MINNEAPOLIS — The Houston Texans were on the verge of cutting into Minnesota's early 14-0 lead when they marched down the Vikings 25-yard line midway through the second quarter on Sunday.
However, facing a third-and-4, the Texans committed three straight false start penalties, including one by four-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil, to fall out of field goal range. The assist goes to the noise the home crowd created, prompting former Vikings great and Hall of Fame receiver Cris Carter to call Minnesota's home field advantage the best in the league.
"Vikings home crowd, is best home field advantage in NFL currently. Texans can’t run their offense. #SKOL," Carter posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
The Texans struggled mightily with penalties throughout the opening half, committing seven infractions for 40 yards — all on offense — to allow Minnesota to jump out to a 14-0 halftime lead.
The fans at U.S. Bank Stadium have been loud, and don't expect that to change if Minnesota can continue to make plays against the Texans.
Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson led the way in the first half with six catches for 81 yards a score. Quarterback Sam Darnold completed 10 of 16 passes for 122 yards and two touchdowns. Aaron Jones caught the other touchdown pass late in the first quarter to extend Minnesota's lead to 14-0.
