MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 17: Case Keenum #7 of the Minnesota Vikings wears an "NFC North Champions" hat after the game against the Cincinnati Bengals on December 17, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Bengals 34-7 and clinched the NFC North Division. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 17: Eric Kendricks #54 of the Minnesota Vikings runs with the ball after intercepting Andy Dalton #14 of the Cincinnati Bengals in the first quarter of the game on December 17, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Kendricks scored a touchdown on the play. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /
The good stuff vs Bengals
Establishing the run game. Latavius Murray continues to get more involved in the Vikings offense, earning more carries and a bulk of the goal line work. He’s shown why Minnesota brought him in thanks to his powerful running.
Eric Kendricks in pass coverage. Instead of continuing on his path, Kendricks read the eyes of Andy Dalton and turned back into the path of a pass. Showing of his hands, the speedy linebacker was able to zip past the Bengals with help from blockers to get the pick 6.
Defensive pressure. The pass rush was consistently getting to Andy Dalton, even if it didn’t always result in a sack. The defensive line will always be a major strength of this Vikings team with so much depth and talent.
Case Keenum’s efficiency. Throwing the ball 23 times, he connected on 20 of them for 236 yards and 2 touchdowns. And he even sat out after the game was well out of reach for the Bengals, meaning his stat line could have been even more impressive!
Containing A.J. Green. Another superstar wide receiver goes up against Minnesota and struggles. Green only caught 2 passes for 30 yards, which is very impressive considering how dominant the Bengals wide receiver can be.
