DUBLIN — The battle between the Vikings and the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday afternoon at Croke Park was a part of history, marking the first time the NFL had ever hosted a regular-season game in Ireland.
The game itself was as frenetic as the energy from the 74,512 people in attendance.
After falling behind early, veteran quarterback Carson Wentz helped the Vikings mount a furious comeback in the final frame. It wasn’t enough, though, and the Vikings suffered a 24-21 loss to the Steelers.
The fact that the game featured the Vikings playing against future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers added another layer after they reportedly declined to sign him last spring, ultimately deciding to roll with young quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
Here are some takeaways from the Vikings’ 24-21 loss to the Steelers:
Carson Wentz was up and down
It’s hard to put too much blame on Wentz, who was playing behind an offensive line gutted by injuries. Frankly, completing 30 of 46 pass attempts for 350 yards and a pair of touchdowns is a testament to Wentz’s toughness, especially considering how much he got hit. That said, Wentz also had a pair of interceptions on tipped balls, and he admitted he could have done more to avoid being sacked six times. This is probably how it’s going to go if the Vikings decide to stick with Wentz for the foreseeable future. There are going to be ups and downs.
Aaron Rodgers looked pretty good
There’s no doubt that Rodgers looked motivated playing against the Vikings. Never mind that he turns 42 years old in a couple of months; there were still flashes of brilliance on Sunday. After leading a methodical drive that helped the Steelers take control, Rodgers also showed the ability to score fast by hitting receiver DK Metcalf in stride on a slant that went for an 80-yard touchdown. Though he isn’t the player he was at the peak of his powers, Rodgers still has enough talent in his arm to make up for his age.
Justin Jefferson finally broke out
After a slow start by his standards, star receiver Justin Jefferson broke out with his best game of the season. Clearly a focal point of the offense, he finished with 10 receptions for 126 yards. The outburst is something positive the Vikings can take out of the loss. If they can continue to get Jefferson rolling, they will be in much better shape moving forward. He should have at least 10 targets a game, minimum. There have been times in the past that Jefferson has almost singlehandedly willed the Vikings to a win. He might need to do that again at some point.
Jordan Addison showed up
The loss of receiver Jordan Addison was felt while he served his three-game suspension; the Vikings offense was clearly missing some firepower. In his first game back, Addison caught four passes for 114 yards. The stat line speaks to how explosive Addison can be with the ball in his hands. The only downside from Addison in the game was that he stumbled on what would have an 82-yard touchdown and got caught from behind by linebacker Payton Wilson at the goal line.
The offensive line is an issue
After losing right tackle Brian O’Neill to a knee injury, the Vikings also lost center Ryan Kelly to a concussion on Sunday — two more blows to a position group that has become an issue for the Vikings. That group simply hasn’t been able to stay healthy at any point, and it appears O’Neill and Kelly might be out for a little bit. That doesn’t even take into account that rookie left guard Donovan Jackson recently had wrist surgery and is still going through the recovery process. The only players from the projected starting offensive line that are healthy at the moment are left tackle Christian Darrisaw and right guard Will Fries. That has left the Vikings searching for answers.
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