Minnesota Vikings Week 3 Superlatives

The Minnesota Vikings gave away another game. This one to the Los Angeles Chargers. Enough with the self-inflicted mistakes. Through those mistakes, some Vikings players managed to shine. They happen to be the same three players that shined in the Week 1 and Week 2 losses. This exercise has become very redundant. 

Offensive Player of the Game

Justin Jefferson, WR

Again. Justin Jefferson was the best player on the field. Keenan Allen was terrific. He caught more passes and gained more yards. He even threw for a touchdown. Nearly all of his catches were within a couple yards of the line of scrimmage. Jefferson was better. He tightens his grip on title of “best receiver in the league” with each week. He’s arguably the best player in the league. 150 receiving yards have become routine. He just has to get in the end zone more often.

His game:

7 catches, 149 yards, 1 TD (52 yards)

Jefferson’s incredible start to the season has overshadowed Kirk Cousins’ incredible start to the season. He leads the league in attempts, completions, passing yardage, and touchdowns. His two interceptions bounced off the hands/chest of his receivers. Both in the end zone. 

If only the Vikings could put an end to the damn self-inflicted mistakes. 

Defensive Player of the Game

Danielle Hunter, OLB

Again. Danielle Hunter was again the Vikings most disruptive defensive player. The Vikings blitzed Justin Herbert on nearly every drop back. The Chargers mostly neutralized that blitz with quick releases to very short routes. Of Herbert’s 40 completions, only a handful were deeper than 10 yards. Nearly all were within a couple yards of the line of scrimmage. Hunter was the only Vikings pass rusher to get a sack. It was a strip sack as he slapped the ball out of Herbert’s hand. Hunter is among the league leaders with five sacks. He needs some pass rushing help. He needs Marcus Davenport to get on the field and stay on the field.

Special Teams Player of the Game

Ryan Wright, P

Again. Ryan Wright punted three times for 145 yards. None were returned. He put one out of bounds at the Chargers six-yard line. He nearly pinned a second deep but it bounced into the end zone. The third was also a touchback. Wright’s been punting great.