The Vikings have scored on nearly half (47.4%) of their drives where they’ve generated at least one first down, with 25 of their 47 scoring drives ending with a TD.

EAGAN, Minn. — Preserving drives go a long way. 

Whether it be putting up points or simply giving the defense a chance to recover, offenses have an obligation to move the chains each time they touch the ball. 

For the Minnesota Vikings, that’s been a challenge this season. Nearly 40% of Minnesota’s offensive drives have been four plays or fewer, with 23% of them ending in a three-and-out. Minnesota has only won the time-of-possession four times this season, and is averaging five fewer plays per game.

“Once we get our first first down, it’s hard to stop us,” said Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson.

The Vikings have scored on nearly half (47.4%) of their drives where they’ve generated at least one first down, with 25 of their 47 scoring drives ending with a touchdown.

“Our goal is just to get the first one and continue to roll as an offense,” said Hockenson, who has 19 first-down catches this season. “Those are the goals moving forward, just continuing to hold onto the ball and be efficient in our offense.”

The Vikings (5-8) certainly were that on Sunday against Washington, scoring on five of their six possessions that didn’t involve a kneel down. Minnesota also held the ball longer than it has in any game this season (34:52), giving the defense a chance to catch its breath between possessions. The extra rest paid off as the Vikings pitched their first shutout in two years.

The offense even provided an extended break for the defense when they milked more than 12 minutes off the clock with a single 19-play drive that ended with a touchdown.

Quarterback J.J. McCarthy connected on 5 of 6 passes, and the offense converted on five third downs to give the Vikings their longest drive since at least 2000, according to Vikings Communications. During the drive, McCarthy connected with receiver Jordan Addison for a 21-yard gain on third down, prompting star receiver Justin Jefferson to clap and point in the 220year-old quarterback’s direction.

“When you do an 18- or 19-play drive, you realize you’ve been out there for a while,” joked Hockenson, who scored his third touchdown of the season later in the game.

The Dallas Cowboys, the Vikings’ opponent this weekend, have allowed the fourth-most first downs (286) and are tied for the worst third-down percentage (47.6%) in the league, which bodes well for an offense that has struggled to sustain drives and convert on third-down opportunities.

“When you have extra plays or you have that time of possession, it really helps,” Hockenson said. “I think those are things that we have to continue to do as an offense, just holding the possession and continuing drives, converting on third downs … those things are huge.”