To the doubters, naysayers, skeptics and those simply uninformed, the progress by the Vikings offense won’t seem significant. 211 passing yards? Ironically, pedestrian. 153 rushing yards? Impressive, but not a shocking number. 9-for-18 on third down? Yawn. But if you showcase some key plays, you can see the offense is finally pulling its share of the weight. Most teams would not survive the game shifting scoop and score by the Saints. Teams with defensive scores win a huge amount of the time. At one time I remember seeing a statistic around 90%. A touchdown or even field goal on that Viking drive vastly changes the game plans for both teams. And yet, Kyler Murray moved well in the pocket. He used his legs to sustain drives. He found receivers on key downs. How about a triple-covered Justin Jefferson TD in his home state? The running game did not suffer despite injuries on the OL and the RB room. The passing game functioned efficiently despite key injuries at TE and WR as well.

The Vikings offense has yet to play its best game with its best players and yet, the team is 5-0. The doubters, et al, won’t notice, but Vikings fans get it. This is a very dangerous team holding a two-game division lead entering a bye week to get healthier.

Special teams, notably including Will Reichard, continue to stand out. And the defense needs to start being recognized for more than defensive coordinator Brian Flores. It’s a different player or group almost every week, but there are stars playing defense in Minnesota. I’d also like to use this space to recognize the 2026 rookie class. Many rookies played significant minutes today and played with distinction. That is noteworthy.

Finally, the clashes between the Vikings and Mike Ditka’s Bears are well-documented. But on a day when the Vikings played in New Orleans, it’s worth noting the Saints coaching tenure by Mike Ditka. The 1998 Vikings faced Ditka and his Saints that season in the Metrodome, a venue Coach Ditka regularly mocked. He was a character and a worthy adversary.

— Jeff in Sacramento, California

Jeff did a good job of outlining the numerous positives that showed up at various points in the game.

I wouldn’t discount going 9-for-18 on third downs because converting that many times helped Minnesota possess the football for 39:37. The nine first downs gained on third downs by the Vikings equaled the number of total first downs by the Saints.

Minnesota is averaging more than 33 minutes of possession time a game. Opponents, by the way, have only converted 14 of 63 third downs.

Sunday marked the first time Minnesota had trailed in a game since Week 1, but the Vikings were unflappable, especially after New Orleans’ 87-yard fumble return TD.

Speaking of iron resolve, I really appreciate Jeff bringing up “Iron Mike” Ditka, who definitely kept things interesting in his press sessions. I was volunteering for an event years ago and happened to meet Coach Ditka in passing. He was gracious and friendly in that five-minute interaction, and it’s something I’ve sincerely appreciated.