The Vikings Have a Groundhog Day Problem
It’s the same thing — every week. No exceptions.
The Minnesota Vikings turn the ball over in the 1st Quarter of every game. This is not an exaggeration.
The Vikings Have a Groundhog Day Problem
Then, the team plays catch up, to little avail, while fans wait and hope that the ship can be righted during the game or, afterward, pray the turnover problem is fixed for the following week.
And then nothing ever changes.
Without any hyperbole whatsoever, have a look at Minnesota’s 1st Quarter follies,
Week 1
vs. Tampa Bay
Time: 1st Quarter | 4:58 on clock
Culprit: Kirk Cousins | Fumble
Expectations were somewhat high, as many didn’t believe the Baker Mayfield-led Buccaneers would be any good in 2023. And out of the gate, Cousins was sacked, and this atrocity occurred.
The Vikings lost by three points, with this fumble as perhaps the main game-changer.
Week 2
at Philadelphia
Time: 1st Quarter | 2:58 on clock
Culprit: Alexander Mattison | Fumble
Minnesota likely wasn’t on its way to defeating the Eagles on the road, but this fumble set the tone for a forgettable Thursday night.
The Vikings lost by six points, with this fumble as perhaps the main game-changer.
Week 3
vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Time: 1st Quarter | 8:32 on clock
Culprit: T.J. Hockenson | Fumble
Think the turnover bug was fixed? Nope. It became worse, in fact, with this Hockenson gaffe.
The Vikings lost by four points, with this fumble as perhaps the main game-changer.
Week 4
at Carolina
Time: 1st Quarter | 10:27 on clock
Culprit: Kirk Cousins | Interception
This play didn’t ruin the Vikings afternoon, but it probably should have if the Panthers were semi-competent. Cousins authored his worst play of 2023 on this transaction.
The Vikings won by eight points and might’ve lost if the Panthers weren’t one of the worst teams in the NFL.
Week 5
vs. Kansas City
Time: 1st Quarter | 14:50 on clock
Culprit: Josh Oliver | Fumble
After four games of 1st Quarter turnovers, nothing changed. TE2 Josh Oliver put the ball on the turf during the very first play.
The Vikings lost by seven points, with this fumble as perhaps the main game-changer.
A Pile of Bad News Awaits Vikings
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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