Minnesota Vikings Week 3 Superlatives

The Minnesota Vikings defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday 23-16. Offensively, it wasn’t pretty. The defense and special teams carried the Vikings to the win and a 3-0 start to the season. Here are some of the players that made the big win possible. 

Offensive Player of the Game

Jordan Addison, WR

Jordan Addison has had a slow start to the season. With Justin Jefferson departing early in the first quarter with an ankle injury, the Vikings really needed Addison to get untracked. He did.

5 catches 

90 yards

1 TD

On the Vikings only offensive touchdown drive of the game, Addison had 71 of the 73 yards. The final 41 was the touchdown. If Kyler Murray had been a bit more accurate with his throws, Addison would’ve had an even bigger game. Including another long touchdown. 

Defensive Player of the Game

Eric Wilson, LB

Once again, this Vikings defense had several contenders for Defensive Player of the Game honors. Eric Wilson was a game-long menace against the Buccaneers. 10 tackle and 1.5 sacks. He made plays behind the line of scrimmage, at the line of scrimmage, and in coverage. 

Wilson may have gotten away with couple facemask penalties. In his defense, they looked more like touches of the facemask rather than grabs. 

Special Teams Player of the Game

Myles Price, Returner

Finally. Myles Price took a kick a back for a touchdown. I believed that he’d get one last season as a rookie. He didn’t. His 68-yard kick return against the Packers in Week 1 kick-started that great comeback. His 86-yard punt return score against the Buccaneers got the Vikings off to a hot start. Those seven points ended up being the difference in the game. 

Special Teams Honorable Mention:

Will Reichard, K

With the way that the Vikings offense has struggled through three games, Will Reichard might be the team’s MVP after the entire defense. He scored all of the points in last week’s 9-3 win over the Chicago Bears. He scored 11 of the 23 points on Sunday against the Buccaneers. He’s the best kicker in the league and one of the most impactful football players on the Vikings.