Vikings offense suffers “self-inflicted” loss at Rams

He was solid overall with the Rams, completing 72% of his throws for 240 yards, two touchdowns and no turnovers.

“I thought Sam played well,” O’Connell said. “We continue to develop on offense with Sam playing quarterback. I think he was really skilled throwing the football – there were some nice plays between him and Justin.”

Jefferson immediately seemed to be part of the Madden “99 Club,” recording three receptions for 44 yards, including two for 17, in the first seven games. Oliver was the only other player Darnold targeted on that drive.

The Vikings' offense was also in full swing in the second series. Darnold extended his closing streak to eight; Jefferson had two more catches of more than 15 yards, and Trent Sherfield Sr., who usually does his best work as a blocker, scored his first touchdown in Purple with a similar wide-open crosser from 10 yards.

A stellar first quarter increased the Vikings' first-quarter points lead to 62, which is 23 points ahead of second-place Tampa Bay and ranks as the third-best seven-game mark in the NFL since 2000.

“I feel like we just have to do the little things right and work out the details, and I feel like if we can do that, we're going to be a really good offense and a really good team,” Darnold said, “or .” I know We're going to be a really good offense and a really good team. It's little things we can control.

Mental errors ruined the good mood.