Minnesota Vikings at Carolina Panthers: Week 3 review and grades

What grades were earned during the Minnesota Vikings statement to the league against the Carolina Panthers and what challenge looms ahead on Monday Night Football against the New York Giants?

The Minnesota Vikings have definitely learned how to make a statement. Literally knocking the reigning NFL MVP off his high horse to the tune of 3 interceptions and 8 sacks is an extremely loud announcement to the entire NFL. The statement that the Minnesota Vikings may have the best defense in the NFL, can no longer be considered a hyperbolic pronouncement.

The 3 interceptions and 8 sacks on the day only highlight the victory that ended the Carolina Panthers 14 game win streak by holding breakout superstar Kelvin Benjamin without a single catch and limiting an offense that last season averaged 31 points a game to only 10 points, all scored in the first quarter.

The first half was another slow start by the Minnesota Vikings offense, as it appeared to take a bit to size up the Carolina Panthers defense, but combined with impeccable special teams play and defense, the Minnesota Vikings scored on a safety by Danielle Hunter and a made it look easy punt return touchdown from Marcus Sherels, to enter halftime only down 10-8, and to come out after the half take the lead and never look back.

Everson Griffen is the easy choice for MVP for the Vikings but you could easily have to pass out game balls to  Marcus Sherels, Kyle Rudolph, Jeff Locke, and Cordarrelle Patterson as well. This Minnesota Vikings team looks like they can win with whoever suits up week in and week out and that is the greatest testament and highest praise that can be bestowed upon head coach Mike Zimmer and the rest of the Vikings coaching staff.

What grades are bestowed upon the Vikings who were again victorious in battle? Let’s open up with the offense.