A week after a brutal Sunday Night loss to the Atlanta Falcons, the Vikings bounced back in historic fashion in a get-right game against the Bengals. While the offense was steady, the defense was the real story of the day with two defensive touchdowns, a Metellus interception, and a meager 10 points allowed. Here are five major takeaways from the massive performance on Sunday.
Isaiah Rodgers Makes History
Instead of burying the lede, let’s start with Isaiah Rodgers in what was a performance that will be immortalized in Minnesota Vikings history. After an 87-yard pick-six early in the game, the cornerback followed up the outstanding play with a fumble recovery for a touchdown. Rodgers also forced another fumble later in the game, had a huge pass breakup against Tee Higgins on a deep ball, and only allowed a single completion into his coverage all day. This performance earned him a 99.9 PFF grade, which marks the first time any player has gotten a perfect PFF grade in the history of PFF. Rodgers was humble about the game afterwards, but there’s no denying that he was the difference maker in this one.
Darrisaw is a Superstar
We probably already knew this, but it’s nice to be reminded that Christian Darrisaw is a franchise cornerstone that seems to get better every year. In a matchup with vaunted edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, Darrisaw allowed no sacks and only one pressure the entire game. Sure, he didn’t play too much in the second half thanks to the massive lead, but in his time on the field, he reminded us just how important he is to this team. With another big piece in Jordan Addison coming back next week, this offense should be exciting to watch in a much healthier state.
Wentz was Steady
Steady is the best word I can think of to describe Carson Wentz’s first game as the Vikings quarterback, and it’s exactly what the Vikings needed. He managed the game well, threw a touchdown to both T.J. Hockenson and Josh Oliver, and didn’t turn the ball over. There were a few passes that sailed on him, but his performance overall was that of a great backup quarterback. Next week will be more of a challenge against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but it will be interesting to see how he performs as he settles more into Kevin O’Connell’s system.
Will Reichard Also Made History
Something that went a little under the radar in the big win was Will Reichard’s booming 62-yard field goal to end the first half. The second-year kicker out of Alabama is now the Vikings’ record holder for longest FG made, and he’s only 24. On the season, Reichard has yet to miss a kick, which has been a huge deal considering the struggles he dealt with late in the year last season. The team will need him to continue to thrive as special teams has been a huge weapon this season for the Vikings.
The NFL is a Week-to-Week League
After the loss against the Falcons last week, the world seemed to be ending, and it was time to tank for Arch Manning. Still, here the Vikings are at 2-1, coming off a huge win and getting ready to fly out to Ireland to play against the Steelers. McCarthy’s injury was a setback, and the team’s poor performance against the Falcons is never something you want to see as a fan. And still, the season is young and the NFL is a rollercoaster of emotions. The Packers lost to the Browns this week, and the very Falcons team that dismantled the Vikings a week ago lost 30-0 to the Carolina Panthers. It’s a week-to-week league, and the season is much too long to get too caught up in every little setback. I’m excited for the Steelers game and intrigued to see how this season unfolds as the team continues to grow as a unit.
