Does Jordan Addison Have Something to Prove Sunday?
The Minnesota Vikings head to face off against the Carolina Panthers this weekend, and both teams are looking for their first win. While Kevin O’Connell’s squad no longer employs Adam Thielen, it might be a prime opportunity for his replacement, Jordan Addison, to make a statement.
Does Jordan Addison Have Something to Prove Sunday?
Last season, the Minnesota Vikings employed longtime fan favorite Adam Thielen alongside superstar Justin Jefferson. Thielen is a self-made talent who rose to stardom after his well-documented road as a walk-on for Minnesota State Mankato. While he had plenty of great seasons with the Vikings, 2022 wasn’t really among them. In his place, the Vikings now have Jordan Addison.
Starting all 17 games for first-year head coach Kevin O’Connell, Thielen’s 716 yards were the fewest he has ever had in a full season since emerging as a starting talent. It was evident he had lost a step, and his ability to separate from opposing cornerbacks had all but evaporated. Still with strong hands, he took his talents to Carolina in hopes of again being viewed as a top wideout.
For Minnesota, the separation was bittersweet. Obviously losing the fan-favorite is less than ideal, but keeping him at the same cap number was never going to happen. Instead of finding a way to restructure the deal, the Vikings instead opted for fresh blood by drafting rookie Jordan Addison with their first-round draft pick.
Having initially begun his tenure on the depth chart behind veteran K.J. Osborn, it has become quickly apparent that Addison is plenty talented on his own. Lining up opposite Jefferson, Addison has been able to draw coverage and present opportunities for quarterback Kirk Cousins. He has two touchdowns to his credit and has hauled in 13 of his 19 targets thus far.
The former USC standout has a high water mark of 72 yards this season, and making a mark in a game against Thielen could be something of an exciting opportunity. You can bet the former Vikings star will be looking to build on his solid performance last week against the Seattle Seahawks, but Addison could find himself being a focal point for the Vikings.
Through three weeks, each of Minnesota’s opponents have allowed Jefferson to top the century mark. If the Panthers sell out against the Vikings top option, then both Addison and tight end T.J. Hockenson will be expected to step up and carry the load. It is that exact scenario in which Addison was drafted, and being able to thrive in the spot is something that Thielen was unable to do just a year ago.
After his playing career, there is zero question about whether Thielen’s number will be placed in the Minnesota Ring of Honor. On Sunday, though, the Vikings will be looking to best the former fan-favorite’s team, and having Addison display somewhat of a coming-out party in the role he vacated would be nice vindication for the draft process.
Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes weekly for Twins Daily. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.
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