Minnesota Vikings Week 3 Superlatives

The Minnesota Vikings dismantled a very talented Houston Texans in Week 3. 34-7 was the score and it wasn’t that close. As with the first two wins, the third win was very much a team win. As in those wins, it doesn’t feel right to single out individual players. Despite that, here are some of the players that played a big role in moving the Vikings to 3-0. 

Offensive Players of the Game

Sam Darnold, QB

Aaron Jones Sr., RB

As with Week 1, I’m going with the quarterback/running back duo. The Vikings dismantled and frustrated the Texans with an incredibly efficient offense. 

Darnold’s numbers:

17/28

181 yards

4 TDs (6,8,4,2)

No interceptions

When former Vikings pass rusher Danielle Hunter went low with a hit on Darnold’s knees, a collective hush came over the US Bank crowd. The concern for the quarterback was clear. The cheer that erupted when he returned to the game after missing a play was proof that Sam Darnold has won over the Vikings fans. It took him less than three games to accomplish it. 

Jones’ numbers:

19 carries

102 yards

5 catches 

46 yards

1 TD (8)

Aaron Jones Sr. was terrific. The Vikings have done so much right in winning their first three games. One of the most important is a productive run game. For the first time in Kevin O’Connell’s two-plus years with the team, the Vikings are running the ball well. Jones is a big reason for that. His addition has been huge.

Defensive Player of the Game

Jonathan Greenard, OLB

The coaching of the defensive coaches and the play of the defensive players has been so much fun to watch. No offense to a very efficient and effective offense, the Vikings defense has probably been the biggest reason of the 3-0 start. It’s a team defense. It was a dominating team defense against the Texans. It doesn’t feel right to single out one defensive player. I will single out Jonathan Greenard for his play against his former team. 

3 sacks

4 tackles

3 tackles for loss

Greenard was a game-long menace. It was tough to lose Danielle Hunter this past offseason. He’ll always be one of my favorite Vikings players. Greenard is a much better fit in Brian Flores’ defense. 

Special Teams Player of the Week

Will Reichard, K

This one’s easy. Will Reichard has yet to miss a kick this season. He’s perfect on 10 extra point attempts. He’s perfect on five field goal attempts. He’s only been close to missing on one of the 15 attempts. That was his 58-yarder against the Texans. It doinked off the right upright and still got through. For the first time since the Ryan Longwell years, I don’t fear Vikings kick attempts.