Seahawks shut out Vikings 26-0 for the first time in a decade

SEATTLE (AP) Ernest Jones IV scored the first touchdown of his career with an 84-yard interception return, leading Seattle to a 26-0 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. The Seahawks' defense dominated, forcing five turnovers in the game and securing their first shutout win in over ten years.

The Vikings were held scoreless for the first time since a 34-0 defeat against Green Bay on November 11, 2007. Seattles last shutout came on September 27, 2015, when they beat Chicago by the same 26-0 margin.

This game highlighted the disparity between the teams. The Seahawks (9-3) faced Max Brosmer, an undrafted rookie making his NFL debut for a struggling Vikings squad (4-8). With the win, Seattle tied the Los Angeles Rams for first place in the NFC West, while Minnesota suffered its fourth consecutive loss.

The Vikings actually had the first turnover when quarterback Sam Darnold fumbled in Seattle territory early in the second quarter, but Brosmer was unable to capitalize. Later, trailing 3-0, Minnesota attempted a fourth-and-1 at the Seattle 4-yard line. DeMarcus Lawrence pressured Brosmer, who threw a hurried sidearm pass intercepted by Ernest Jones. Jones sprinted 84 yards for a touchdown, putting the Seahawks ahead 10-0. This season, Jones has recorded a career-high four interceptions.

Brosmer added three more interceptions in the second half, while Aaron Jones lost a fumble on a screen pass, stripped by Lawrence. Following Ernest Jones touchdown, Seattle extended their lead with three field goals by Jason Myers, including two long attempts from 56 and 54 yards. Zach Charbonnet scored Seattles only offensive touchdown with a 17-yard run in the fourth quarter.

Offensively, both teams struggled. Darnold was sacked four times in the first half, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the leagues leading receiver, didnt record a catch until the third quarter, finishing with just two receptions for 23 yards. Brosmer completed 19 of 30 passes for 126 yards while taking four sacks and throwing four interceptions. Justin Jefferson had a career-low two catches for four yards.

Injuries impacted both sides. For Minnesota, running back Aaron Jones suffered a shoulder injury and did not return. Seattle lost RG Anthony Bradford (elbow) and CB Josh Jobe (concussion) during the second half.

Analysis: A Dominant Defensive Performance from Seattle Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks' 26-0 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday showcased a dominant defensive performance not seen in recent years. The Seahawks' defense was relentless, forcing five turnovers, including an 84-yard interception return for a touchdown by Ernest Jones IV, marking the first of his career. This victory was their first shutout win in over a decade, with the last one dating back to September 27, 2015, when they defeated the Chicago Bears by the same scoreline. The win also ties them with the Los Angeles Rams for first place in the NFC West.

On the other side, Minnesota's offense, already struggling this season, was further hindered by the debut of undrafted rookie Max Brosmer. The Vikings were unable to capitalize on any of their early opportunities, including a critical fourth-and-1 attempt in Seattle’s red zone that was thwarted by a pressured pass intercepted by Jones. Brosmer, who had a challenging game, ended up throwing four interceptions and completing only 19 of 30 passes for 126 yards. The Vikings’ offensive line failed to protect him, as he was sacked four times in the first half.

Injuries also played a part in the outcome of the game. For Minnesota, running back Aaron Jones was sidelined due to a shoulder injury, which further diminished their offensive depth. Seattle, too, saw losses with right guard Anthony Bradford (elbow) and cornerback Josh Jobe (concussion) going down in the second half. Despite these setbacks, Seattle's defense remained unshaken and sealed the win without allowing a single point.

In conclusion, while the Seahawks' offense was relatively quiet, with only one offensive touchdown courtesy of Zach Charbonnet, their defense led the charge. This performance not only highlighted Seattle's defensive prowess but also exposed Minnesota's ongoing struggles on both sides of the ball. With this victory, the Seahawks are now firmly positioned in the NFC West, while the Vikings' playoff hopes continue to slip away as they fall to 4-8 on the season.

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• Seahawks blank Vikings 26-0 for their 1st shutout victory in 10 years