CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 10: Xavier Rhodes #29 of the Minnesota Vikings tackles Jonathan Stewart #28 of the Carolina Panthers during their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
CHARLOTTE, NC – DECEMBER 10: Daryl Worley #26 of the Carolina Panthers celebrates an interception against the Minnesota Vikings in the first quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
The negatives from Week 14 vs Panthers
Rolling the dice early. I’m all for taking some calculated chances, but it has to be a calculated gamble. Underthrowing a jump ball to Thielen on the first drive of the game is uncharacteristic for a quarterback who is usually very efficient and makes good decisions.
A lapse in defense. Let’s be honest, the Vikings defense is known for their discipline but they let Jonathan Stewart make a HUGE 60-yard touchdown run on their opening drive to put Minnesota in a bad spot early in the contest.
Thielen having an off day. Something’s not right with him when two red zone throws end up being incomplete. Thielen is usually very reliable anywhere on the field, and to see those kind of mistakes from him are uncharacteristic as well.
Far too many turnovers. Coming into this game, the Panthers were -6 in turnover differential and Minnesota was +4. Watching this game, you’d assume it was the exact opposite that was the trend. Minnesota lost the turnover war and it’s hard to win when that happens.
The clutch perspective. The Vikings had the chance to stop the Panthers with the game tied near the end as well as an opportunity to tie the game in the final moments. Minnesota couldn’t do either one to make up for their mistakes earlier in the game.
