Minnesota Vikings Week 1 Superlatives

The Minnesota Vikings defeated the New York Giants on Sunday, 28-6. After the most comfortable win in five years, the Vikings are 1-0. Offense. Defense. Most of the special teams. It was very much a team win. While keeping the team win in mind, here are some of the players that helped make the comfortable win happen. 

Offensive Players of the Game

Sam Darnold, QB

Aaron Jones, RB

Darnold’s numbers:

19/24

208 yards

2 Touchdowns 

Jones’ numbers:

14 carries

94 yards

1 Touchdown

2 catches

15 yards

Sam Darnold completed his first 12 passes. He probably could’ve passed for over 300 yards if the game called for it. He did exactly what he needed to do. He was efficient. He was consistent. His well-guided 99-yard touchdown drive in the second quarter seemed to zap the Giants of any confidence they might’ve had. 

Last year, it took the Vikings nearly half the season to score their first rushing touchdown. This year, Aaron Jones scored the season’s first rushing touchdown with 3:50 to play in the first quarter. He averaged over 6.7 yards on his 14 carries. The Vikings had to run the ball better. This was a great first step in achieving that. 

Defensive Player of the Game

Andrew Van Ginkel, OLB

The Vikings defense was outstanding. They often made the Gaints offense look terrible. With a sack and spectacular pick-six, Andrew Van Ginkel had the highlights. His pick-six late in the third quarter made the score 28-6 and essentially sealed the win. 

Special Teams Player of the Game

Will Reichard, K

Rookie kicker Will Reichard made all four of his extra points. For the first time since Blair Walsh’s 2013 season, I wasn’t nervous about each kick. It’s a beautiful feeling to not have to worry about the Vikings kicker. Odds are that he will eventually miss a kick. For some reason, maybe it’s simple optimism, I already have confidence in this rookie. 

It’s interesting that all of the above players of the game are in their first year with the Vikings.