Minnesota Vikings Week 9 Superlatives

In a complete team performance, the Minnesota Vikings defeated the Detroit Lions in Week 9. It was such a team performance, that it’s impossible to select single players of the game. So, I’ll go with the players that returned to the field for this big game. 

Offensive Players of the Game

J.J. McCarthy, QB

Christian Darrisaw, OT

Brian O’Neill, OT

The Vikings offense looked a whole lot different with their starting offensive tackles. A jacked-up schedule with a couple international games and a short week have made it difficult to get Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill on the field at the same time. Both are navigating recovery and maintenance of knee injuries. With a variety of logistics due to scheduling, it’s been difficult. The Vikings need Darrisaw and O’Neill on the field. 

It’s also different having the starting quarterback on the field. J.J. McCarthy’s play against the Lions is the baseline I hoped he bring to this season. He had some brilliant moments. He also had some throws he’d like back. He’ll learn from that. He’s a gamer. He’s the quarterback the Vikings have been looking for since Fran Tarkenton retired following the 1978 season. With the way he played on Sunday as his floor, the Vikings will be in the division chase with J.J. McCarthy on the field. 

Defensive Player of the Game

Andrew Van Ginkel, OLB

Prior to Sunday, Andrew Van Ginkel had only played in the season-opener against the Chicago Bears and a handful of plays against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 3. Through seven games, a neck injury had kept him off the field nearly all of those games. He’s been missed. He’s a versatile, problem-solver for the Vikings defense. The strength of the defense is its versatility and it’s versatile because of Van Ginkel. His presence against the Lions rejuvenated everyone. It was great to see #43 finally back on the field. 

Special Teams Player of the Game

Myles Price, Returner

Levi Drake Rodriguez, DL

Myles Price set the offense up nicely on their first possession with a 61-yard return. The officials took away an even better return at the end of the third quarter. Price returned a kick for a 99-yard touchdown return. The officials took it away with a very suspect holding call. He’s going to get one this season that isn’t called back.

The play of the game might be the fourth quarter field goal block by Levi Drake Rodriguez. With 6:29 to play, the Lions were looking to cut the Vikings lead to four with a 45-yard field goal. Instead Rodriguez got a hand on the kick and Isaiah Rodgers returned it 41 yards to the Lions 26-yard line. It was a significant momentum flip. In a game decided by three points, it also provided the winning margin.