Minnesota Vikings vs Jacksonville Jaguars: Complete Game Recap & Player Stats
A gritty defensive battle defined the clash between the Minnesota Vikings and Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, as the Vikings ground out a 12–7 road victory in Week 10 of the 2024 NFL season.
It wasn’t flashy, but it was efficient. Kicker Parker Romo carried Minnesota’s scoring load with four field goals, while a disciplined defensive front kept the Jaguars out of sync for nearly three quarters. The Jaguars struck first but struggled mightily thereafter, posting just 143 total yards — their second-fewest in the Doug Pederson era.
Game Summary
Jacksonville opened strong. Quarterback Mac Jones punched in a 1-yard touchdown sneak midway through the first quarter, capping the home team’s only meaningful drive of the day. From that point on, Minnesota dictated tempo.
The Vikings’ offense leaned on Aaron Jones and Alexander Mattison, mixing short-yardage runs with safe throws from Sam Darnold. Despite three interceptions — two targeting Justin Jefferson — Darnold’s unit controlled the football for more than 42 minutes, relentlessly draining the clock and keeping Jacksonville’s defense on the field.
When the red-zone chances stalled, Parker Romo stayed perfect: kicks from 45, 34, 33, and 29 yards made up all twelve of Minnesota’s points. Jacksonville’s final possession ended the same way most of their night went — with a turnover. Cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. intercepted Jones’s desperate throw to seal the win.
Key Player Stats
Minnesota Vikings – Top Performers
|
Player |
Position |
Stat Line |
|---|---|---|
|
Sam Darnold |
QB |
24/38 (241 YDS, 3 INT) |
|
Aaron Jones |
RB |
17 CAR, 88 YDS |
|
Alexander Mattison |
RB |
10 CAR, 54 YDS |
|
T.J. Hockenson |
TE |
8 REC, 72 YDS |
|
Justin Jefferson |
WR |
6 REC, 61 YDS |
|
Parker Romo |
K |
4/4 FG (45, 34, 33, 29) |
Jacksonville Jaguars – Top Performers
|
Player |
Position |
Stat Line |
|---|---|---|
|
Mac Jones |
QB |
14/22 (111 YDS, 2 INT, 1 RUSH TD) |
|
Travis Etienne Jr. |
RB |
8 CAR, 29 YDS |
|
Bhayshul Tuten |
RB |
4 CAR, 21 YDS |
|
Evan Engram |
TE |
6 REC, 40 YDS |
|
Calvin Ridley |
WR |
3 REC, 26 YDS |
|
Travon Walker |
LB |
1 SACK |
|
Darnell Savage |
S |
1 INT |
Team Stats Comparison
|
Category |
Vikings |
Jaguars |
|---|---|---|
|
Total Yards |
402 |
143 |
|
Passing Yards |
233 |
87 |
|
Rushing Yards |
169 |
56 |
|
1st Downs |
28 |
10 |
|
3rd Down Efficiency |
9/18 (50%) |
2/10 (20%) |
|
Turnovers |
3 |
3 |
|
Red Zone Efficiency |
0/5 |
1/1 |
|
Penalties (Yards) |
6–40 |
3–25 |
|
Time of Possession |
42:19 |
17:41 |
Game Highlights
- Parker Romo’s Consistency – Perfect on four attempts; all 12 points came off his boot.
- Defensive Endurance – Minnesota’s defense faced just 43 plays all game.
- Mac Jones’ Early Spark – Accounted for the Jaguars’ lone touchdown before pressure collapsed the pocket.
- Vikings’ Offensive Patience – 82 plays, 42 minutes of control, and zero panic after turnovers.
- Travon Walker’s Effort – Recorded a sack and multiple pressures, one of Jacksonville’s few bright spots.
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Defensive Analysis & Expert Notes
Both teams entered with conservative game plans — Minnesota executed theirs better. The Vikings’ front seven dominated the trenches, limiting Jacksonville to under 60 rushing yards and forcing short third-down situations. Danielle Hunter and Harrison Phillips consistently collapsed running lanes, while Byron Murphy Jr. and Josh Metellus kept receivers blanketed.
Offensively, Minnesota’s focus on sustained drives neutralized the Jaguars’ pass rush. Coach Kevin O’Connell’s decision to prioritize ball control proved decisive, turning long possessions into field-goal opportunities that slowly buried Jacksonville.
Analysts praised Minnesota’s situational awareness — especially how Darnold rebounded after turnovers. The defense’s closing performance, capped by Murphy’s interception, reflected playoff-caliber composure.
Jacksonville’s struggles stemmed from poor third-down play-calling and minimal yards after contact. Despite Mac Jones’ toughness and Evan Engram’s consistency, the Jaguars couldn’t find answers against Minnesota’s coverage disguises.
Most Common Queries
Q: How did the Vikings score their points?
A: All through kicker Parker Romo, who went 4-for-4 on field goals.
Q: What happened to Jacksonville’s offense after the first quarter?
A: Minnesota’s defense tightened coverage, holding the Jaguars to just 78 yards over the final three quarters.
Q: Were there any turnovers?
A: Yes — both teams had 3 each, but Minnesota’s defense capitalized on them more effectively.
Q: Who led the Vikings in receiving?
A: Tight end T.J. Hockenson (72 yards on 8 catches).
Final Words
This wasn’t a highlight-reel thriller — it was a test of patience, field position, and endurance. The Vikings used disciplined football and Parker Romo’s leg to grind out a win in hostile territory, climbing above .500 with one of their most composed outings of 2024.
For the Jaguars, early momentum vanished as offensive miscues mounted. Doug Pederson’s unit will need to rediscover rhythm quickly with crucial AFC South games ahead.
