The Viking Age
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Top Minnesota Vikings takeaways from Week 8 vs. Cleveland Browns

By Josh Clarke

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 29: Adam Thielen #19 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates scoring a touchdown during the NFL International Series match between Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns at Twickenham Stadium on October 29, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 29: Adam Thielen #19 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates scoring a touchdown during the NFL International Series match between Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns at Twickenham Stadium on October 29, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 29: Jerick McKinnon of the Minnesota Vikings breaks through during the NFL International Series match between Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns at Twickenham Stadium on October 29, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 29: Jerick McKinnon of the Minnesota Vikings breaks through during the NFL International Series match between Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns at Twickenham Stadium on October 29, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images) /

Magic McKinnon does it again

A week after Latavius Murray stole his thunder with a strong outing against the Ravens; McKinnon outgained him by 75 yards despite having the same amount of touches as he excelled both on the ground and through the air.

Excelled may seem a strange word to describe his rushing performance when you see that McKinnon only gained 50 yards at 3.6 per rushing attempt but take into account that the Browns ranked number 1 against the run heading into to the game. The Browns’ strength up front was evident as the Viking’s offensive line struggled to consistently open rushing lanes for their backs; fortunately, McKinnon was at his elusive best and gained 92% of his yards after contact per Pro Football Focus.

Once again McKinnon excelled in the receiving game as he caught 6 passes for 72 yards, many of which came after the catch, to end the game as Minnesota’s 2nd leading receiver. To prove he can do it all McKinnon also showed off his goal-line prowess as darted around the edge from the 1 for a touchdown and followed it up with a jet sweep for the two-point conversion.

Due to McKinnon’s diminutive size, Murray will continue to receive a healthy dose of snaps as a necessary evil but after heading into the season listed 3rd on the Vikings’ running back depth chart McKinnon should unquestionably be entrenched as the team’s starter for the rest of the year following another sterling performance.

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