There are two video games within the NFL this weekend that includes a pair of 2-0 groups. Both can be performed at midday on Sunday, between groups that didn’t entice a lot preseason consideration however have thrived with robust defenses. The Vikings, third within the NFL in factors allowed by two video games, will attempt to shut down a powerful Houston offense led by second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud; they’ll look to guard Sam Darnold in opposition to a move rush led by former Vikings defensive finish Danielle Hunter, which sacked Caleb Williams seven occasions final Sunday evening.
Here’s a preview of the Vikings-Texans sport on Sunday:
Reunions on each side: The Texans and Vikings share loads of connections on their teaching staffs and entrance places of work; Houston coach DeMeco Ryans labored with Vikings General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah in San Francisco, and was set to interview for the Vikings’ head coach opening two years in the past earlier than pulling himself out of the search that ended with Kevin O’Connell’s hiring. The familiarity extends to the rosters: Jonathan Greenard, Blake Cashman and Shaq Griffin all performed collectively in Houston earlier than signing with the Vikings this offseason, whereas Danielle Hunter and Stefon Diggs reunited in Houston after the Texans acquired each gamers this offseason. The Vikings traded Diggs to Buffalo earlier than the 2020 season; this can be his first sport again within the constructing the place he created its most memorable second.
Vikings offense vs. Texans protection
Hunter leads proficient Texans move rush: After taking part in exterior linebacker in his remaining two years with the Vikings, Hunter signed a two-year deal with the Texans to return to the left defensive finish spot he’d performed most of his profession in Minnesota. He’ll possible see loads of Brian O’Neill, his follow accomplice for six seasons in Minnesota. Will Anderson Jr., the third decide in final yr’s draft, will line up reverse Christian Darrisaw at left finish within the Texans’ base units, and Anderson and Hunter will generally change sides in nickel packages. The two ends give the Vikings one other formidable tandem to face after they dealt with Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns in Week 1, earlier than limiting Nick Bosa and Leonard Floyd final week.
Former teammates Jefferson, Stingley face off: Though Derek Stingley Jr. had six interceptions for the 2019 LSU workforce that gained a nationwide championship in Justin Jefferson’s remaining season, Jefferson stated this week he didn’t follow a lot in opposition to Stingley, who was usually matched up with Ja’Marr Chase, however expects to get Stingley’s finest on Sunday. “He’s a great ballhawk,“ Jefferson said. “He knows how to track the ball in the air. His ability to catch the ball and to make plays downfield is something that he’s really good at.” If the Vikings attempt to check Stingley when he’s singled up on Jefferson, it might make for an entertaining matchup.
Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud has the flexibility to increase performs, which makes him a tricky goal for the Vikings’ rush. (Eric Christian Smith/The Associated Press)
Vikings protection vs. Texans offense
Stroud newest younger QB to face Flores: C.J. Stroud, the second decide within the 2023 draft, was one of many three quarterbacks the Vikings preferred as they thought-about buying and selling up for a quarterback final yr. He had a pre-draft go to with the workforce on the mix, and coach Kevin O’Connell marveled this week at how shortly Stroud has discovered success within the NFL. The quarterback has solely thrown 5 interceptions in 17 NFL begins, thriving within the scheme that offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik introduced with him from Kyle Shanahan’s 49ers workers. Shanahan, in fact, was the final coach to see his younger quarterback battle in opposition to Brian Flores’ protection, which is able to attempt to get one of the best of Stroud on Sunday afternoon. Stroud’s means to increase performs makes him a tricky goal for the Vikings’ rush, however the workforce’s stress and protection schemes might restrict the effectiveness of the play motion ideas the Texans favor with Stroud.
Diggs returns as a part of deep receiver group: Though the Vikings confronted Stefon Diggs in Buffalo two years in the past, he’ll play at U.S. Bank Stadium this weekend for the primary time since he left Minnesota. Diggs has two touchdowns this yr, however has simply 10 catches for 70 yards this season. Nico Collins, the Texans’ proficient 6-foot-4 receiver, has missed follow time this week with a hip harm, however the Texans even have Tank Dell and tight finish Dalton Schultz as a part of an offense with loads of weapons for Stroud.
