The NFL season often serves as a mirror, reflecting both the bright potential and hidden flaws of its players. Sometimes the narrative is clear, while at other times, it needs a little help to crystallize.

This is where Pro Football Focus (PFF) steps in, providing a set of analytical eyes that help decode the complexities of the game beyond the snap judgments of fans and media. After Sunday’s thrilling victory over the Arizona Cardinals, the Vikings’ win was punctuated by PFF grades that are certain to be a topic of discussion, marking the team’s second five-game winning spree of the year.

Offensive Standouts and Struggles

Let’s start on the offensive side, where Justin Jefferson led with an impressive PFF grade of 78.3. His performance was pivotal, setting the pace for the Vikings’ offensive strategy.

Sam Darnold wasn’t far behind, earning a 77.6 for his efforts in managing the game’s tempo. Equally noteworthy, Cam Akers brought a solid presence in the backfield with a 76.9, showing renewed vigor in his role.

The offensive line saw notable contributions from Dalton Risner and Cam Robinson, whose grades of 69.9 and 68.8 respectively underscored their reliability in protecting the quarterback and opening up lanes in the defense.

On the flip side, a few offensive players had a rougher day. Aaron Jones found himself at the tail end with a grade of 41.5, followed closely by CJ Ham at 42.2. These performances highlight some challenges the team will need to address moving forward.

Rushing and Blocking Dynamics

When it comes to run blocking, Jalen Nailor excelled with a standout grade of 76.3, demonstrating his value not just as a threat with the ball but as an integral part of the Vikings’ groundwork. Meanwhile, Garrett Bradbury and Justin Jefferson also showed commendable efforts with grades of 62.6 and 61.0, further solidifying their contributions across the board.

Conversely, the struggles were evident in run blocking from CJ Ham and Johnny Mundt, who unfortunately posted some of the lower grades in this area. Their efforts will be crucial to enhance if the Vikings aim to maintain their winning momentum.

Protecting the Passer

In the domain of pass protection, Dalton Risner’s grade of 88 stands out, painting a picture of dominance on the field. His prowess was further complemented by Nick Muse and T.J. Hockenson, who both achieved strong grades, showcasing a line that is determined to give its quarterback the confidence to make the big plays.

However, not everyone shared the same success; Ty Chandler’s pass blocking grade languished at 5.3, indicating a critical area for improvement. As the team looks ahead, bolstering these weaker spots will prove essential in sustaining offensive rhythms.

Defensive Forces and Weak Spots

On defense, Jalen Redmond shone brightest, with an extraordinary grade of 91.1, laying the foundation for a defensive front that was relentless. Shaq Griffin and Blake Cashman also delivered substantial performances, augmenting the Vikings’ defensive resilience.

Yet, defense is a team effort, and it was evident that not everyone could keep pace. Jamin Davis struggled with a lower grade of 26.1, a statistic that speaks to the challenges faced on certain plays.

Run Defense and Pass Rush Insights

Redmond continued his dominant run with the top mark in run defense, demonstrating his dual-threat capability. The Vikings’ ability to stifle the Cardinals’ run game was buttressed by solid performances from Josh Metellus and Jonathan Bullard.

Pass rush grades further illustrate a mixed bag: Redmond again led the charge, while familiar faces like Harrison Phillips made their presence felt. However, there is room for improvement for players like Pat Jones II, whose efforts fell short of expectations in a critical area of play.

Coverage Command

In coverage, Cashman’s remarkable 90.1 grade speaks volumes about his vision and tactical acumen, ensuring that the Cardinals’ passing lanes remained restricted. Griffin and Gilmore continued to assert their dominance across the field, forming a formidable secondary line.

Overall, as the Vikings savor their current winning streak, the PFF grades shed light on both triumphs and targets for improvement. This analysis not only offers a reflection on yesterday’s events but also provides a roadmap for the season ahead. As the Vikings continue their campaign, these insights will serve as crucial indicators of the road to potential success.