The Vikings Top Offensive Performers at Dolphins, per PFF
Dustin Baker
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The Minnesota Vikings topped the Miami Dolphins in Week 6, 24-16, in a game where ex-Viking Teddy Bridgewater tried to exact some revenge on his old team but failed.
Minnesota’s offense played poorly for much of the 1st Half — and almost all of the 3rd Quarter — but did just enough not to fully disappoint. The Vikings defense played its best game of 2022, putting pressure on the aforementioned Bridgewater all day.
Ultimately, the Vikings survived the Dolphins, etching a record of 5-1 through six weeks, now sitting alone at the top because the Green Bay Packers have lost in back-to-back weeks to the New York Giants and New York Jets. Aye caramba.
On offense, these were the top performers per Pro Football Focus:
- Justin Jefferson (76.0)
- Adam Thielen (73.3)
- Brian O’Neill (71.6)
- Kirk Cousins (71.5)
- K.J. Osborn (61.5)
Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen didn’t outwardly produce monster days, but their showings were evidently enough for PFF to lead the pack. Jefferson tallied 6 receptions for 107 yards and no touchdowns during a game that felt “quiet” by his herculean standards. Still, Jefferson chipped off a 47-yard gain late in the 3rd Quarter with the game on the line.
Thielen only posted 4 catches for 36 yards and a touchdown. Such is life for Thielen nowadays, who isn’t showcased inside Minnesota’s offense like the 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, or 2021 seasons.
Brian O’Neill was the only member of the offensive line who actually looked good. Minnesota offensive trenches endured their worst outing of the year to date. Each player besides O’Neill graded below 60.0 per PFF — not ideal.
Kirk Cousins was the person besieged because of the OL tomfoolery, but he helped the Vikings find a way to win nevertheless. This has been the drill for Cousins and Minnesota all season — hence the 5-1 record. Cousins completed 20 passes on 30 tries for 175 yards and 2 paydirts. Not bad.
K.J.Osborn netted 3 receptions for 18 yards. He played 31 snaps in Week 6.
Even in victory, “the bad” must be highlighted, so these were the worst performers on offense:
3. Johnny Mundt (52.2)
2. C.J. Ham (50.0)
1. Irv Smith (46.9)
The Vikings travel home in two weeks for a date with the embattled Arizona Cardinals. Arizona’s head coach Kliff Kingsbury is firmly entering hot-seat territory as the Cardinals have a 2-4 record.
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Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. 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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