Vikings keep taking hits, keep winning

Lose QB Teddy Bridgewater, lose RB Adrian Peterson, lose LT Matt Kalil and all the Minnesota Vikings do is win.

They’re one of only two remaining undefeated NFC teams. On Monday night they try to go 4-0 against the visiting New York Giants at newly opened U.S. Bank Stadium.

As efficient and as clutch as newly acquired passer Sam Bradford has been, the Vikings are winning because of their defence.

The Vikes have pushed opposing teams backward 116 yards with their leagueleading 15 sacks, but pushed the ball forward on offence for just 153 yards, easily the league’s worst rushing total.

The Vikings offensive line is something of a mess. Injuries are largely to blame for its woeful performance.

“Well, when you get guys hurt it always makes it a little difficult with the communication,” Minnesota head coach Mike Zimmer said. “You see all across the league guys getting hurt and being out. We just have to figure out a way how we can win.”

Most league observers expected the Vikings defence to be good this season. Just maybe not this good. Allowing only 40 points total to Tennessee, Green Bay and Carolina is a helluva feat.

Zimmer, the team’s chief defensive strategist, is in his third year with the Vikings. Is schematic continuity a key factor?

“I think it definitely helps,” Zimmer said. “The terminology starts the same, the communication stays the same … We have good players that are good team guys. They care about doing things right.

“We definitely have not arrived. It’s a long season. We have to continue to play well.”

As for the 2-1 Giants, after a wretched pre-season their offence appears to be looking formidable again. That’s the most encouraging development under new head coach Ben McAdoo.

Quarterback Eli Manning finally has three playmaking wide receivers again — for the first time since 2011, the year they won their second Super Bowl this century.

In addition to their ubertalent, Odell Beckham Jr., Victor Cruz has returned from 22 months of rehabbing serious injuries to resume making huge plays in the clutch. And first-round rookie pick Sterling Shepard has been reliably outstanding.

“These guys can all run … stop-and-start guys. But they all have deep speed,” Zimmer said. “Shepard in the slot is very, very dangerous.”