In their first game of the 2025 season without J.J. McCarthy starting under center, the Minnesota Vikings didn't even really have to worry about the quarterback position in the team's Week 3 win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, and a big reason why was due to the incredible performance of cornerback Isaiah Rodgers.
Rodgers' amazing afternoon began in the first quarter after he snagged a pass thrown by Bengals quarterback Jake Browning and then used his elite speed to return the interception 87 yards for a touchdown.
He wasn't even close to being done after that score.
A little later in the matchup, Rodgers made one of the most impressive defensive plays one will ever see. After Cincinnati tight end Noah Fant caught a pass, Rodgers not only forced a fumble, but he then grabbed the football and returned it 66 yards the other way for another touchdown.
Isaiah Rodgers makes history as Minnesota Vikings rout Cincinnati Bengals in Week 3
Even after those two impressive defensive touchdowns, Rodgers still wasn't done with making plays on Sunday.
On the very next Cincinnati offensive drive after Rodgers' fumble return touchdown, the Vikings cornerback forced another fumble that was recovered by Minnesota and eventually led to a Jordan Mason rushing touchdown a few plays later.
With his two scores in the first half on Sunday, Rodgers became the first player in the history of the Vikings to score two defensive touchdowns in one game. That says a lot about the veteran corner considering how many Hall of Fame defensive players have played for Minnesota in the team's existence.
It's safe to say Rodgers will be the recipient of the NFL's Defensive Player of the Week award for his Week 3 performance, and he might have received the honor even if he had only had one of his two return touchdowns on Sunday.