Football fans love a good defensive battle, and the game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Jacksonville Jaguars gave them just that. This was not a game full of touchdowns and big plays. Instead, it was a tight, hard fought match where every yard mattered. In this article, we will look closely at the player stats, the key moments, and what this game means for both teams.
Game Overview
The Minnesota Vikings traveled to EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida, and came away with a 12-7 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The game took place on November 10, 2024, in front of 65,695 fans. It was not a high scoring game, but it was full of tension from start to finish.
This win pushed the Vikings’ record to 7-2 overall, and 3-1 on the road. Meanwhile, the Jaguars dropped to 2-8 on the season, and 2-3 at home. For Minnesota, the win helped keep their playoff hopes alive in a competitive NFC. For Jacksonville, the loss added to what has been a tough and disappointing year.
Even though the score was close, the stats tell a different story. Minnesota controlled almost every part of the game. They had more total yards, more first downs, and held the ball for much longer than Jacksonville did.
Quarterback Stats
Sam Darnold started at quarterback for the Vikings. He finished the game with 241 passing yards on 24 completions out of 38 attempts. However, he also threw 3 interceptions, which shows that his day was far from perfect. Even with the turnovers, his ability to move the ball through the air helped Minnesota control the tempo of the game.
On the other side, Mac Jones played quarterback for Jacksonville. He completed 14 of his 22 passes for 111 passing yards, along with 2 interceptions. Jones struggled to get his offense going, and the Jaguars often found themselves stuck in tough field position.
Neither quarterback threw a touchdown pass in this game, which is one reason the score stayed so low. Both teams leaned more on defense and short, careful plays rather than taking big risks through the air.
Running Back Performance
When it comes to the ground game, Aaron Jones Sr. was the standout player for Minnesota. He carried the ball 17 times for 88 yards. His runs were not flashy, but they were steady. He kept picking up small chunks of yardage, which helped the Vikings control the clock and wear down the Jaguars’ defense.
Travis Etienne Jr. led the way for Jacksonville’s running game, but he did not have much room to work with. He carried the ball 11 times for just 44 yards. The Jaguars’ offensive line had trouble opening up lanes, and Minnesota’s front seven did a great job of stopping the run.
Overall, Minnesota out rushed Jacksonville by a wide margin. This gave the Vikings an advantage in time of possession, which is one of the biggest reasons they were able to hold on for the win.
Receiving Stats
At tight end, T.J. Hockenson had a strong game for the Vikings. He caught 8 passes for 72 yards, making him Darnold’s most reliable target on the day. His ability to find open space in the middle of the field helped move the chains on several important drives.
For Jacksonville, Evan Engram was the top receiving option. He caught 6 passes for 40 yards. While Engram is normally a big part of the Jaguars’ passing attack, he was kept somewhat quiet by Minnesota’s defense.
Defensive Highlights
Defense was really the story of this game. Minnesota’s defense deserves a lot of credit for shutting down Jacksonville in the second half. After the first quarter, the Jaguars’ offense could not find any rhythm. They were forced into three and out drives again and again, and they never really threatened to take control of the game.
A. Van Ginkel recorded a sack for the Vikings, while T. Walker got a sack for the Jaguars. On the tackling side, S. Gilmore had 5 tackles for Minnesota, and D. Lloyd led the Jaguars with 16 tackles, including 9 solo stops. Lloyd’s effort on defense was one of the few bright spots for Jacksonville in an otherwise tough game.
Team Stats Breakdown
Looking at the full team numbers helps explain just how one sided this game really was, even though the final score was close.
Minnesota finished with 402 total yards, compared to just 143 for Jacksonville. That is more than double the offensive production. The Vikings also picked up 28 first downs, while the Jaguars managed only 10.
Time of possession was another area where Minnesota dominated. The Vikings held the ball for 42 minutes and 19 seconds, while the Jaguars only had it for 17 minutes and 41 seconds. This means Minnesota controlled the ball for more than two thirds of the game.
Turnovers were even between the two teams, with 3 each. Jacksonville did manage to convert their only red zone trip into points, going 1 for 1. Minnesota, on the other hand, struggled in the red zone, going just 0 for 5. This is likely the biggest reason the score stayed so close, since the Vikings moved the ball well but could not always finish drives with touchdowns.
Historical Rivalry Between the Two Teams
This game added another chapter to a rivalry that has clearly favored Minnesota over the years. The two teams have now met 8 times, and the Vikings have won 7 of those games. Jacksonville’s only win in the series came back in 2001.
Looking at scoring averages across all these meetings, Minnesota has averaged 34.6 points per game, while Jacksonville has averaged just 17.9 points. This shows a big gap in performance between the two franchises whenever they meet.
What This Game Means Going Forward
For the Vikings, this win was another step toward a strong playoff push. Their defense showed that it can control a game even when the offense is not putting up huge scoring numbers. Being able to win a low scoring, grind it out game is often a sign of a well balanced team.
For the Jaguars, this loss was a tough reminder of the struggles they have faced this season. Their offense could not get going, and their defense, while it played hard, could not make enough big stops when it mattered most.
Final Thoughts
This Vikings vs Jaguars matchup may not have been the most exciting game to watch if you like high scoring shootouts, but it was a great example of tough, physical football. Minnesota’s ability to control the clock, limit mistakes, and lean on players like Aaron Jones Sr. and T.J. Hockenson made the difference. Jacksonville fought hard, especially on defense with players like D. Lloyd, but they simply could not keep up with Minnesota’s overall control of the game.
For fans of both teams, this game is a good reminder that football is not always about flashy touchdowns. Sometimes, the team that wins the small battles, like time of possession and limiting big plays, comes out on top.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Vikings vs Jaguars game?
The Minnesota Vikings won the game with a final score of 12-7 over the Jacksonville Jaguars, played on November 10, 2024, at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville.
Who had the best stats in the game?
Sam Darnold led all passers with 241 yards, though he threw 3 interceptions. Aaron Jones Sr. led all rushers with 88 yards on 17 carries, and T.J. Hockenson led all receivers with 72 yards on 8 catches.
How has the Vikings vs Jaguars rivalry gone over the years?
The two teams have played 8 times, and the Vikings have won 7 of those matchups. Jacksonville’s only win came in 2001, and Minnesota has averaged nearly double the points per game across the full history of the series.
