7 biggest takeaways from the Vikings win over the Saints in Week 4

Minnesota’s special teams is elite

If not for the performance of their special teams, the Vikings probably don’t fly back from London with a victory over the Saints. Minnesota’s special teams haven’t been great during the last few seasons, but they’ve clearly turned some necessary corners during the first month of the 2022 campaign.

Leading the charge on Sunday was Vikings kicker Greg Joseph. Not only did he convert a 47-yard field goal attempt with 24 seconds left in the fourth quarter, but that kick was one of five made field goals for Joseph against New Orleans.

Punter Ryan Wright typically utilizes his leg to help Minnesota each week, but on Sunday, it was his arm that played a major role.

Facing a 4th-and-2 from the Saints’ 47-yard line, the Vikings called a fake punt, and it resulted in Wright easily tossing a 13-yard pass to rookie receiver Jalen Nailor. Minnesota got the first down and the drive eventually ended with a Joseph field goal.

In addition to the performances from Wright and Joseph, the Vikings’ were also excellent on kickoff and punt return coverage. Minnesota allowed an average of 20.5 yards per kick return on Sunday, and on the only punt that New Orleans attempted to return, Vikings cornerback Kris Boyd wound up forcing and recovering a fumble.