The Viking Age
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Silver Linings from the Vikings’ Week 1 loss to the Bengals

By Nik Edlund

CINCINNATI, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 12: Greg Joseph #1 of the Minnesota Vikings kicks a field goal to tie the game at 24-24 as time expires in the fourth quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on September 12, 2021 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 12: Greg Joseph #1 of the Minnesota Vikings kicks a field goal to tie the game at 24-24 as time expires in the fourth quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on September 12, 2021 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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Adam Thielen – Minnesota Vikings  (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Adam Thielen – Minnesota Vikings  (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Adam Thielen’s Still Got It

When some were dissecting the Vikings roster heading into the season, one common assumption was that Justin Jefferson would become the team’s number one receiver this season, surpassing Adam Thielen in that role. Many pointed to Thielen turning 31 years old and perhaps losing a step as many receivers in the past have done before. While Jefferson still may overtake him at some point this season, Thielen proved in Week 1 that he’s still got it.

Thielen looked very good. He was able to exploit Eli Apple numerous times using his quick feet and precise route running to gain separation. He tallied nine catches on the day for 92 yards and two touchdowns. He was clearly Kirk Cousins’ preferred target in the passing game and Cousins looked for him in the red zone clearly showing that he trusts number 19 the most in those situations.

Adam Thielen may be getting up there in years, but he’s aging like a fine wine. He seems to get better and better and if anyone was writing him off this season, or expecting him to have a down year, those fears can be subsided after seeing his performance in the first game of the 2021 NFL season.

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