Sep 8, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jerome Simpson (81) makes a diving catch in the third quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
This offseason, the Vikings got a whole lot of wide receivers. The most touted of them is former Green Bay Packers WR Greg Jennings. Minnesota paid Jennings $45 million for 5 years for his service. In week 1 of the NFL season, Jennings managed 3 catches for 33 yards.
Sep 8, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions cornerback Chris Houston (23) tackles Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jerome Simpson (81) during the second quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Jennings was overshadowed by a player that many Vikings fans were surprised to see return to the team. Most thought that Jerome Simpson would not come back after a disappointing first year in Minnesota, but the team thought otherwise. The Vikings brought him back for a year on a $2 million contract.
Simpson had 7 catches for 140 yards in the game against the Detroit Lions and did so in a rather spectacular way. The most memorable is the 47 yard catch from Christian Ponder.
While Simpson didn’t get into the end zone, it is very encouraging to see this kind of performance from him. Simpson has the skills to break away from defenders and make spectacular catches.
The one lone blemish in Simpson’s game against the Lions came in the form of a pass that bounced off his hands and straight into the arms of a defender. This interception came at a time when the Vikings were gaining confidence and driving down the field.
It will be interesting to see if Simpson’s role increases even though he’s facing stiff competition from first round draft pick Cordarrelle Patterson. And, of course, if he can continue to outplay Greg Jennings.