First Familiar Foe for Vikings Is a Fun One
The Minnesota Vikings play the New York Giants in Week 1 on the road before coming home against the San Francisco 49ers. From there, though, things get exciting with a Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans. That could have been intriguing due to C.J. Stroud’s play as a rookie, but with Stefon Diggs in the picture, it takes on new importance.
First Familiar Foe for Vikings Is a Fun One
For the first five years of his professional career, the Minnesota Vikings employed Stefon Diggs. Something of a draft gem as a fifth-round pick, Diggs quickly ascended to becoming among the best wide receivers in the NFL. He was an elite option for Mike Zimmer’s offense and was able to generate production regardless of who was under center.
Of course, the most mystical moment of Diggs’ career came against the New Orleans Saints in the Minneapolis Miracle ballgame. The way he hauled in Case Keenum’s pass, kept his balance, and raced to the end zone, walking things off for Minnesota, will never be forgotten. His helmet throw created an immediately iconic picture, and regardless of how things ended here, that is a moment that will forever live on.
Forcing his way out following discontentment in usage, Diggs thought he’d find greener pastures in Buffalo. The situation turned into a coup for the Vikings as part of the return, which included the avenue in which Justin Jefferson was drafted. He not only replaced Diggs but has gone on to become the NFL’s best wide receiver.
Now again, with a new team following a breakdown with the Bills, Minnesota will get an early first-hand look at how things work with the Texans. C.J. Stroud took over for the since-departed Deshaun Watson and immediately became the best rookie passer in the NFL. Working with Tank Dell and Nico Collins, he helped to elevate the wide receivers around him. Diggs should be expected to provide another level above that, but how he can fit in with many mouths to feed remains to be seen.
A year ago, the Texans were something of a surprise team in football. Not expected to do a ton with Stroud just getting his feet wet, they came out and consistently won big games en route to a first-place finish in the AFC South. DeMeco Ryans looked to be an incredible hire, and the team quickly took to his leadership while finding ways to win despite the odds often not being in their favor.
Vikings fans will get to see Diggs back where it all started, and they’ll have a challenge on their hands if beating the Texans is in the cards that day.
Former Vikings outside linebacker Danielle Hunter also now plays for the Texans.
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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