3 problems the Vikings need to fix before Week 10 vs. the Jaguars

The Minnesota Vikings stopped their losing streak this past weekend, defeating the Indianapolis Colts and bringing their record to an impressive 6-2 record. Next, Minnesota will head to Florida in Week 10 to face off against the struggling Jacksonville Jaguars.

This will be the Vikings' third matchup with an AFC South opponent, with the fourth and final matchup coming in Week 11 against the Tennessee Titans. Minnesota has defeated the Houston Texans and the Colts so far, the first and second-place teams in that division. Now, the Vikings face off against the 2-7 Jaguars, a team that has never quite found its footing in 2024.

No game in the NFL is a guaranteed win, so Minnesota needs to prepare for Jacksonville just like every other week. The most recent game against Indianapolis was a sloppy victory, so what pieces do the Vikings need to fix before their Week 10 contest against the Jaguars?

Problems the Minnesota Vikings must fix before Week 10 vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars

1. Protecting Sam Darnold

Minnesota quarterback Sam Darnold was sacked four times against the Colts this past Sunday and pressured on many other dropbacks.

Darnold accounted for three turnovers on the night, with two interceptions and one lost fumble. He is not clear of blame with his turnovers, but the constant pressure by the Indianapolis defense made it a hard night for the veteran quarterback and the Vikings offense to get things going.

The most egregious display of Minnesota's lackluster blocking was on a play in which Darnold was sacked and subsequently stripped off the football. Vikings center Garrett Bradbury was bull-rushed onto his back during the play, which allowed the opposing defensive lineman to have a clear line at Darnold.

This play highlighted a consistent struggle for Bradbury, who should be considered a lock to be replaced in next year's NFL Draft.

For the time being, with Bradbury as the starting center, Minnesota needs to figure out a way to give Darnold more time in the pocket. Jacksonville has a respectable defensive line but a suspect secondary. So, if Darnold has time, Minnesota could tear the Jaguars apart.

2. Creating more pressure on defense

The Vikings defense has heavily declined in recent weeks, but their recent matchup against the Colts was a solid showing for the struggling group.

Something that Minnesota struggled with against Indianapolis was creating pressure, though they seemed to find their stride later in the game and take over.

As everyone has seen in recent weeks, a defense doesn't need to get a ton of sacks to be successful, as making the opposing quarterback uncomfortable in the pocket is the main goal.

Something, or rather someone, that stood out on the Vikings defense on Sunday was rookie Dallas Turner. Turner's snap count was ramped up in Week 9, and the rookie took full advantage of the opportunity.

On 26 snaps, Turner generated four pressures, showing exactly what made him a first-round draft pick. Though he didn't have any sacks, he was able to force Colts quarterback Joe Flacco into making off-target passes, which is something Minnesota fans will take every game.

If the key to creating more pressure on opposing quarterbacks is unleashing the freak athlete that is Turner, this past weekend against Indianapolis was just the beginning.

3. Playing smarter on offense

On Darnold's two interceptions on Sunday, the breakout quarterback tried too hard to force the ball down the field for big plays that clearly weren't there.

While the gunslinger mentality is nice to have, Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell needs to remind Darnold that throwing the ball away or just hitting a dump-off pass is okay. Minnesota doesn't need him to scramble and find the big play on every snap.

With the return of tight end T.J. Hockenson, hopefully, Darnold will begin to use the checkdown option instead of going for the big play. The Vikings have a good offense, but turning the ball over in the red zone doesn't do them any good.

Especially with a beat-up and struggling offensive line, it's okay to remind Darnold that short gains work just fine. He has shown the arm talent to make the big plays, but he has also shown the lack of awareness to kill positive drives dead in their tracks by forcing the ball downfield.

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