Minnesota Vikings Unsung Heroes: Week 3 vs. the Tennessee Titans
By Luke Parrish
Offensive Unsung Hero from Week 3:
Minnesota’s tight ends
The Vikings were able to get the rushing attack going in full stride against Tennessee thanks in large part to the tight ends. Kyle Rudolph made a spectacular catch in the back of the end zone, but his understudies in the positional room should get some praise this week.
On a handful of runs, Tyler Conklin and Irv Smith Jr. held their ground as blockers and created lanes for Dalvin Cook. Rushing is a team stat whether you like it or not and the Vikings tight ends did their work on Sunday.
While we wait for Smith to break out as a receiving threat in his second season, there is a lot to like about his overall game.
On Cook’s touchdown carry, Smith sealed a block at the second level and allowed ample space for the running back to cut back outside the hashes for six points. There were no penalties on Smith in Week 3, which was a bit of an issue against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 2.
Minnesota likes using their tight ends in different ways, as well as fullback C.J. Ham, and they all stepped up on Sunday to help put the offense in position to win.