The Minnesota Vikings couldn’t quite pull it out against the Kansas City Chiefs, losing by a score of 27-20. It was a really close game that could have been one by the Vikings, but undisciplined football cost them dearly.
They did manage to score two touchdowns with one more that was eerily close to tying the game in the fourth quarter. We took a look at the all-22 film to see how Kevin O’Connell crafted plays to get the Vikings in the end zone.
Jordan Addison
The Vikings motion K.J. Osborn down to the bottom of the formation to open up space for the over route that Addison runs out of the slot. Jefferson runs an out at the top of the formation, giving all three receivers space to work against man coverage.
Addison does a great job getting a clean release off the line of scrimmage and gets the proper depth while avoiding contact with the safety. Great use of space by O’Connell to make this happen.
Cousins does a great job here too. He works through his progressions well, sets his base comfortably and throws the ball with anticipation. This is the Cousins we have been wanting to see all season.
Alexander Mattison
The Vikings like spreading everyone out and running screens in the red zone. Why? It’s easier to take advantage of the defense in short spaces. Most screens are designed to go around 10-15 yards with the hopes of breaking out for more.
Here, Mattison is aligned at the top of the formation with T.J. Hockenson in the slot. He serves as the main blocker with Christian Darrisaw leaking out to lead the charge.
The play is eerily similar to what the Vikings ran against the New Orleans Saints in week four last season, also for a touchdown.
The touchdown that almost was
This was brutal to watch for Vikings fans.
Down 27-20, the Vikings had a beautiful play design. With the defense spread out, they had the two receivers at the top of the formation running clear out routes to give Mattison space to run. Both Ezra Cleveland and Garrett Bradbury were getting out in space to block Mattison’s way to the end zone as well.
Unfortunately, Mattison lost focus and tried to run before he caught the ball and the pass was incomplete. Ultimately, it was a major factor that the Vikings couldn’t pull off the win.
