After months of waiting, the Minnesota Vikings finally returned to the field on Sunday to begin the 2023 regular season with a Week 1 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
As they attempt to win back-to-back NFC North titles for the first time since 2009, the Vikings will be looking to open up the 2023 campaign with a win over the Bucs.
The outcome of this matchup will be determined by a number of key plays. Included below are all of the most significant plays to take place during Sunday's contest between Minnesota and Tampa Bay.
Biggest Plays from the 1st Quarter
Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson kicked off his 2023 season with multiple catches in the opening quarter against the Bucs, including this one that he turned into a 30-yard gain.
That man is a PROBLEM@JJettas2
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 10, 2023
📺: @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/5VgTbydOFt
Turnovers were the story of the first quarter for Minnesota, as two of their first three offensive possessions resulted in a fumble. Luckily, only one of these turnovers led to points for Tampa.
— . (@nothighlighthea) September 10, 2023
WE'LL TAKE THAT 😤
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) September 10, 2023
📺: #TBvsMIN on CBS pic.twitter.com/BUXx9wpPC8
The Vikings' new-look defense also made their debut on Sunday, and even in a new scheme, it was still more of the same from veteran Minnesota pass-rusher Danielle Hunter.
.@DHunt94_TX picks up his first sack of the season!
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 10, 2023
📺: @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/bq7msMAbTE
Hit next for the biggest plays from the second quarter.