12 Snap Reactions after Vikings at Panthers
Dustin Baker
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From a suggestion by a reader, we continue our “snap reactions” weekly piece this season detailing thoughts and analysis after a Minnesota Vikings game.
12 Snap Reactions after Vikings at Panthers
This will be off-the-cuff, a wee bit “random,” and hopefully insightful.
The Vikings won 21-13 in Week 4 on the road against the Carolina Panthers, a season-saving triumph with the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs heading to the Twin Cities in one week. Minnesota moved to 1-3, third place in the NFC North.
1 – Harrison Smith logged 14 tackles, 3 sacks, 3 QB hits, and 2 tackles for loss. He — almost alone — is why the Vikings finally won a game after a playoff loss, three preseason failures, and an 0-3 record to start the regular season. Vintage Hitman.
2 – D.J. Wonnum’s fumble recovery touchdown arguably saved the Vikings season.
3 – Cam Akers played wonderfully, tallying 51 yards from scrimmage on 7 touches. Welcome to Minnesota.
4 – Don’t look now, but the Vikings defense only allowed 6 points on the road. Not bad. There is hope.
5 – Kirk Cousins’ touchdown pass to Justin Jefferson after the offside penalty — so, a free play — felt like the first time that’s worked to the tune of a touchdown for the Vikings in years.
6 – Jordan Addison had his first quiet game of the year, and of course, Minnesota decided it was time to actually win.
7 – The Vikings lost the time of possession battle 38 minutes to 21 — and they, along with most NFL teams, typically lose when that occurs. Phew.
8 – Marcus Davenport, alas, hit the field and promptly logged a sack, tackle for loss, and QB hit. This was the vision all along for his free-agent acquisition, so when he finally returned to health, it made sense that he was quite good.
9 – Opposing kickers continue to drill abnormally long field goals against the Vikings. It’s like a real-life curse. Eddie Pineiro connected from 56 yards because, of course, he did.
10 – Minnesota probably won’t defeat the Chiefs in seven days, but if nothing else, the win at Carolina inspires momentum for the team and its fans. After that, the Vikings have a date at Soldier Field with the reeling Chicago Bears, a team that collapsed against the Denver Broncos on Sunday.
11 – Alexander Mattison banked 95 yards on 17 carries, so perhaps declaring the man dead as an RB1 was premature. He also didn’t fumble — which helps.
12 – Kirk Cousins conducted his first meh game of 2023, and the Vikings decided it was time to win. Sometimes, you can’t make this stuff up.
One Viking Remains in Trade Rumor Mill
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 Sal Spice. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band).
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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