Minnesota Vikings Week 4 Superlatives

The Minnesota Vikings finally won a game. It took four weeks but the Vikings finally got their first win. They defeated the Carolina Panthers by the score of 21-13. Here are some of the players that helped make it happen.

Offensive Player of the Week

Justin Jefferson, WR

Justin Jefferson has set a ridiculously high bar for himself. His numbers against the Panthers:

6 catches

85 yards

2 touchdowns

By nearly every normal standard, that’s a good game. For Jefferson, it felt quiet. Kirk Cousins and the passing attack never seemed to get on track against the Panthers. The Vikings had only 44 offensive plays. Little on offense outside of Jefferson and a decent run game worked. 

Defensive Player of the Week

Harrison Smith, S

For the first time this season, a player other than Danielle Hunter is the Defensive Player of the Week. Harrison Smith was brilliant against the Panthers. His numbers:

14 tackles

3 sacks

3 QB hits

2 tackles for loss

1 forced fumble

Harrison Smith was a menace. His first sack forced a fumble that D.J. Wonnum returned for a touchdown. His final two sacks ended the Panthers final possession of a one-score game. This was the sort of game from Smith that I envisioned when Brian Flores was hired as defensive coordinator. More of this, please. 

Special Teams Player of the Week

Ryan Wright, P

As with Justin Jefferson, Ryan Wright has been the Special Teams Player of the Week each week this season. Perhaps arguably, he’s been the league’s best punter. Against the Panthers:

4 punts

216 yards

54 yards/punt

Long of 61

Perhaps the lone blemish to Wright’s game, Panthers punt returner (and former Vikings receiver) Ihmir Smith-Marsette returned three of the four punts for 35 yards. That’s a bit too much on returns. That’s more on the gunners missing the first tackle opportunity than Wright not punting the ball well enough.