10 quick thoughts on the Vikings win over the Panthers in Week 6

Overtime was needed on Sunday, but the Minnesota Vikings got a big win over the Carolina Panthers to improve their record to 3-3 this season.

With less than five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter on Sunday, the Minnesota Vikings were in front of the Carolina Panthers by 11 points. It seemed like the Vikings were on their way to an easy win.

But then the Panthers found a way to tie the game up and force and overtime. Minnesota didn’t mess around in the overtime period, however, as Kirk Cousins connected with K.J. Osborn on a beautiful game-winning 27-yard touchdown.

With the win, the Vikings are now sitting with a 3-3 record and things are starting to feel like they’re heading in the right direction. As the dust continues to settle, what are some of the quick takeaways from Minnesota’s latest dramatic victory?

Quick thoughts on the Vikings win over the Panthers in Week 6

Thielen’s still got it – During the last few weeks, Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen has struggled to perform at the high level that the team has become accustomed to seeing from him.

But on Sunday against the Panthers, Thielen re-emerged and let everyone know that he can still come up with big plays for Minnesota. The veteran Vikings receiver finished with 11 catches for 126 yards and one impressive touchdown catch on the side of the end zone in the third quarter that was Cris Carter-esque.

Vikings offense continues to play afraid  – Early in Sunday’s game, Minnesota found themselves in a 4th-and-2 situation from the Panthers’ seven-yard line.

Instead of going for the first down and possibly ending the drive with a touchdown, the Vikings opted to kick a 25-yard field goal. It didn’t end up playing much of a factor this week, but against some of the tougher teams in the NFL, Minnesota cannot afford to settle for field goals if they want to make any noise at all this season.

Kendricks can only make one-handed catches – After making an incredible one-handed interception last week against the Detroit Lions, Vikings linebacker Eric Kendricks had an opportunity to pick off another pass on Sunday in Carolina.

A pass from Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold hit Kendricks right in the hands. Unfortunately, the Minnesota linebacker wasn’t able to come up with the interception this week. It’s okay though, Kendricks still had himself another impressive afternoon against Carolina on Sunday that included a big-time fumble recovery in the third quarter.

Minnesota needs to cut down on the penalties – As is the case with settling for field goals, getting flagged for penalties in key situations isn’t going to do the Vikings any favors this season either.

On Sunday, Minnesota was penalized 11 times for 98 yards and four of these calls resulted in first downs for Carolina. During their week off, the Vikings reducing their penalties absolutely must be a point of emphasis.