Ty Chandler put on display Sunday why fans want to see more of him on the field but why the coaches are hesitant to give the second-year running back more snaps.
Running against the league's worst rushing defense, Chandler displayed electric rushing ability, racking up 73 yards on just 10 carries while adding another 37 yards receiving. For his efforts on the ground Chandler earned a 77.8 run grade from Pro Football Focus.
The 25-year-old running back has struggled to see regular playing time, despite Alexander Mattison's struggles, because of his apparent struggles picking up pass-blocking assignments. Chandler allowed two QB hits on just five pass block attempts, according to PFF, and one of those hits ended up in a Broncos fourth quarter interception.
Overall, Chandler's 75.9 offensive grade was the second best of the day behind tight end Josh Oliver.
Vikings top offensive grades
- Josh Oliver 90.0
- Ty Chandler 75.9
- T.J. Hockenson 73.4
- Christian Darrisaw 72.1
- Jordan Addison 68.5
Quarterback Josh Dobbs had his shakiest game with the Vikings, throwing an interception and fumbling early in the game. Despite those struggles Dobbs still threw for a touchdown and rushed for another for the third straight game for an overall offensive grade of 68.4.
Jordan Addison wasn't called upon too much Sunday night, catching just three passes for 44 yards, but his overall 68.5 grade sees him crack the top five. The rookie receiver was covered by star corner Pat Surtain II on three of the balls thrown his way, and he caught two of them for 26 yards and a first down.
The Vikings offensive line, normally one of the better run blocking units in the league, struggled against Denver's run defense. Dalton Risner's return to Denver resulted in one of his worst grades as a Vikings lineman, netting a 69.1 pass block grade and a team worst 48.5 run block grade.
Offensive Line grades (Pass block | run block)
- LT - Christian Darrisaw 77.8 | 65.0
- LG - Dalton Risner 69.1 | 48.5
- C - Garrett Bradbury 59.2 | 60.6
- RG - Ed Ingram 56.0 | 55.9
- RT - Brian O'Neill 74.0 | 53.2
The offensive line allowed seven hurries and two QB hits.
Defensively, rookie Ivan Pace Jr. was the standout for Minnesota. Pace totaled nine tackles and a forced fumble that he couldn't recover before the ball went out of bounds.
Vikings top defensive grades
- Ivan Pace Jr. 77.9
- Harrison Smith 77.3
- D.J. Wonnum 76.6
- Joejuan Williams 75.8
- Theo Jackson 75.1
Wonnum recorded his fourth sack in his last four games as part of a defensive unit that hurried Russell Wilson six times. Wilson was hit five times and sacked twice.
Broncos head coach Sean Payton noted Monday the team wanted to target rookie corner Mekhi Blackmon. Wilson was 6-for-6 for 69 yards and a touchdown when throwing at Blackmon.
Safeties Josh Metellus and Camryn Bynum both had their worst games of the season, with 41.0 and 44.2 defensive grades, respectively. Wilson was 9-for-12 for 89 yards when throwing at the duo.
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