WEEK SIXTEEN: Player of the Game
Adam Warwas
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The Vikings aren’t losing games in the same predictable fashion week-after-week like they did last year. Still, finding exciting new ways to lose football games doesn’t feel any better.
The Vikings had to fight a losing battle in Miami against the Dolphins, the bounce of the ball, and the officiating crew. They weren’t necessarily their own worst enemy in this one, but they were definitely in the top five as boneheaded mistakes certainly helped the Dolphins crawl out of an early 14-0 hole.
Past Winner’s of our weekly award:
WEEK ONE: Cordarrelle Patterson
WEEK TWO: Harrison Smith
WEEK THREE: Harrison Smith
WEEK FOUR: Teddy Bridgewater
WEEK FIVE: Harrison Smith
WEEK SIX: Linval Joseph
WEEK SEVEN: Everson Griffen
WEEK EIGHT: Anthony Barr
WEEK NINE: Everson Griffen
WEEK ELEVEN: Charles Johnson
WEEK TWELVE: Xavier Rhodes
WEEK THIRTEEN: Everson Griffen
WEEK FOURTEEN: Teddy Bridgewater
WEEK FIFTEEN: Xavier Rhodes
The nominations for Week Sixteen are…
TEDDY BRIDGEWATER: With a banjo string touchdown to Greg Jennings, Bridgewater quieted critics that are especially concerned with his arm strength, and put together another nice day at the helm of the Vikings offense. He completed 19 of 26 passes (73%) for 259 yards and two scores. He took a respectable four sacks behind a makeshift offensive line and his only turnover was really the fault of Matt Asiata, at least mostly. Bridgewater also ran five times for 13 yards.
JOHN SULLIVAN: For one of the first times this season, I think we must give some credit to the offensive line, particularly our steadfast center John Sullivan. The walls have been crumbling all around him, with starters M.I.A. to both the left and the right, and Matt Kalil continuing to earn the bust label. Despite some inconsistencies, this Miami defense was no small task for a hurting offensive line, and I think they performed admirably. My guess is that the leadership of Sullivan played a large part in that.
MATT ASIATA: Particularly in the first half, Norv Turner really turned this game into the Matt Asiata show, for some reason. Despite my snark, the decision paid dividends and Asiata should be recognized for his efforts. He ran the ball 16 times for 58 yards (3.6 yard average) his two rushing touchdowns made him a double-digit scorer on the season. He also added three catches for 19 yards.
GREG JENNINGS: The veteran caught all three of his targets for a team-leading 56 yards, including the beautiful touchdown pass from Teddy in the second quarter.
JARIUS WRIGHT: Wright also caught all three of his targets, with his touchdown coming late in the fourth quarter, and totaled 38 receiving yards. A nice 27 yard rushing attempt added to his already nice day.
HARRISON SMITH: After missing what was likely one of the easiest interceptions he’ll have offered up to him in his career, Smith made an amazing interception on a blitz of Ryan Tannehill that will forever be a part of his highlight reel. He tacked on five tackles for good measure.
OTHER: Hell, I don’t know, this game was bonkers… click “OTHER” and make your case in the comments section if you think I missed someone.