The Viking Age
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Minnesota Vikings beat Kansas City Chiefs 16-10

By Dan Zinski

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A game that looked like it had laugher potential early turned into a grinder for the Minnesota Vikings but the purple were able to pull out the big win at home.

The Vikes dominated the first half against Kansas City, thanks mostly to their defense which absolutely tore up the Chiefs’ offensive line.

Minnesota got on the board in the first quarter with a 24-yard Blair Walsh field goal, then went up 10-0 in the second quarter on a 4-yard TD pass from Teddy Bridgewater to Kyle Rudolph.

The Vikings built their early lead despite getting almost nothing from Adrian Peterson, who was stuffed by the Chiefs throughout the first half.

Teddy Bridgewater threw an early interception on an ill-advised off-balance throw that went through the hands of Kyle Rudolph but the Chiefs were unable to capitalize.

The Vikings increased their lead to 13-0 in the third quarter on a 45-yard field goal from Blair Walsh.

But Minnesota was unable to run up the score on Kansas City, letting the Chiefs hang around long enough for Andy Reid and Alex Smith to conjure some kind of passing game.

Kansas City cut the lead to 13-10 on a pair of fourth quarter scores, including a 42-yard TD on a blitz-beating screen pass from Smith to Albert Wilson.

The Vikings got their lead back up to 16-10 on another long field goal from Blair Walsh. Kansas City got the ball back late but were unable to score and the Vikings held on for the win.

The Vikings increase their record to 3-2 while the Chiefs fall to 1-5.

Quarterbacks

Teddy Bridgewater had a shaky day, throwing two interceptions on ill-advised throws. Bridgewater finished with 249 yards on 17-of-31 passing with 1 TD.

Alex Smith didn’t get a ton of help from his offensive line but was able to dink-and-dunk his way to 282 yards and 1 TD.

Running backs

After getting stuffed in the first half, Adrian Peterson found his game in the second half and finished with 60 yards on 26 attempts. His long run of the day was 26 yards.

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As expected, Kansas City struggled to produce yards on the ground without Jamaal Charles. Charcandrick West led the Chiefs with 9 carries for just 33 yards and fumbled late to help the Vikings seal the win.

Wide receivers/tight ends

Vikings rookie Stefon Diggs had his second straight big game, catching 7 passes for 129 yards.

Travis Kelce led the Chiefs with 88 yards on 5 receptions.

Offensive line

The Vikings O-line struggled to open holes for Adrian Peterson but did okay in pass protection.

Kansas City’s O-line struggled to protect Alex Smith early but did perform better in the second half, helping the Chiefs open up their passing game enough to threaten Minnesota.

Defensive line

Vikings rookie Danielle Hunter started in place of Everson Griffen and recorded his first career forced fumble.

The Chiefs’ defense looked stout against the run, giving up only 60 yards to Adrian Peterson.

Linebackers

Vikings rookie Eric Kendricks had a solid game, leading the Vikings with 9 tackles and recording a sack.

Two weeks after the Denver Broncos sacked Teddy Bridgewater seven times, the Chiefs and their pass rushers were only able to get to Bridgewater twice, though Bridgewater was forced into some bad throws when rushed.

Secondary

Vikings cornerback Captain Munnerlyn had a big game, breaking up several passes and making several key tackles.

Chiefs rookie Marcus Peters picked off Teddy Bridgewater on a terrible throw into double coverage late in the game, giving Kansas City momentary hope.

Special teams

Blair Walsh was perfect on the day, nailing three field goals including two 45-yarders.

Chiefs kicker Cairo Santos drilled his only field goal attempt of the day, a 48-yarder in the second half.

Officiating

The officiating crew made several questionable calls, none more questionable than a ruling in the first quarter that took away a safety from the Vikings even though it was clear on replay that Kansas City had held Sharrif Floyd in the end zone.

Next: Stefon Diggs emerges as a player

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