Weekly 18 win: Best and Worst PFF grades
The Minnesota Vikings By finishing the 2022 regular seasons in style beating the Chicago Bears Score: 29-13 The Vikings were the real star of this game. played backups during the second half to give them more time before the playoffs.
As it stands now, the PFF grades are out. They paint a simple picture about dominance and provide insight into the performance of the second-stringers in extended action.
Here are the best and worst PFF grades from Sunday’s win.
Top 3 offenses
Jan 1, 2023: Green Bay, Wisconsin USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jaleen Nailor (83) rushes to score a touchdown for Green Bay Packers cornerback Corey Ballentine (35), during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
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QB Kirk Cousins 89.9
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WR Jalen Nailor 83.9
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FB C.J. Ham 83.1
Cousins sitting atop this list shouldn’t be too much of a surprise. In just one half, he dominated the Bears defense and gained 225 yards and a touchdown.
Nailor was an individual that I identified as having a great game PFF also agreed. He isn’t quite ready to get significant playing time, but it’s a great sign heading into next season.
This was a Ham game, as it often is when the game doesn’t matter. That’s not to say that he’s worthless, but the fullback isn’t a vital part of this offense. It was a great showcase for Ham’s talent.
Three-point offense
January 8, 2023, Chicago, Illinois, USA. The Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin cook (4) runs for the ball in the first quarter against Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel – USA TODAY Sports
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LT Vederian Lowe 35.1
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RB Dalvin cook 42.9
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QB Nick Mullens 52.7
Lowe received his first snaps on offense in his NFL career and PFF didn’t think he played very well. His overall grade was lower than his run-blocking score (44.1) or his pass-blocking score (63.3). Although he was better than I thought, it was still great to see him get snaps.
Cook’s grade is that low mainly for one reason: he fumbled it again. He tied Alvin Kamara for the most non-quarterback fumbles this season and it’s been an unfortunate trend.
Overall, Mullens played well. He was lured by a corner player playing cover-two, where he threw a interception. If Cousins does go down for any reason, however, the Vikings should be able to get a quarter.
Top 3 defense
After breaking up a pass meant for Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (9), on Sunday, January 1, 2023 at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wis. Tork Marshall/USA TODAY-Wisconsin, Minnesota Vikings cornerback Duke Shelley (20), signals an incompletion
Apj Packers Vs Vikings 010123 267 Ttm
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S Josh Metellus 86.7
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CB Duke Shelley 8.5
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LB Eric Kendricks 84.4
Metellus played a fantastic game on Sunday. He was all over the field, but he was especially good at covering. He allowed just one reception on five targets. It was for -1 yards.
Shelley was also able to break up two passes and allow only one catch on five targets. His went for 20 yards. Shelley finished the regular season as PFF’s 3rd ranked corner in coverage with a grade of 84.9.
Kendricks was on the field all day Sunday afternoon. He faced pressure, made two stops and was only allowed one reception. While his future isn’t guaranteed with Minnesota, he’s playing some really good football.
Bottom 3 defense
Minnesota Vikings defensive end D.J. Wonnum (98), is seen sitting on the bench during the second quarter of an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams. This was Sunday, December 26, 2021 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
This is the thing about these grades. It’s more about their consistency than their overall play. All three showed flashes of really good play but they weren’t able to do it consistently.
Some other notables
Jan 8, 2023 Chicago, Illinois USA. Alexander Mattison (2) celebrating his running touchdown during the second quarter at Soldier Field against the Chicago Bears. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel – USA TODAY Sports