With an efficient game plan and execution that proved victorious in their week one game against San Francisco, the Minnesota Vikings certainly shined in spots while dragging their heels in others. Several plays and players stood out in the big win, inspiring optimism for fans in the weeks ahead.
The 2018 Viking offense had some question marks coming into week one. And while they answered some with a nice win against the up-and-coming 49ers, they left some curiosity looming.
The run game was a mixed bag, with Dalvin Cook starting the offense off strong but ending with a 2.5 rush average on 16 carries. Quarterback Kirk Cousins displayed both his particular skill set and toughness in the win, and wide-out Adam Thielen provided several big plays to continue Viking drives and set up scores.
Offensive MVP vs. 49ers
Kirk Cousins, Quarterback
Cousins wasn’t perfect in missing a few cues and open receivers, but for the most part, he ran the offense tightly and made several throws that proved he is a superlative passer in the NFL.
A first quarter, 22-yard touchdown strike to wide-receiver Stefon Diggs was a laser beam, and third-quarter delivery to tight end Kyle Rudolph wasn’t far from perfect.
The Vikings’ offensive line didn’t give him all day to throw, but they keep Cousins upright and looking downfield often enough on Sunday to make several crucial throws. Kirk took a few sacks, but did not turn the ball over on a day where his counterpart did so three times.
Honorable Mention:
Adam Thielen, Wide Receiver
Thielen won’t be part of many highlight shorts this week, but his ability to not only get open in crucial moments of a game and make the tough catch gets him a red star here.
Six catches for 106 yards is a big day for some, but it’s more like simply punching the clock for this Minnesota native. It was very nice to see a connection between Thielen and his quarterback, and one which will certainly improve as they both missed a chance or two to make other big plays in the game.
Honorable Mention:
Dalvin Cook, Running Back
Tell me what running back in the NFL gets a mention after a 2.5-yard rushing average on Sunday, and I’ll tell you–this one, Dalvin Cook.
The Vikings began the game with three plays that ended in Cook’s hands, a swing pass for nine yards, a center dive for a first down and finally a dump-off that Cook turned on the jets to take for another eleven.
Dalvin is back, hasn’t lost a step, and things are good.
Though the San Francisco defense stiffened on the Viking ground game, Cook showed on several plays that his game-breaking talents are intact and will be on display against the defenses the Vikings face this year.
Including the Green Bay Packers next week.