The Minnesota Vikings are rolling into Week 4 undefeated, a seriously impressive start to their season. Kyler Murray, fresh off his Arizona Cardinals gig, is absolutely showing up and delivering big-time when it counts for his new squad. But hold up, there’s a quiet force powering this team that Jonathan Jones from The Athletic is shouting about, and it’s not just the usual offensive fireworks or defensive stops.
The Special Teams Unit Is Simply Elite
Jones isn’t just talking hypotheticals, either. He’s straight up pointing out that the Vikings have one of the NFL’s biggest early-season advantages, and it all boils down to their special teams. “The 3-0 Vikings have had arguably the best special teams group in the league through the early portion of the season,” he stated. That’s a massive claim this early in the year, but the numbers back it up. Their special teams EPA is sitting at a stellar 11.3, which is second-best in the entire league. That’s no fluke.
Will Reichard has been money, nailing seven-for-seven on field goals. And it’s not just the kicking game, either; the Vikings have already blocked a field goal, making game-changing plays when it matters. Then there’s Myles Price, who ripped off an 86-yard punt-return touchdown, the only special-teams TD in the NFL at this point. These aren’t just individual flashes; this is a unit that’s playing on another level right now, giving the whole team a huge lift.
Field Position Dominance is the Untapped Advantage
It’s not just the big, highlight-reel plays either. This Vikings special teams unit is giving them a consistent edge in the battle for field position, which every football fan knows is absolutely crucial. Jones pointed out that the Vikings’ average starting position after kickoff returns is a full 4 yards better than the league average. Think about that: every drive starts with an extra 4 yards on average. That’s a massive help for any offense.
And it goes both ways. Opponents are finding themselves starting nearly a yard *back* compared to the league’s norm after Vikings kickoffs. That’s just relentless pressure, forcing opposing offenses to work harder every single snap. Jones summed it up perfectly: “Complementary football, baby.” So, while the Vikings’ offense and defense are definitely holding their own, it’s this special teams unit that’s truly deserving of some serious attention. They are quietly, but powerfully, making a massive difference.
Heading into their Week 4 showdown against the Miami Dolphins, the Vikings aren’t just relying on their stars. They’ve got this special teams unit that’s straight up making a difference every single play, helping them stay undefeated. Can they keep this momentum going and show the rest of the NFL just how impactful special teams can be? You bet the league is watching now.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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