Minnesota Vikings Week 8 Suprelatives

It’s been a few days since the Minnesota Vikings very disappointing game against the Los Angeles Rams. The game was another example of all things wrong with the NFL’s idiotic scheduling of Thursday night games. Factoring in travel, the Vikings had about two days to gameplan for a Rams team that was suddenly getting receivers Cooper Kupp and Pakua Nakua back on the field. Sure. Both teams had to play on a meager three days rest but only one team had to spend one of those days traveling halfway across the country. Anyway, the Vikings had opportunities in the 30-20 loss. They just didn’t make the most of them. It didn’t help that the officials missed a facemask that the entire world easily saw. That mind-numbing missed call took away the Vikings final opportunity with about 1:30 still to play. It was still a long-shot but I like Justin Jefferson against Rams defensive backs that rarely slowed him. The officials decided this game. Here are a couple of players that did what they could to prevent the Vikings from losing their second game in five days. 

Offensive Player of the Game

Justin Jefferson, WR

Justin Jefferson was excellent. Again. 

8 catches

115 yards

If Sam Darnold had targeted Jefferson more than nine times, maybe the Vikings win this game. Only one pass intended for Jefferson didn’t end up in those brilliant hands. With the ball at the Rams five-yard line, Darnold fired a shot through the end zone. Between the three players covering Jefferson and the abbreviated space of the end zone, there was really no chance. Whenever Jefferson was targeted, the Vikings sailed down the field. He needed at least 15 targets in this game. By comparison, the Rams targeted Nakua nine times on about half as many snaps. 

Defensive Player of. The Game

Blake Cashman, LB

Last week was a rough two games for the defense. After stifling their first five opponents, the Detroit Lions and Rams had some success against the Vikings defense. Linebacker Blake Cashman missed both games. He’d played brilliantly in the first five games. He was clearly missed the last two games. Hopefully, he’s back this week against the Indianapolis Colts.

Special Teams Player of the Game

Will Reichard, K

Will Reichard was excellent. Again. The rookie kicker has yet to miss a kick. He’s perfect on field goals. He’s perfect on extra points. Against the Rams, he was successful on both extra point attempts and two field goals (23,35). If those two short field goals were the touchdowns they needed to be, the Vikings probably win this game.