This is what it was supposed to look like for the Vikings: the offense functioning in a way where the ball came out on time and the unit as a whole avoided monumental mistakes, the defense pressuring the opposing quarterback with reckless abandon and forcing multiple turnovers.
Virtually all of that had been missing over the past couple of weeks. The Vikings looked a little bit off in all phases, whether it was in their Monday night victory at Chicago or in last week’s loss to Atlanta at home. But everything clicked for the Vikings in Sunday’s 48-10 win over the Cincinnati Bengals victory at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Though the defensive touchdowns from cornerback Isaiah Rodgers were the story of the game, maybe more important was the fact that the Vikings as a whole got back on track, playing a brand of football conducive to long-term success.
Here are some takeaway from Sundays game:
Isaiah Rodgers was the star of the show
The conversation has to start with Rodgers. He basically won the game for the Vikings by himself, returning an interception for a touchdown, forcing and returning a fumble for a touchdown, and forcing a second fumble for good measure. It was the first time in NFL history that a player had recorded a pair of defensive touchdowns and a pair of forced fumbles in a game, and he did it all in one half. The next step for Rodgers is making sure this wasn’t a flash in the pan. This has to be the start of something more for him.
Carson Wentz proved to be a pro
Though the stat line for veteran quarterback Carson Wentz wasn’t spectacular — he completed 14 of 20 passes for 173 yards and a pair of touchdowns — he did everything the Vikings need him to do. He threw the ball on time. He made a few plays downfield. He did not turn the ball over. That’s going to be a recipe for success for Wentz moving forward. It’s not hard to envision him replicating that type of game against the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns the next two weeks. He seems to understand that he doesn’t need to be Superman, just a professional in the pocket. What does this all mean for young quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle) when he’s healthy? That remains to be seen.
Jordan Mason is a beast
The presence that running back Jordan Mason brings to the backfield can’t be overstated. Not only does he run with power at the point of attack, he has the shiftiness to make defenders miss — and has more speed than he gets credit for. All of that was plain to see against the Bengals as Mason finished with 16 carries for 116 yards and a pair of touchdowns, shouldering the load for the Vikings as they literally ran away with the game. It’s pretty clear that Mason should be the No. 1 backfield option for the Vikings ieven when veteran running back Aaron Jones returns from injured reserve.
T.J. Hockenson can be still an effective
After watching him make a minimal impact over the first two weeks, there were some people that seemed to think tight end T.J. Hockenson was past his prime. Maybe he simply needed more opportunities underneath. The production that Hockenson had against the Bengals — five catches for 49 yards and a touchdown — proved he’s still a matchup nightmare, too fast to be covered by linebackers and too big to be covered by safeties. That’s something the Vikings need to lean into because Hockenson can make life easier for whoever is throwing him the ball.
Will Reichard has insane range
If there were any doubts about kicker Will Reichard and his leg strength, he emphatically put that to rest by nailing a 62-yard field goal before halftime. It was a franchise record, and easily cleared the crossbar. It actually hit halfway up the netting behind the uprights, which suggests it would have been good from much longer. The Vikings can now operate like they’re approaching scoring position virtually whenever they cross the 50-yard line. That’s the luxury of having somebody like Reichard on the roster.
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