5 biggest takeaways from the Vikings win over the Panthers in Week 6
By Adam Carlson
Minnesota’s defense is for real
It’s tough to be excited about the Minnesota Vikings giving up 28 points to the Carolina Panthers. However, a quick look at how those points were scored will ease some of the feelings about allowing so many points.
The defense can’t be held responsible for the blocked punt returned for a score. That isn’t on them. That means the unit was held accountable for allowing 20 points, but that also includes a score after Justin Jefferson fumbled and the Panthers recovered in Vikings territory and turned into a touchdown..
Still, as a whole, Minnesota only let Sam Darnold throw one touchdown and Chubba Hubbard ran in one score with the Panthers kicker adding two field goals and the team having a successful two-point conversion.
Minnesota had four sacks on the day and held Carolina to 306 yards of offense and an average of 4.5 yards per play. More importantly, the Vikings created three takeaways on the day, including a Bashaud Breeland interception that might him get his confidence back after a struggling start to the year.
The biggest concern is the injury to Patrick Peterson near the end of the game. Thankfully, it was just a cramping issue and he should be fine to return to the lineup when the Minnesota Vikings return from their bye week.