SKOL from the Sofa

2024 Week 14 – Falcons at Vikings

Providing this week’s edition of Skol from the Sofa is fan club member Andy Thorp, who had a few thoughts about our revenge game against Kirk Cousins and his new team, the Atlanta Falcons.

At last a comprehensive victory!

A lot has been said about the Vikings’ one-score victories the last few weeks. It would be fair to say we have scraped through what were perceived as easier matchups in previous weeks against the Colts, Jaguars, Titans, Bears and Cardinals, but this week the team came alive at US Bank Stadium.

The defense welcomed back Kirk Cousins with all the physicality you would expect from a Brian Flores defense, while on the other side of the ball, Kevin O’Connell orchestrated an offensive masterclass.

3 has been well and truly freed!

Like most Vikings fans, I have had my doubts about Jordan Addison. Undoubtedly a superb talent, off the field there are question marks and I’m sure the coaching staff will be keeping him on a short leash going forwards.

On the field, the last few weeks have felt like a real breakout spell for Addison and he has really stepped into the 1a role. Addison stood out against a flailing Atlanta secondary with three TDs and a notable pass interference call in his favour.

Addison’s recent form will be notable for opposing teams in upcoming weeks as you simply can’t leave him 1 v 1. The attention Jefferson has received in the last few weeks really has opened up the door for Addison.

Dare we dream of the the second coming of Randy Moss and Cris Carter? This week would suggest so with both receivers going over 100 yards and with two more receiving TDs each for the first time in franchise history. Does any team in the NFL have a more dangerous receiving duo? Maybe only the Rams.

Super Sammy Darnold

It feels like Sam Darnold has had a career day every week this season, and this week was no different. Darnold lit up the Falcons with five brilliant touchdown passes and a near-perfect QB rating. I hadn’t been ready to talk about next season and am still apprehensive to do so until we see how the playoffs pan out. I know we have JJ McCarthy waiting in the wings but we simply can’t ignore Darnold’s performances of late.

Would it hurt to offer Darnold a new deal or apply the franchise tag in the postseason? I think not. The league has been waiting for a Darnold of old moment and it just hasn’t happened. He has excelled in KOC’s offence and can’t be overlooked as an MVP candidate.

He has been an upgrade at QB that we didn’t think we would be getting. Much was said about the decision not to resign Kirk Cousins and the performances from both this week fully justified the Vikings’ choice in the offseason.

KOC coach of the year?

With the exception of the odd rogue trick play, I can’t think of many reasons why KOC wouldn’t be coach of the year.

Many were touting Vikings for a top-5 pick in the upcoming draft and many will be taken aback by how good they have been, including our own fanbase. When the schedule was released, even the most optimistic of Vikings fans wouldn’t have predicted the team being 11-2 going into the final stretch!

KOC’s ability to adjust and keep the team competitive despite injuries and adversity has been impressive. His play-calling and leadership have been crucial in maximising the talent around him.

How far can this team go?

Can the Vikings go to the Super Bowl? Why not? Detroit appear to be darlings of the NFC and the team touted to take away Kansas City’s crown, but in week 6, the Vikings were a first-down away from a thrilling win. When you look across the NFC, there are lots of good teams but no one for the Vikings to fear. If the Vikings were to take the #1 seed and have a home run in the playoffs, the possibilities are endless.

Lots will come down to the week 18 visit to Ford Field and it could be a game for the ages to decide where the NFC North title ends up. Detroit still have tough matchups against the Bills, 49ers and divisional games against the Bears and Vikings, and I think it will come down to that final matchup.

No team will want to visit US Bank Stadium in the playoffs and with good reason. The Vikings are a true force at home and the US Bank Stadium crowd has been waiting many years for playoff success.

By Andy Thorp

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