Minnesota Vikings Week 1 Superlatives

For nearly three-quarters of the game, the Minnesota Vikings did all they could to hand the Green Bay Packers a season-opening win. Over the final 20 minutes, the Vikings offense scored 29 points and the defense overwhelmed Jordan Love and the Packers offense. It made for a ridiculous, improbable 39-22 Vikings win. Here are some of the players that made thrilling win possible. 

Offensive Player of the Game

Justin Jefferson, WR

Justin Jefferson is the best receiver in the league. When the Vikings offense needed a play, it was Jefferson that provided one. For six years, that’s often been the case. 

8 catches

92 yards

2 TDs

1 2-pt Rec

Jefferson scored the Vikings first touchdown of the game and the last. 

Honorable Mention:

Carson Wentz, QB

The play of Carson Wentz has to be acknowledged. Packer stupidity and dirty play took out starting quarterback Kyler Murray with a concussion before the first quarter was done. That put Wentz on the field. His lack of practice snaps showed as he struggled with accuracy throughout the game but he made the plays he had to make. His gritty play guided an unlikely comeback. Three touchdown passes, no turnovers. 

Defensive Player of the Game

Dallas Turner, OLB

Entering his third season, a lot was expected of Dallas Turner. He was ready for this opportunity. The draft day-trade of Jonathan Greenard showed that the Vikings knew he was ready. Against the Packers, Turner showed that he was ready. 

10 QB Pressures

4 QB Hurries

4 QB Hits

1 Sack 

1 Forced Fumble

There weren’t a lot of Vikings players that played well throughout the game. Dallas Turner was one player that did. 

Special Teams Player of the Game

Myles Price, Returner

Myles Price showed last year as an undrafted rookie that he has some pop as a returner. His 68-yard, third quarter return was a spark the Vikings desperately needed. It gave the offense a short field and set up Carson Wentz’s 16-yard touchdown toss to T.J. Hockenson. That brought the Vikings to within five points of the Packers. 

Kick Returns:

5 returns

179 yards

Punt Returns

1 return

13 yards

The only thing missing from Myles Price’s 18 games as the Vikings returner is a touchdown return. I thought that he was going to get it yesterday but it’s coming.