Vikings stay undefeated with 34-7 dismantling of Texans behind fierce defense, Darnold’s 4 TDs

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – With the Minnesota Vikings reveling in the rare feeling of having complete control in the fourth quarter, Justin Jefferson leaped onto the bench, urging the home crowd to cheer even louder for a defense that had the Houston Texans on their heels all afternoon. The enthusiastic support was well-deserved.

Sam Darnold matched his career high with four touchdown passes, while the undefeated Vikings intercepted C.J. Stroud twice and sacked him four times in a dominant 34-7 victory over the Texans.

Jonathan Greenard was a standout on defense, recording three sacks against Stroud, the 2023 AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. The Vikings (3-0) overwhelmed the Texans (2-1) with their aggressive and unpredictable defensive scheme, aided by the roaring fans at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Darnold started strong, connecting with Jefferson and Aaron Jones for touchdowns in the first quarter. In the second half, he added another score to Jalen Nailor, marking his third consecutive game with a touchdown, and found Johnny Mundt for one as well. Jones had an impressive game, rushing for 102 yards on 19 carries and adding five receptions for 46 yards.

Initially predicted to finish last in the NFC North, the Vikings have surprised many by defeating formidable opponents like San Francisco and Houston to kick off their home schedule. This victory marked Minnesota’s largest winning margin in five years.

Darnold completed 17 of 28 passes for 181 yards without a turnover, extending his winning streak as a starter to three games. He briefly left the game to have his left knee examined after a late hit by former Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter but quickly returned to a loud ovation from the crowd.

With this win, the Vikings improved to 6-0 all-time against the Texans, who finally found the end zone with 3:56 remaining in the third quarter, thanks to a pass from Stroud to Cam Akers—who had his first start with the Texans after spending part of last season with Minnesota.

Stroud finished 20 for 31 with 215 yards, but this was his first game in 10 starts without a turnover. His day started off on the wrong foot when his first pass was batted down by Harrison Phillips, leading to a gift interception for linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill, who returned it to the 21-yard line. Darnold capitalized on the mistake, scrambling left to find Jefferson in the end zone for an early lead.

While the Vikings respected the talent the Texans boasted, particularly in Stroud, they were confident that their defense would pose problems of its own. The Texans struggled to cope with the crowd noise and the pressure from defensive coordinator Brian Flores, leading to six pre-snap penalties in the first half alone.

Left tackle Laremy Tunsil, a four-time Pro Bowler, was flagged three times, including one illegal formation that nullified a third-down completion that would have advanced them to midfield. Another false start derailed a promising drive when the Texans faced a crucial third-and-4 at the Minnesota 25, and the Vikings declined another illegal formation penalty to force a punt.

Darnold understood Stroud’s struggles against the pre-snap disguises and unconventional alignments, having faced Flores’ defense during training camp.

**Up Next:**
– **Texans:** Host Jacksonville next Sunday.
– **Vikings:** Visit Green Bay next Sunday.