Snap Reactions after Panthers-Vikings
Dustin Baker
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Oct 17, 2021
From a suggestion by a reader, we author a “snap reactions” weekly piece detailing thoughts and analysis after a Minnesota Vikings game.
This will be off-the-cuff, a wee bit “random,” and hopefully insightful.
- If the Vikings somehow reach the postseason with their murderous schedule, they will have all the close-game experience imaginable. Outside of the second half against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 3, every game has been dripping with anxiety.
- On kicker Greg Joseph, it’s back to the drawing board for wondering if the man has what it takes to hit big kicks deep in the heart of the season or the playoffs. His miss from 47 yards today that would’ve won the game isn’t inexcusable — it was a long kick — but most kickers will say they should make those. Always kicker drama for the Vikings. Always.
- Oli Udoh had a rough showing in Week 6, but teams don’t normally bench a guy after one miserable outing. He probably deserves another shot to make amends. But if the doldrums continue, the Vikings have rookie Wyatt Davis chomping at the bit for playing time.
- Kirk Cousins is on pace to throw for 5,012 passing yards, 37 touchdowns, and six interceptions. Some ardent Vikings fans don’t think that’s good enough for franchise quarterback material. Think about that. Like — really think about that.
- Unbelievably, the blocked punt returned for a touchdown by the Panthers turned out to be a galvanizing moment for the Vikings. Can’t write this stuff in Hollywood screenplays.
- The early-game momentum for Minnesota was gutted by Justin Jefferson’s fumble. He certainly doesn’t deserve to be skewered for the folly, but his mistake kickstarted the Vikings woes. Even the best players make gaffes.
- K.J. Osborn solidified himself as the team’s WR3 about five weeks ago. Today, he wrote his name next to ‘WR3’ on the depth chart in blood. Cold blood.
- The Vikings sure love that C.J. Ham little handoff on 3rd and 1 and 4th and 1. It works.
- Adam Thielen makes catches Vikings fans are so “used to” but are totally unheard of for other players and teams. His touchdown against the Panthers was mind-boggling. In a good way.
- Christian Darrisaw is going to be very good. And if you ever see Rashod Hill stealing his snaps again this season, you should riot.
- Sunday’s game was the first time since 1988 four Vikings players tallied 70+ receiving yards apiece. Now and then, Cousins is foolishly accused of targeting Thielen and Jefferson singularly. Like many others, the narrative is made up. Cousins made a name for himself via ball distribution with the Washington Football Team.
- Until the last part of the 4th Quarter, Sam Darnold was awful. Hopefully the Vikings soaked it in — Dak Prescott, Lamar Jackson, Justin Herbert, and Aaron Rodgers are up next.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sally from Minneapolis. His Viking fandom dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doors (the band).
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