Vikings open 2023 season with embarrassing loss to the Bucs

Despite heading into the game as the favorite, the Minnesota Vikings were handed an opening-day loss by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday afternoon. Too many self-inflicted mistakes (three turnovers) proved to be too difficult for the Vikings to overcome, and the Bucs escaped with a 20-17 win.

Minnesota quarterback Kirk Cousins did end up finishing with 334 passing yards and two passing touchdowns in this Week 1 matchup against Tampa. But when Minnesota needed him the most, Cousins couldn't come up with the big plays.

The box score will also show Vikings star receiver Justin Jefferson with nine catches for 150 yards. But 138 of those yards came in the first half as the Bucs were able to shut down Jefferson in the game's final two quarters.

In his first game as Minnesota's new No. 1 running back, Alexander Mattison only managed to rush for 34 yards on 11 carries. Mattison did add 10 more yards and a touchdown on three catches, but his rushing numbers have to improve if he wants to remain the top running back for the Vikings this season.

On the defensive side of the ball, Minnesota looked much better than they did a season ago. With that being said, the Vikings' defense was still unable to come up with big stops on Sunday that would've given the team a better chance to defeat Tampa.

Minnesota won't have much time to rest before the next game on their schedule as their matchup in Week 2 will take place on the road against the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday, September 14th.

The Vikings will be looking to avenge the 24-7 loss they suffered to the Eagles during Week 2 of last season.