Denver Broncos at Minnesota Vikings: Second quarter recap and third quarter discussion

We’ve reached halftime at U.S. Bank Stadium, and the no-show for the Minnesota Vikings continues, as they are now losing to the Denver Broncos by a score of 20-0.

The Broncos started the quarter by adding to their lead. They converted a 4th-and-1 on a handoff to Courtland Sutton, and then got a 1-yard touchdown run from fullback Andy Janovich. Just like that, the Vikings were down by a score of 17-0.

Not a lot happened in the interim, until the Vikings got the ball back with about three minutes left in the half. On the second play of the drive, Kirk Cousins was sacked by Shelby Harris and fumbled with the Broncos recovering. It was Cousins’ first turnover since Week 6, and it gave the Broncos the ball at the Minnesota 17. The Vikings managed to hold the Broncos to a 29-yard field goal from Brandon McManus, and the lead swelled to 20-0.

Just when you thought it couldn’t get worse, Ameer Abdullah decided to return the ensuing kickoff. . .and proceeded to fumble it away, giving the Broncos the ball at the Minnesota 17 again. Fortunately, the Vikings finally got an actual highlight, as Andrew Sendejo announced his Vikings return with an interception of Allen to stop the deficit from getting any bigger.

Pretty much everything about this game has been a disaster for the Vikings. They’ve ran just 23 offensive plays, and have gained just 47 yards on those plays, generating just four first downs.

Dalvin Cook has just nine yards on four carries so far in this one. Kirk Cousins has completed 11-of-12 passes for just 58 yards, and has a lost fumble.

Overall, the Broncos have generated 217 yards of offense to the Vikings’ 47, has run 37 plays to Minnesota’s 23, and has held the ball for 19 minutes to Minnesota’s 11. This has gone a lot like the game against the Buffalo Bills last season in that the Vikings have looked completely unprepared for what the Broncos were bringing to the table in this one.

Really, there’s not a lot more to say. The second half can’t be any worse. . .at least, I don’t think it can be. . .but we’ll be here for it anyway. Hang out with us, won’t you?