Oct 8, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) catches a pass for a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports.
The Minnesota Vikings have played two games this season. While they have won both, the second came without their second-best wide receiver, Jordan Addison. Kevin O’Connell has now seen his team compete without the second-year standout, but his return would substantially spark the offense.
Last week, Sam Darnold was able to best his former San Francisco 49ers team. He did so by spreading the ball around. Justin Jefferson raced for a 97-yard touchdown to draw the headlines, but Jalen Nailor also showed out. The WR3 caught an important pass down the hash marks to extend a drive and scored for the second straight week.
In total, Darnold split his 17 completions between six different pass catchers. Trent Sherfield Sr. and Brandon Powell, who are traditionally buried on the depth chart, got in on the action as well. The Vikings haven’t had a true three-wide tandem for some time, and Nailor looks like he could elevate well above what K.J. Osborn was able to provide.
Should Addison be ready for Minnesota, the Houston Texans will have their hands full. That’s saying a lot for a team that employs Tank Dell, Nico Collins, and Stefon Diggs. That group may be on par with what Minnesota brings to the table, but that means DeMeco Ryans’ defense has to stop a prolific passing attack.
Sam Darnold has done exceptionally well through the first two weeks of his Vikings tenure. Giving Aaron Jones and Ty Chandler the ball has gone a long way toward opening up the passing attack. If that can continue against the Texans front, which includes Danielle Hunter, the Vikings will be in great shape.
The Vikings came into Week 1 with a clean injury report. They’ll look to get back to that in short order. Addison being healthy enough to give it a go on Sunday would be a step in the right direction.
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.