How did some notable ex-Vikings perform in Week 1?

Former Viking No. 1

Adam Thielen - WR

Week 1 Stats:

• 2 targets
• 2 catches
• 12 yards

Adam Thielen’s departure from Minnesota was a soap opera as the Detroit Lakes native left the only team that he’s ever known.

But after his insistence that he still has some good years left in the tank, his opening-week performance with the Carolina Panthers did nothing to disprove the Vikings’ reasoning for letting him go.

According to Pro Football Focus, Thielen managed just two targets on 41 passing snaps, and while he caught both catches, he only produced 12 yards.

Thielen also didn’t disprove the notion that he couldn’t create separation, although he didn’t have enough targets to qualify for the NFL’s Next Gen Stats tracking data in Week 1.

Yes, Panthers rookie quarterback Bryce Young struggled, throwing for 146 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions in his first career start. Carolina also struggled as a team, producing just 281 total yards in a 24-10 loss to the Atlanta Falcons.

But Thielen’s desire for more opportunities was a reason that he left Minnesota, and he didn’t see those opportunities in Week 1.