The Viking Age
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5 biggest takeaways from Vikings vs. Bengals in Week 1

By Adam Carlson

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) catches a touchdown pass in the second quarter during an NFL Week 1 football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, at Paul Brown Stadium in CincinnatiMinnesota Vikings At Cincinnati Bengals Sept 12
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) catches a touchdown pass in the second quarter during an NFL Week 1 football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, at Paul Brown Stadium in CincinnatiMinnesota Vikings At Cincinnati Bengals Sept 12 /
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K.J. Osborn – Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /

A third wide receiver is emerging

Last season, K.J. Osborn was a special teams player. He didn’t have a role on offense and struggled as a returner to make a positive impact on games. The second-year wide receiver looked like he was ready to take the next step in training camp and preseason and the coaching staff gave him some opportunities this week.

Osborn made the most of those chances by hauling in seven of his nine targets on the day for 76 yards, trailing only Adam Thielen in receiving yards on the day and tying Justin Jefferson for targeted throws.

Coming into this game, the debate about who would be the team’s WR3 was still a bit of an open contest, but that door is quickly closing. Osborn’s competition for the role is Dede Westbrook, who handled punt returns but only had one catch on one target against the Bengals for 11 yards.

If Osborn can keep contributing, he could be the one to help replace Irv Smith Jr. this year. He can take some pressure off Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson to produce as receivers and keep defenders guessing. The media won’t consider this his breakout game, but his efforts and accomplishments in Week 1 should be noted.

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