Minnesota Vikings Week 14 Superlatives

With their 42-21 win over the Atlanta Falcons, the Minnesota Vikings enjoyed their best offensive output of the season in Week 14. Despite waiting until the second half to really get rolling, it was great to see. There had been too many close wins over the last six weeks. It was somewhat relaxing to watch the Vikings coast to a victory. Here are some of the players that made the somewhat relaxing win possible. 

Offensive Players of the Game

Sam Darnold, QB

Justin Jefferson, WR

Jordan Addison, WR

The statistics of the Vikings three offensive stars tell the story. 

Sam Darnold’s game:

22 attempts

28 completions

347 yards

5 TDS

Justin Jefferson’s game:

7 catches

132 yards

2 TDs (12, 52)

Jordan Addison’s game:

8 catches

133 yards

3 TDs (49,11,6)

Addison’s first quarter 49-yard touchdown started the offensive explosion. Jefferson’s 12-yard touchdown ended the first half. The trio really got cooking in the second half. The Falcons defense had no answers. 

Defensive Players of the Game

Joshua Metellus, DB, LB, DL

Byron Murphy Jr., CB

The Vikings defense gave up nearly 500 yards. That wasn’t great. The best thing the defense did was keep the Falcons out of the end zone. The defense only gave up two touchdowns. They turned the Falcons over on downs twice. They also intercepted Kirk Cousins twice. Joshua Metellus got one in the first half. Byron Murphy Jr. got a big one at the one-yard line in the fourth quarter as the Falcons were driving for a momentum-changing touchdown. For their interceptions, Metellus and Murphy are defensive players of the game.

Special Teams Players of the Game

Brian Asamoah, Kick Coverage

C.J. Ham, Kick Coverage

The turning point of the game came in the fourth quarter after the Vikings had scored to take a 28-21 lead. On the kickoff following the score, Brian Asamoah knocked the ball out of Ray-Ray McCloud’s hands and C.J. Ham recovered at the Falcons 32-yard line. Seven plays later, the Vikings were in the end zone. Just like that, a 21-21 game was suddenly 35-21.