5 Unsung Heroes from Vikings’ 5-0 Start
The Minnesota Vikings have made a flying start to the season. Head coach Kevin O’Connell and defensive coordinator Brian Flores are rightly taking much of the plaudits, along with some of the Viking’s big-name players like Justin Jefferson, Sam Darnold, and Aaron Jones. Right now, I want to credit some of the unsung heroes from the Vikings’ 5-0 start to the season.
5 Unsung Heroes from Vikings’ 5-0 Start
A team is only as good as its depth. By design, every team in the NFL has its star players. What separates the great from the good from the bad is a team’s depth at both playing and coaching positions. Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah did a good job filling out the Vikings roster this season, which has been particularly noticeable in the success of this year’s free-agent signings. My unsung heroes from the Vikings’ 5-0 start include a new coach, two inexpensive free-agent signings, a sixth-round draft pick, and an eight-year veteran of the Vikings roster.
Josh McCown
O’Connell will receive most of the plaudits for Sam Darnold’s success so far this season, but the role of quarterbacks coach Josh McCown shouldn’t be underplayed. After a long NFL career, McCown’s first coaching job came as the Carolina Panthers quarterback coach last season. With the Panthers and first overall pick Bryce Young struggling, McCown was relieved of his duties along with head coach Frank Reich after Carolina made a 1-10 start.
Familiarity with Sam Darnold was seen as a plus point. McCown was still playing with the Jets when Darnold was drafted. There has been some interesting footage of McCown on the sidelines with his quarterbacks, where he appears to be a calming influence — exactly what Darnold needs. In addition to some well-spoken interviews, McCown was impressed with his communication skills in the early stages of his time in Minnesota. I’m willing to stick my neck out and say he is a future head coach candidate.
Will Reichard
On the outside, Will Reichard’s contribution might not seem huge. To Vikings fans scarred by kicker tragedy, the solid start to Reichard’s career has been a breath of fresh air. The placekicker is perfect so far, making all nine field goal attempts with a long of 58 yards. He has also made all 16 of his extra-point attempts. The Vikings used a sixth-round draft picky to bring in the man known as “Will the Thrill.” It looks like an excellent decision on the early evidence.
Shaq Griffin
When the Vikings signed Shaq Griffin, the expectation was that they would get a veteran player for depth who could contribute to special teams. Griffin has played on 55% of all defensive snaps and doesn’t play any special teams. Griffin will line up wide on obvious passing downs, and he has shown up in some big moments. He has one interception, which he returned for 28 yards, five pass deflections, and 12 tackles through five games. He has allowed a passer rating of 49.1 when targeted, allowing 9 receptions on 21 targets for 77 yards and 1 touchdown.
Trent Sherfield
With everybody wondering who the Vikings WR3 would be, the Vikings signed Trent Sherfield. A 28-year-old veteran of six seasons, Sherfield was never meant to be WR3, the Vikings had confidence in Jalen Nailor’s ability to step into that role. Sherfield brought to the Vikings the all-around veteran presence that strengthens a roster. He is a willing and good blocker and has had 57 run-blocking snaps so far this season.
Sherfield won’t get a huge number of targets this season, but when he gets them, he needs to make the play. So far, he has done that with 3 catches on 4 targets for 33 yards. Sherfield also contributes on special teams. His athletic play to claw a ball out of the end zone to eventually be downed at the 2-yard line rather than a touchback was one of the few highlights from the Vikings’ special teams against the Jets.
C.J. Ham
When Kevin O’Connell was named the Vikings head coach in 2022, I initially thought that CJ Ham’s days might be numbered. How wrong was I? Into O’Connell’s third season in charge, Ham is still here, still an important part of the team, and a team captain. He’s still making key blocks and the occasional catch out of the backfield.
On Sunday, he stepped up in an area where the Vikings are still struggling — running the ball in short-yardage situations, particularly at the goal line. Ham rumbled in from two yards to score the Vikings’ only touchdown on offense during the game. It gave the Vikings a 17-0 that would prove unassailable.
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