but he is the definition of PERFECT. At some point, he will miss one, and he will be forgiven by all of us quickly. As the kids say "PERFECT"!

— VikeFans (@VikeFans) October 11, 2026

Observation #19 in MIN win vs N.O. – He fumbled in the red zone and that was not good, but Aaron Jones ran well and with authority. 25 times for 113 yards and we needed his ball control style today.

— VikeFans (@VikeFans) October 11, 2026

Observation #20 in MIN win vs N.O. – Your Vikings have not been too explosive on offense. They are called a fake/weak undefeated team. But, you know what, At their bye week, they remain undefeated in a pretty dominating win on the road. Hard schedule ahead, but 7 of 11 at home!

— VikeFans (@VikeFans) October 11, 2026

The Vikings are 5-0 with a 2-game lead in the NFC North entering their bye. We've been talking about whether this formula is sustainable. Well, it was for another week. The offense was better today but the turnovers kept a lopsided game close.

Vikings 23, Saints 13. FINAL

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) October 11, 2026

FINAL // Vikings 23, Saints 13.

Kyler Murray had his best day in purple. By far. Looked comfortable, showed what he can do with his legs. Justin Jefferson returned and did Justin Jefferson things. The defense and ST continue to dominate.

The record is 5-0. Bye week has arrived.

— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) October 11, 2026

#Vikings CB Byron Murphy Jr today:

• 2 INT
• 1 Reception Allowed
• 4 Yards Allowed
• 1 TFL pic.twitter.com/09Qzy0MgPG

— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) October 11, 2026

#Vikings QB Kyler Murray today:

• 24/30 Passing
• 283 Total Yards
• 109.6 Passer Rating
• 1 TD pic.twitter.com/41KjSQg1Xt

— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) October 11, 2026

#Vikings RB Aaron Jones today:

• 28 Touches
• 117 Total Yards
• 1 TD pic.twitter.com/rAf6K8SboO

— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) October 11, 2026

#Vikings DT Caleb Banks today:

• 7 Defensive Snaps
• 2 Tackles pic.twitter.com/rBv0GgUQcr

— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) October 11, 2026