If not for a few mind-numbing, avoidable mistakes, the Minnesota Vikings would’ve rolled the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday night. With those few mind-numbing, avoidable mistakes, the Vikings controlled the game and came out of it with a decisive 21-13 win. Here are some of the players that made the win possible.
Offensive Player of the Game
Justin Jefferson, WR
It feels like a rare occurrence when Justin Jefferson isn’t the Vikings offensive player of the game. Sam Darnold threw three touchdown passes. None went to Jefferson. It was about the only thing he didn’t do.
7 catches
137 yards
He nearly got a touchdown on a 41-yard play. He was tackled at the Colts 1-yard line. Half of his catches were of the 20+-yard variety. When targeted, every play was a mismatch. Jefferson also added a 22-yard toss to Aaron Jones.
Defensive Player of the Game
Harrison Smith, S
The offense scored the three touchdowns to win this game on the scoreboard. In reality, the defense won this game. It was very much a team defense that won this game. The Colts never took an offensive snap in the red zone. While there wasn’t a singular player that led the defense, I’m going with Harrison Smith for a couple clutch plays that denied receptions and clutch first downs in the second half and a fumble recovery in the first half. Perhaps we’re talking about a disappointing loss if not for those clutch defensive plays.
Special Teams Player of the Game
Justin Jefferson, WR
If not for some sort of leg injury, this would’ve gone to kicker Will Reichard. Again. He clearly wasn’t feeling right as he was limping after nearly every kick. He missed two field goals and made three extra points. The two missed field goals were his first misses of the season. Hopefully, the injury isn’t a long-time thing.
With Reichard’s injury keeping him from doing what he does, I’m going with Justin Jefferson for Special Teams Player of the game. In addition to his strong play on offense, he recovered the onside kick attempt that sealed the Vikings win.
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