John Carlson Explodes In Starting Role For Vikings
By Adam Carlson
Nov 7, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end John Carlson (89) is tackled by Washington Redskins safety Brandon Meriweather (31) during the first quarter at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
In an earlier article from The Viking Age, it was stated that John Carlson would be a major part of the Vikings offense for the next month or so while Kyle Rudolph heals his injury. Well, he sure made a big impact with his first opportunity as a starting tight end.
Nov 7, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end John Carlson (89) is tackled by Washington Redskins safety Brandon Meriweather (31) during the first quarter at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Carlson exploded for seven catches on seven targets in the game on Thursday Night Football against the Washington Redskins. Normally during his time with the Vikings, he hasn’t been able to gain many yards on his short completions, but that also changed this game. Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder connected with him on a 28 yard touchdown pass that was a lot of individual effort after the catch. Carlson ended the night as the team’s leading receiver with 98 yards, 53 more yards than the second highest amount for the team (Jerome Simpson-45 yards).
That touchdown was the first of his career since coming to the Minnesota Vikings 23 games ago. He showed that when the team wanted to use him in the passing game rather than only using him as a blocker or short yardage man that can be effective.
You can catch John Carlson and the Minnesota Vikings against the Seattle Seahawks on November 17th, 2013.