Vikes Views: Sunday King – Packers At Vikings

Man I love when they beat the Packers. The Minnesota Vikings gave us a scare with the slow start to the game. That sinking feeling was helped along with the nasty hit that knocked out Kyler Murray for the game, and likely the next one. However, the team showed resilience and climbed back into the game. The closing quarter was a defensive masterpiece from Brian Flores. This team has some gumption.

Kevin O’Connell

This team could’ve easily fallen apart to boos at home. KOC has shown his system can work with just about anyone at QB. He once again maintained his composure after losing his starting QB. The offense ended the game with four straight touchdowns, granted only one drive was more than 30 yards. Finishing in the Red Zone and winning the turnover battle decided the game. KOC’s offense was efficient when opportunities presented themselves. The Vikings consistently finished drives with touchdowns instead of settling for field goals.

Brian Flores

You can’t mention the coaching staff without talking about Brian Flores. It was a rough start with the Packers starting the game with three straight scoring drives and a touchdown to end the first half. The Vikings defense settled down and only allowed three points in the 2^nd half. The 4^th quarter drive list for the Packers was Turnover on Downs, Fumble, Interception, Turnover on Downs. The defense handed the offense possessions at the Packers’ 1-yard line and 14-yard line. The inventive pressures were too much for the Packers’ OL and Jordan Love. It was as dominant as you’ll ever see a defense play a quarter.

Carson Wentz

It’s not easy to maintain focus around the constant attention JJ McCarthy and Kyler Murray received this offseason. Wentz put in the work and got ready to play, despite the distractions. He didn’t put up a ton of yards, mainly because he didn’t have to. Wentz wisely leaned on veterans Justin Jefferson and TJ Hockenson. Quick, efficient and professional game from Carson Wentz.

Justin Jefferson

It’s painfully obvious Jefferson was the only real weapon the Vikings had on Sunday. He caught just about everything that was thrown his way. Jefferson comes to play every Sunday and doesn’t complain about the constant QB carousel. He’s on this list almost every week and it’d be hard to justify leaving him off this week.

Myles Price

Price looked dangerous every time he returned a kick. There were a couple of shoe-string tackles that saved the Packers earlier in the game. His 61-yard return in the 3^rd quarter started the comeback. It was a huge momentum swing, and the offense was able to take advantage. You never know where the spark might come from, and price took advantage of the little bit of opportunity he was given.

Honorable Mentions:

Will Reichard – perfect as usual, is he already the GOAT Vikings kicker?

Andrew Van Ginkel – a lot of the defensive guys could be listed, but he had the fumble recovery on Love in the 4^th quarter.

Harrison Smith – just glad he’s playing again.