When the Minnesota Vikings traveled to Seattle, they were entering a scene where past memories have stung. Facing a retooled Seahawks squad, the Vikings made their intentions clear right from the gate.

Minnesota opened with their signature hot start, chewing up half of the first quarter with a precise drive that culminated in a touchdown. This set the tone for a fierce back-and-forth, and by halftime, the Vikings held a slim 17-14 lead.

The drama ramped up late in the fourth quarter when the Seahawks edged ahead 24-20. But then, as if scripted for a thrilling finale, the Vikings’ offense, which had been under pressure all game, stepped up in a big way.

Justin Jefferson sprinted for a long touchdown, flipping the game in Minnesota’s favor at 27-24. The defense, not wanting to be outshone, sealed the victory with style.

Theo Jackson, stepping in for the veteran Harrison Smith, intercepted Geno Smith’s pass with less than a minute left, sparking a jubilant team celebration.

Let’s dive deeper into this game with five key numbers:

30 – This was the number of touchdown passes Sam Darnold had amassed by the time the Vikings’ opening drive found the end zone. Hitting Jordan Addison for a five-yard score, Darnold was nearly flawless, going seven for eight and accumulating 50 yards on that single march alone. Each precision throw seemed to underline the rapport Darnold and Addison have been building, with Addison snagging his fifth touchdown in as many games.

But Darnold wasn’t done just yet. Later, he hit Jefferson in the end zone for what would be his 31st touchdown of the season, moving him past Kirk Cousins on Minnesota’s all-time single-season passing touchdown charts.

Standing now behind only Brett Favre. And let’s talk about Addison for a moment.

Tying Larry Fitzgerald for the fifth-most touchdowns before turning 23 is no small feat, especially when the likes of Randy Moss and Odell Beckham Jr. head that list. With defenses throwing everything they’ve got at Jefferson, Addison thrives on the opportunities that come his way.

2022 – Marking a milestone for Vikings’ defensive prowess that hadn’t been seen since 2022, Andrew Van Ginkel joins Jonathan Greenard in the double-digit sack club. This one-two punch saw Van Ginkel notch his 10th sack while Greenard already has 11, hearkening back to the effective partnership of Z’Darius Smith and Danielle Hunter in yesteryears.

They may not have come with the biggest reputations, but they’ve certainly outperformed expectations to become crucial cogs in Minnesota’s defensive machine. And let’s not forget Pat Jones is having a breakout year himself.

Kevin O’Connell also etched his name into franchise lore, becoming the first Vikings coach to notch 13 or more wins in multiple seasons. Despite being shown the exit by the Giants in last year’s playoffs, expectations were cautiously optimistic as O’Connell began his tenure. His leadership this season, particularly with significant roster changes and injury woes, has been nothing short of stellar.

1950 – Sam Darnold staked his claim on history, surpassing Dak Prescott’s 2016 record for the most games with a 100-plus passer rating in a debut season with a new team since 1950. Initially viewed as a stopgap quarterback to usher in J.J.

McCarthy, Darnold’s performance this season has defied those preliminary labels. While McCarthy’s development was temporarily sidelined due to a preseason injury, Darnold seized the reins and reminded everyone why organizations have to nurture rather than rush their young quarterbacks.

O’Connell’s faith and strategic support have been pivotal in tapping into Darnold’s potential, shaking off ghosts from his previous stints under less conducive environments.

The Vikings faced daunting challenges this season, but if their game against Seattle showed anything, it’s that they’re more than just overcoming—they’re poised to make an indelible mark in the league.