The Minnesota Vikings’ 27-19 home loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 10 dropped them to 4-5 on the season. Costly false starts and turnovers severely undermined their offensive flow throughout the game.
Minnesota was flagged 13 times for a total of 102 yards, with eight of those penalties coming from false starts—the most by a home team since the 2009 Buffalo Bills. Right tackle Brian O’Neill was penalized three times, while quarterback JJ McCarthy, receiver Justin Jefferson, tight end Ben Yurosek, and fellow linemen Christian Darrisaw and Blake Brandel accounted for the remaining infractions.
Five of the false starts occurred on first downs, pushing the Vikings behind the chains early and creating difficult situations on key plays. McCarthy, making his fourth career start, took full responsibility for the miscues, stating, “As a quarterback, you’re the orchestrator of the orchestra. I take full responsibility for anything that happens on that field,” (h/t Alex Lewis of The Athletic).
The penalties exacted a heavy toll on multiple drives, including crucial third-and-short situations where Minnesota failed to convert. Running back Aaron Jones suggested that some Ravens defenders exploited the confusion by barking out cadence cues. However, McCarthy and the offensive line struggled to adjust despite a mostly subdued crowd at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Turnovers further compounded Minnesota’s woes. McCarthy threw two interceptions on poorly executed deep passes, while kickoff returner Myles Price fumbled in Vikings territory. These mistakes directly resulted in 13 points for Baltimore.
McCarthy finished the game completing 20 of 42 passes for 248 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions, ending with a passer rating of 54.5. Despite a late 62-yard connection to Jalen Nailor and a touchdown in the fourth quarter, Minnesota could not rally back. Justin Jefferson, targeted 12 times, was held to just four receptions for 37 yards.
On the defensive side, the Vikings initially limited Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore offense, allowing only three field goals in the first half. However, Baltimore exploded for 18 points in the second half, including a one-yard touchdown run by Justice Hill and key connections from Jackson to Mark Andrews and Rashod Bateman that ultimately decided the contest.
Coach Kevin O’Connell emphasized that the team will conduct a thorough review of all offensive plays to address the pre-snap penalties, underscoring the importance of protecting their young quarterback moving forward.
The Vikings averaged 6.7 yards per carry on Sunday but will be focused on ironing out their mistakes as they prepare for their Week 11 matchup against the Chicago Bears.
https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/minnesota-vikings/vikings-news-jj-mccarthy-identifies-culprit-brutal-penalties-ravens