Minnesota Vikings Best and Worst: Week 12 vs. Carolina Panthers

The Worst

The Minnesota Vikings can’t stop shooting themselves in the foot. This week. turnovers nearly put the game out of reach for the team after three turnovers were committed between the offense and special teams.

The first turnover came from Kirk Cousins on a hit where his offensive line let him down. The two blockers allowed pressure to come up the middle and the ball came out as Cousins was going to the ground. The ball was recovered by Jeremy Chinn and returned 17 yards for a score.

On the very next offensive play for Minnesota, it was Dalvin Cook who had the ball ripped out of his hands as he went to the ground. Once again, Jeremy Chinn was there to grab the ball out of the air and return it 28 yards for his second defensive score of the game.

Finally, the third turnover came on special teams. Chad Beebe was in to return the punt and muffed it in the fourth quarter, giving the ball back to the Panthers with great field position. This looked like it could have sealed the game, but thankfully the defense was able to hold Carolina to a field goal.

Winning a game with three turnovers is a huge challenge but doing so after having two defensive touchdowns scored against you is even tougher. The Minnesota Vikings need to make things easier on themselves in the future.