Minnesota Vikings Week 4 Superlatives

The Minnesota Vikings jumped all over the Green Bay Packers in the first half on Sunday. 28-7 at the half, should’ve been 28-0. The Packers rallied. The Vikings held. 31-29. The score looks like a thriller but the Vikings were in charge throughout. Here are some of the players that helped make the big division win possible and keep the Vikings undefeated on the season. 4-0 is nice. 

Offensive Players of the Game

Aaron Jones, RB

Aaron Jones didn’t get into the end zone. He didn’t get his post-touchdown Lambeau Leap. He did get a post-win leap into the stands. Jones was a fixture in Green Bay since 2017. Minnesota is his home now and he was fantastic against his former team.

22 carries

93 yards

4 catches

46 yards

139 yards from scrimmage

In a very short time, Aaron Jones has impacted the Vikings on and off the field. 

Jordan Addison, WR

Welcome back Jordan Addison. He’s missed the last two games with the ankle injury that took him out of the first game. The Vikings clearly managed without him. Jalen Nailor filled in well. Addison is a very different sort of receiver. He’d be the #1 receiving option on so many teams. He’s a difference-maker.

Against the Packers:

3 catches

72 yards

1 touchdown (29 yards)

1 carry

7 yards

1 touchdown

He’s just getting started. Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison are a deadly duo.

Defensive Player of the Game

Byron Murphy, Jr., CB

With the strong outside coverage play of Stephon Gilmore and Shaquill Griffin, opponents have often targeted Byron Murphy Jr. Packers quarterback Jordan Love did a bit of that on Sunday. The 28-7 halftime lead in Lambeau didn’t feel safe. Jordan Love is a terrific quarterback. Matt LaFleur is a terrific coach. They were sure to come back. Two of the biggest defensive stops that stifled that comeback attempt were made by Murphy. With 6:13 to play in the game, he intercepted Love in the end zone. At the time, it felt like that might do it. Nope. He had to do it again. With 4:27 to play, he popped the ball from Packers tight end Tucker Kraft and Camryn Bynum recovered. If not for those two defensive stops by Murphy, the Vikings might be wondering how they blew a 28-0 lead. 

Special Teams Player of the Game

Will Reichard, K

Rookie kicker Will Reichard continues to be a revelation. He was perfect again on Sunday. For the season, he’s made all 20 of his kicks. 

14/14 on extra points

6/6 on field goals

Against the Packers:

4/4 on extra points

1/1 on field goals

I can’t say this enough, for the first time in a long time I don’t fear Vikings kick attempts. Thank you, Will Reichard.