The Minnesota Vikings have finally slayed the demon at Lumen Field as they came from behind against the Seattle Seahawks with a 27-24 victory. It was the first time that the Vikings have won in Seattle since 2006 when Chester Taylor ran all over the Seahawks.

The game wasn’t easy for the Vikings. They needed to make plays when it mattered the most, and quarterback Sam Darnold and wide receiver Justin Jefferson made it happen.

The best and worst from the game might not be the most surprising, but it’s important for now and the rest of the season.

Stud: WR Justin Jefferson

When you have the best receiver in the National Football League, it’s paramount to get him involved in the game. He can maximize players like Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson by simply being on the field, but getting him involved can help elevate the Vikings’ offense to a different level.

Jefferson scored the second touchdown of the game for the Vikings and immediately hit the Griddy, but did so staring down cornerback Devon Witherspoon and was called for unsportsmanlike conduct. Even so, Jefferson was great on Sunday afternoon and it manifested in the go-ahead touchdown. He finished the game with 10 catches for 144 yards and two touchdowns.

Dud: CB Stephon Gilmore

Someone had to draw the responsibility of covering wide receiver DK Metcalf and that ended up being the returning Stephon Gilmore. It’s a difficult ask for anyone to be consistent with, and Gilmore had his struggles.

He was called for three penalties in coverage on the day, including two pass interference penalties. The Vikings found a way in the second half to mitigate the issues that Gilmore had but said issues played heavily into the Vikings allowing 14 points before halftime.

Gilmore did redeem himself somewhat at the end of the game by breaking up a pass on second and long on the Seahawks’ drive directly after the go-ahead touchdown from Jefferson.

Stud: QB Sam Darnold

This wasn’t Darnold’s best game, but it certainly was a good one. The weather wasn’t ideal, with rain to start the game, but it didn’t seem to impact Sam Darnold whatsoever.

The most important part of Darnold’s game on Sunday was his pocket management. He was maneuvering around pressure beautifully all game long, sliding away from penetrating defenders and climbing the pocket to deliver the football down the field. 

The best example of that was Jefferson’s go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter. What a throw—honestly, a bit unhinged.

Dud: Offensive line

The offensive line has been a major talking point for the entire season. Early on, it was about how well they were playing with Christian Darrisaw anchoring the left side. Once he went down against the Los Angeles Rams, things have been inconsistent at best.

The addition of Cam Robinson made an impact to fortify the unit but they have struggled a lot, especially with communication when it comes to stunts. Those issues manifested themselves in a big way with three sacks on Darnold and a ton of pressures. That issue came up too often for the Vikings, including against the Seahawks’ dominant front.