On Sunday, Carson Wentz kept the Minnesota Vikings alive after Kyler Murray exited early following just 11 offensive plays. Wentz changed the complexion of the game by completing 12 of 19 passes for 133 yards and three touchdowns, helping Minnesota erase a 22-10 deficit and score the final 29 points.
Wentz couldn’t do this alone; he leaned on Minnesota’s playmakers when the game was on the line. Pro Football Focus consequently allowed high grades to the Vikings’ top players both on the offense and defense. These performances give the team some confidence heading into Week 2.
Justin Jefferson – 90.3
Jefferson led the PFF Grades and no wonders he is the Vikings’ highest offensive mark. The star receiver finished with eight catches for 92 yards and two touchdowns as Minnesota sparked its rally.
Jefferson gives the Vikings a reliable target in critical moments. Both of his touchdowns helped change the game, while his eight receptions accounted for every Vikings wide receiver catch in the contest. That made his performance even more important after Murray left early with a concussion.
Josh Oliver – 76.5
Tight end Josh Oliver did not produce Jefferson-type box score numbers, but PFF still gave him a strong 76.5 grade. Oliver caught all four of his targets for 22 yards, providing impact beyond receiving totals. PFF also gave him a 62.7 run-blocking grade, showing that his contribution was also tied to helping Minnesota’s ground attack.
Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason combined for productive work on the ground, while tight end T.J. Hockenson also found the end zone.
On the offensive line, tackle Christian Darrisaw received a 68.6 PFF grade, along with a 67.3 run-blocking grade. Darrisaw gave the Vikings stability, that they needed desperately after Murray’s departure.
Kyler Murray Injury Gives Vikings Another Problem Before Bears Test
Murray’s concussion alters Minnesota’s the Week 2 plan, even though he participated in team meeting on Monday. If he does clear protocol for Sunday’s game against the Bears, Wentz is expected to take over.
Wentz’s three-touchdown performance gives Minnesota a legitimate fallback option. The veteran quarterback protected the ball against Green Bay and led four consecutive scoring drives after the Vikings trailed by 12 points.
Wentz’s start against Chicago, would be his 100th NFL start, says Reuters. His biggest advantage is experience. With Jefferson, Hockenson and a capable running game around him, Minnesota does not need Wentz to carry the entire offense.
Chicago is coming off a 59-37 win over Carolina, and Caleb Williams was at the center of the explosion. Chicago also ran for 291 yards, so Minnesota cannot focus only on Williams’ arm. The Bears’ offense will test whether the Vikings’ defensive pressure that worked against Green Bay can hold up against a quarterback capable of extending plays.
