The Minnesota Vikings are 5-0 after a Week 6 bye, and Kyler Murray faces the offensive test that sank their identical start a decade ago. That team also had a dominant defense, but poor protection and a lifeless running game helped turn 5-0 into 8-8.
The 2016 Vikings lost four straight after the break and eight of their final 11. Sam Bradford set a completion percentage record, but Minnesota finished last in rushing. Mike Zimmer's defense ranked third in yards allowed. It wasn't enough.
The 2024 Vikings showed that history isn't inevitable. They started 5-0, lost twice after the bye, then won nine straight to finish 14-3. Their playoff loss to the Rams ruined the ending, but at least that team recovered.
Minnesota Vikings need Kyler Murray to give their defense some help
Brian Flores' defense is allowing just 12.8 points per game. Minnesota scored only nine against Chicago and 15 against Miami. Carson Wentz started the Bears game, and Murray missed time with a concussion. It's unfair to pin every offensive failure on Murray, but the scoring concern isn't going away.
Murray showed improvement against New Orleans, completing 24 of 30 passes for 229 yards and a touchdown to Justin Jefferson. He added 51 rushing yards, including an 18-yard scramble on third-and-10 that extended the eventual touchdown drive. He can create something when protection breaks down.
The 23-13 win still featured two red zone fumbles. Neither was Murray's, but the team has a problem when promising possessions don't yield points. Flores can protect a narrow lead most weeks. Against Detroit or Buffalo, Murray could be asked to erase a deficit instead.
The offensive line makes that assignment harder. Donovan Jackson's torn meniscus has already strained Minnesota's depth, and Christian Darrisaw missed New Orleans with a concussion. Kevin O'Connell can call quick passes and move the pocket, but Justin Jefferson's downfield routes need time to develop.
Murray's real test comes after the Indianapolis Colts
Indianapolis visits on October 25 before Minnesota faces Detroit, Buffalo, and Green Bay. The Colts offer Murray a chance to build on New Orleans. Detroit's offense won't let the Vikings assume 23 points will always be enough.
Murray can escape pressure in ways Bradford never could, but scrambles can't replace third-down throws from the pocket. If Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson return, O'Connell can spread targets around and punish defenses that tilt coverage toward Jefferson. Minnesota will need that flexibility before its trip to Detroit.
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