Stock up, Stock Down in Vikings' win over Saints

The Minnesota Vikings are breathing easier today as they are feeling much better about their offense than they have at any point this season. One decent game against a team that ranks 31st in points allowed does not mean that head coach Kevin O’Connell can let up on his charges, but at least it shows that there is hope for a unit that had been struggling badly due to injury and inefficiency.

Stock up for Murray

The best thing about the 23-13 victory over the New Orleans Saints was the performance of Kyler Murray. The quarterback came out firing and was the most accurate he has been in a Vikings uniform. He completed 24 of 30 passes for 229 yards and he also ran for 51 yards. Murray clearly recognized the route to take when the Saints gave him openings as a runner.

After suffering a concussion early in Week 1, Murray was able to play in Week 3 and showed a bit of improvement in Week 4. The rise continued against the Saints, and he should continue to learn the system during the bye week. The next assignment against an Indianapolis Colts team that has its own defensive issues will represent another opportunity for improvement.

Stock up for Jefferson

Justin Jefferson made a significant contribution as he came back from his sprained ankle that had sidelined him since the first quarter of their Week 3 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Jefferson did not have a dominant game that would put him back at the top of the WR rankings with Puka Nacua of the Rams, Jaxon Smith-Njigba of the Seahawks or Ja’Marr Chase of the Bengals, but he caught 6 of 7 targets for 79 yards and a touchdown.

Two of the catches were of the spectacular variety. His TD reception in the third quarter came against triple coverage. His sideline catch earlier in the game showed off the kind of athleticism and balance that the other elite receivers might not have been able to match.

Stock up for Jones

Aaron Jones has had a tough road this season, especially since running game partner Jordan Mason went out with a broken thumb. The 31-year-old Jones has had to carry the load without much relief, but he came through with his second consecutive excellent effort.

A week after running for 94 yards against the Miami Dolphins, he came through with a 113-yard effort that also included the game-winning touchdown with his 8-yard pounding run up the middle early in the fourth quarter.

While his lost fumble in the first quarter breathed life into the Saints and led to their only offensive touchdown of the game, he more than made up for it as the game progressed.

Mason has an excellent chance of returning to the lineup after the bye against the Colts, and that will lead to a fresher Jones going forward.

Stock down for Price

Myles Price has had a positive impact as a return specialist in every game this season. He had a 54-yard punt return against the Saints and that came a couple of weeks after his 86-yard punt return for a score against Tampa Bay. He has also been sharp returning kickoffs. He has given the Vikings an advantage as a return specialist that opponents haven’t found.

Price was not the impact receiver against the Saints that the Vikings had hoped he would be. While Price is super-quick, his fumble in the third quarter was returned 87 yards for a TD and allowed the Saints to tie the game.

Price appeared to lose control of the ball even though he did not suffer a big hit, and the Vikings will be hesitant to use him as a receiver going forward.