6 biggest takeaways from the Vikings loss to the Bucs in Week 1

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison | Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
3 of 7

Vikings Takeaway No. 2

The defense is better, but still needs work

It's not difficult to be better than the 31st ranked defense in the league but fans have to be somewhat pleased with what the Minnesota Vikings were able to do with Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers on Sunday.

Minnesota only allowed 242 yards of total offense, limiting Mayfield to 173 passing yards on the day. More impressively, the Vikings kept Tampa Bay to 2.2 yards per carry and didn't allow a rushing touchdown.

The defense was worn down in the second half and Tampa Bay took advantage of that. Plus, Mike Evans is one of those receivers who is likely to make a play eventually if he is given enough opportunities.

Holding the Buccaneers to 20 points and making only six third downs should have been enough for the Minnesota Vikings to win this game considering the explosive pieces they have on the offensive side of the ball.

Schedule