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It's good to be back from the bye. Hopefully everyone had a chance to enjoy a Sunday however they deemed fit, either by enjoying games across the league or tackling a couple of projects from the to-do list.

Minnesota (5-0) will return to practice today for a session before returning to its week-of-game schedule in preparation of hosting Detroit (4-1) at noon (CT) Sunday.

I don't know Aidan Hutchinson and might not ever, but I definitely want to send thoughts his way as he recovers from the leg injury he suffered at Dallas. I hope everyone who has read this before knows how much I want everyone in the league to stay healthy.

There's not a segue after that, so we will start with the questions and comments.

One of the oldest jokes since the inception of the bye week: I guarantee the Vikings won't lose this week. Perhaps a little reflection is in order.

Team depth: During preseason it was apparent to me that the quality of depth on this Vikings team is among the strongest I've ever seen. Kudos to Kwesi [Adofo-Mensah]. The mark of a great GM is the ability to fix mistakes (which all GMs make) quickly and commensurately. I was extremely critical of the two draft moves that sent high draft picks to Detroit and Green Bay. I was fine with the players the Vikings selected despite the fact neither worked out. What was distressing was allowing division rivals to get difference makers due to Viking brass decisions. If you trade a high draft pick in the division, you had better get what Dallas got for Herschel Walker. Nonetheless, Kwesi and team brass used free agency to bring in defensive difference makers and quickly rebuild a middling unit.

Depth especially mattered in the SF game when the Vikings needed to burn clock and get points on the final drive and do it without starters at virtually every skill position. If you concede (big if) J.J. McCarthy as a starter, the Vikings played the last drive without their three "sons" [Justin] Jefferson, [Jordan] Addison, [T.J.] Hockenson, as well as limited [Aaron Jones, Sr.] appearances. And yet the drive drained significant clock and put the game into a situation that required SF to score and recover an onside kick.

Expectations: There's a difference between expecting 5-0 and being prepared for the possibility. So many new faces on defense. No Hockenson to start the year. New starting QB. Rookie kicker. Fans had reasons to at least wonder how this team would fare against a tough opening schedule that included three playoff teams from last year. Considering the team makeup from ownership to practice squad, I think fans could expect individual wins against any opponent so far. But to get them all in a parlay? Vegas would have gladly taken that bet and the brave wagering fans would have collected tidy sums. I knew the Vikings could win each game. I can't say I expected 5-0. But I was prepared for it.

Coaching: The season is early, and weird things happen, but here's one I would take to Vegas. Kevin O'Connell is a shining star in the coaching firmament. If he were to find himself looking for another opportunity, he would have multiple eager suitors. Let's not let that happen. Brian Flores has built and wielded a powerful and deep defensive unit. And Matt Daniels has a punter who is creating field position leverage, a punt return squad with a blocked punt, no significant allowed kickoff returns, and a tremendous start for a rookie kicker. I can picture owners not named Wilf salivating with envy.

Numbers [entering Week 6]: These numbers matter, and they are stellar. 5-0 record, one of only two undefeated teams and best in the NFL. Plus-63 point differential, also best. Leading a division where the 4th-place team has a winning record. No other division can say that. Tied for 3rd in turnover differential, perhaps the stat with the strongest win/loss correlation, 4th in points per game allowed, 67.2 rush yds allowed per game, 2nd best. Percentage of kicks for points successfully converted, 100.

Projections: It's only 5 of 17. And 5 division games remain. I look at the remaining schedule and confidently project not a single opponent the Vikings cannot defeat. I vividly remember the 1998 season coming off a less than promising 1997 record. I told fellow fans during 1998 season to savor... savor... savor... because it was special. So is this 2024 team and season. Undefeated? 16-1? Who knows? But it's an amazing start with a very promising view forward.

2024 Vikings fans, savor... savor... savor.

Skol!

— Jeff in Sacramento, California

I left out one bye week option available to fans of "savoring" this start, but I'll also note that type of appreciation was communicated two years ago when the 2022 squad put together such a nice run. Jeff quite accurately points out the road ahead includes 12 more regular-season contests and five within the division.

Adofo-Mensah and his staff were able to work with coaches and identify good fits for the offense and defense who joined the squad at the start of free agency and as the signing period progressed. The moves maybe didn't capture complete fanfare, but they are gaining credit.

There's a continuum of problem solving required for front offices from one offseason to the next and a little bit of a different type within the season.

The depth shown during the win over the 49ers can be traced back to the end-of-season press conference Adofo-Mensah and O'Connell held to recap what happened in 2023.

Just wanted to say thanks for coming to London. It was just such a wonderful experience. You really made it feel like a home game. Met so many lovely people and my friends who came over from Portugal to see the game had such a great time, too.

Safe journeys home and let's hope this amazing start continues.

— Pete Domican in Welwyn Garden City, U.K.

Thanks to everyone we met in the United Kingdom for such tremendous hospitality and specifically to you and your friends who helped create such an incredible atmosphere at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Multiple people said that game was more like a Vikings home game than the three previous experiences in the London Games, which were also "so good, so good, so good," but the SKOL Drum and Gjallarhorn were nice touches. Every time I'm asked about the trip, I start by saying how incredible the atmosphere was.

It is great to see the sport we love continue to increase in popularity and participation.

The wife and I had a great time at the London Game with our fellow Vikings fans, to do the SKOL Chant was awesome, and although it was a scrappy win, a win is a win.

My question is although I really like Tyler Chandler — I think it's a question of time before he has a breakout game — I think that we need to add depth at the RB position.

What's your thought on bringing back the very underrated Jerick McKinnon. I loved him as a Viking and was sad to see him go. When on KC he contributed on every play with blocking and always seemed to get open out of the backfield.

I think he has to be worth a one-year prove it deal?

Skol!!

— Jim Alcock in Malvern, England

So glad you and your wife were able to attend the game and contribute to the awesome atmosphere.

We'll find out more about Jones' status this week when the injury report returns Wednesday through Friday.

After Jones, the Vikings have Chandler and Myles Gaskin, as well as fullback C.J. Ham. Minnesota also has running back Zavier Scott on its practice squad. Scott would be eligible to be elevated from the practice squad up to three times to add depth.

There's still plenty of us at the Vikings who enjoyed covering McKinnon. It was cool to see him have success with Kansas City, including a smart play at the end of Super Bowl LVII, after some injury-plagued time in San Francisco.

The 32-year-old has played in 116 regular-season games and 10 postseason contests, showing versatility as a runner, receiver and pass protector.

So glad, been waiting so many years — long time, but I think we have another Purple People Eaters team. Go Vikes. SKOL.

— Donald Hudson

And …

My question is why does it seem like the Vikings seem to play the second half in a prevent? Why wouldn't they just keep on the gas?

Seems like O'Connell runs out of plays. We have so many weapons you'd think he'd want to play with all of them.

— Sue from Forest Lake, Minnesota

And …

I've been a long-time fan of the Vikings since grade school; however, I was too young to enjoy the Purple People Eaters. Is the current Vikings defense on par with their talent and presence in the league? I don't want to discredit what O'Connell, Jefferson, Darnold and the rest of the offense have done to this point, but it really seems this team ebbs and flows along with the performance of the defense.

My follow-up question is: What is having the largest impact on the performance of our defense heading into the second half of the last two games (Green Bay & New York Jets)?

1. Is Flores' scheme too intense? The defense was "lights out" for the first three games; but even before the GB game they were reduced to walk-throughs in practice.

2. The inconsistency of our offense, leaving the defense on the field without rest? For some reason the offense struggles moving the ball early in the second half, and along with some miss plays from special teams, has really asked a lot from the defensive side.

3. Age of the players? It's been touted that the Vikings have an older average age when compared to the rest of the league. Even though I don't think this has much merit, harkening back to the scheme has these players playing "red hot" at the start of every game; and maybe halftime is actually too long of a rest leaving the players a bit rusty in the second half.

Thanks for your time and SKOL Vikings!

— PJ Dvorak

When you look at the roster the Purple People Eaters featured for more than a decade of dominance, the group presented Hall of Famers Alan Page, Carl Eller and Paul Krause, as well as should-be Hall of Famer Jim Marshall and 2024 Vikings Ring of Honor inductee Bobby Bryant. Beyond those names, there were so many players who made impacts in games again and again.

Most people believe Harrison Smith and Stephon Gilmore will be Canton-bound after wrapping their storied careers, so there is that. And similar to the PPE era, there are players across the roster and formations that have already made big differences on plays.

But the single biggest difference from the PPE era to this iteration is defensive players of yore lined up at pretty much the same spots before snaps. This current group moves around through the formation and implements so much disguise but plays fast and adjusts on the fly.

The Jets defense is good, but the Vikings defense was the best group on the field in Week 5.

Opponents can use halftime to try to alter their attacks based on what they've seen from Minnesota in a first half, and it's really difficult to completely stymie a foe.

As far as other teams having better success in the second halves the past two games, there are a few factors at play.

The Packers and Jets combined for 14 possessions after halftime. Green Bay scored touchdowns on three of its eight opportunities, but one of those was after a sack fumble that gave the Packers the ball at the Vikings 20-yard line.

New York scored one touchdown and one field goal on six opportunities, but the touchdown followed an interception that gave the Jets the ball at the Vikings 46, so two of the touchdowns against have been after drives that needed less than 50 yards.

I think turnovers/field position/momentum has combined into one of the major factors.

Item 2 mentioned by PJ also has a bit to do. Defenses don't get winded/give up plays when their offensive teammates are on the field.

Minnesota's offense has had 15 offensive possessions in the second halves of the past two games, and zero have lasted at least four minutes.

Has the window to win a championship opened for Minnesota? SKOL!

— Jesse in Pine Ridge, South Dakota

The Vikings like the foundation they've built and the team they've put together. I always lean toward cautious optimism, knowing how quickly things can turn and remembering 2016's 5-0 start and 3-8 results after a Week 6 bye.

This squad's depth has been tested and proven in multiple ways, and the team appears built for the challenges ahead.

The division is also shaping up to be as good as projected.

It is fantastic to be on top, but I want more!!! What is the outlook for next year? I know that we are light on draft capital and have a few players (and coaches) on expiring contracts. How is our salary cap situation? What is your crystal ball telling you about the future?

Thanks,

— Bill Dunn in Fairfield, Connecticut

PS: Kickoffs are boring. The league needs to add some more tweaks.

We wait so long for the return of the regular season and enjoy it while it's here, that I honestly don't spend much time thinking about next year. I also don't have a crystal ball, which will make the next 12 weeks much more interesting.

Friendly reminder, savor.

The Vikings, however, do have employees who develop the long-term vision and plan ahead, from potential expansions of salary cap, to the depth of draft classes in multiple years to come, to who is likely to be re-signed, to who may become available on the market.

The Vikings are lighter on draft capital, but Adofo-Mensah has created cap space for the years to come.

I'm not a cap-ologist and have never claimed to be, but overthecap.com has some information that is well reputed.

No two teams are ever completely the same from year to year, and this one has shown signs of being something special. I'd imagine there will be an interest in maintaining a strong core, even if it's impossible to bring back everyone.

As for the kickoffs, they haven't made the splash envisioned yet, but I think that could change as the season progresses, weather becomes more of a factor and teams may not be able to record touchbacks as frequently. I also expect the league will continue to evaluate the play and could be inclined to make more changes.

I have been a Vikings fan since they were added to the NFL in 1961. The '70s were fun to watch. Four Super Bowls and no wins.

Perhaps this is the year we win it all.

Always an optimist. Go Vikings! Skol. Love O'Connell. Very innovative!

— Bob Geib (grew up in Minnetonka; now in St. Augustine, Florida)

P.S. I never miss a game. Wife is an avid fan. We have the NFL Package.

Love that you've been able to stay connected to the Vikings, even if your latitude has changed considerably.

Maybe you can make the short trip up the coast to Jacksonville in November?

Good job, Kwesi, on free agent signings and money we will have this year coming up, but is there any kind of way we can get more draft picks? Maybe trade first-round, move back, pick up some?

Question: Why aren't we involving the tight end more?

— Warren

And …

I just want to add my 2 cents. Our defense has actually won our first 5 games. I am no expert, but too many long passes. Our tight ends were open too many times, and of course without Jones out of the backfield, but maybe time to throw more shorter passes to running backs or others.

— Jeffrey Wizner

At this rate, the Vikings are not tracking to have a high first-round pick in 2025. File that in the good problem to have category because it's based on how well this year's team is doing.

A compensatory pick (projected as a third-round pick for the departure of Kirk Cousins) is likely heading Minnesota's way, so that will help some. There's also the recent success the Vikings have had with signing undrafted free agents.

As for involving tight ends more, there were a few sentiments asking about that in the inbox. Johnny Mundt (nine catches for 75 yards and a touchdown on 13 targets) and Josh Oliver (four catches for 37 yards and a touchdown on five targets) have contributed while filling in during Hockenson's recovery.

It seemed like there were a couple of plays against the Jets where the ball could have gone the direction of either player. Hockenson will add another dynamic element to the attack.

Game plans will continue to evolve from week to week.

Are the Vikings going to be fully prepared for the Detroit Lions? I want a revenge game for T.J. and show the world that we are the No. 1 team in NFL.

— Anthony Smith

It remains to be seen if Hockenson will make his return in Week 7 against the Lions, Week 8 at the Rams or Week 9 against the Colts, but the Vikings opting to open his 21-day window on the Friday practice (Oct. 4) before the win in London means a player with 155 catches for 1,479 yards and eight touchdowns through his first 25 games as a Viking is close to returning.

As far as being fully prepared, it's hard to imagine the Vikings not knowing the significance of hosting the defending division champs who swept Minnesota late last season.

There's rust vs. rest whenever a team comes off a bye, but lack of focus won't be an issue.

To this point in the season, the two extremes: Kicker's grade, A. Punt coverage, D.

Just thoughts from someone clueless about the intricacies of punt returning. Hard to comprehend why when beat or the coverage player is even you try blocking him. Breaks your stride and slows you down. Just focus on trying to run and regain position on the coverage man. Probably worst case. Returner is aware or senses the situation and has to fair catch. Your responsibility then becomes insuring if a muffed catch occurs you are in position for a recovery. How many punts have had blocking behind the back penalty? It feels like at least once a game.

Even when no blocking penalty it seems like there is a crowd of punt coverage people surrounding Brandon Powell.

Return team needs to be more aware of where the returner is. We were fortunate that the ball hit the Jets coverage player.

On the positive side was Trent Sherfield's great coverage in downing the punt inside the 5.

Hopefully during the bye week, the special teams coaches have identified the whys and implement a process to make this group special.

Victory over the LIONS. SKOL!!!!

— Noel in Bayfield, Wisconsin

And …

I'm a long-time Vikings fan from a Packers household really enjoying this year.

The only thing that gives me pause is the punt unit, kicking and receiving.

What are the coaches saying they will focus on to improve this group.

Skol!

— Tim Rarick

Let's start with a shout out to Will Reichard, who has opened his career 9-for-9 on field goals, with three from 50-plus and a Vikings rookie record 58-yarder, as well as 16-for-16 on extra points.

It seemed like there was room for improvement to give Powell more room to cleanly catch punts. That's kind of harrowing because a special teams mistake can loom large in shifting momentum (Green Bay just before halftime ring a bell?).

Love the play that Sherfield made and what he's added as a solid teammate, willing to do dirty work on offense and give all-out hustle on special teams.

Punter Ryan Wright has placed 11 of 20 punts inside the opponents' 20-yard line and has worked with the coverage team to net 42.3 per punt, which tied for 15^th entering Week 6. The 11 punts inside the 20 tied for fifth entering Week 6.

We'll hear from Special Teams Coordinator Matt Daniels on Tuesday.

At home, I was sitting and pondering about the London game. While reading the plays on the laptop I thought of something from my youth. I remembered all the times I sat and listened to the Twins on the radio. Doing a quick search and finding a station streaming it, I tuned it in right at the time of the pick 6 touchdown. Wow, what a jump start. My shout out is to KFAN, 100.3-FM radio Minneapolis/St. Paul. By listening to that station, it made me feel like I was actually sitting in the stadium. It was exciting, and I thought my blood pressure would shoot through the roof listening to each play. Again, a shout out to KFAN. Thanks for the great job on the radio. BTW, my blood pressure is back down too normal until the next game.

SKOL,

— Jerry in Ohio

Every week, we publish the how to watch/listen/stream article because broadcast distribution of our games can be quite different.

It was disappointing to hear during and after the game that some people could not get the Jets game via NFL Network or in the Twin Cities on KARE-11.

Glad that you were able to find the radio broadcast. Paul Allen, Pete Bercich, (usually Ben Leber, although he worked that game for Westwood One) and the behind-the-scenes folks put so much into trying to deliver fans vivid descriptions in an informative and entertaining way.

We also always welcome fans to join the live chat on Vikings.com each week to supplement their game day.