The Minnesota Vikings put together one of the most impressive victories of the NFL’s opening week. Here’s a closer look at where they thrived and areas where they can improve…
Sam Darnold said over and over this offseason that he was going to simplify his game and “just play point guard.” Well, he did just that against the Giants, registering the highest PFF grade in the NFL for Week 1, in large part because he played mistake-free football in New York.
We can expect in the future that the Vikings’ quarterback will have to push the ball to receivers more often and make more intermediate than the four passes he threw in that part of the field but in terms of the point-guard-y stuff that he was asked to do, he nailed it.PFF also graded Jones as the No. 1 running back in the NFL for opening weekend. He posted a ridiculous 5.3 yards after first contact and had five runs that went for 10 yards or more.
Was his grade so high because Giants star DT Dexter Lawrence lined up on the other side? Not exactly. Per PFF, Lawrence was on Brandel’s side for 15 plays and the right side for 20 snaps. Harrison Phillips played 36 snaps, which would have tied for his lowest number in 2023. That’s not reflective of performance , rather the fact they can keep him more fresh with Tillery and rookie Taki Tiamani in the mix.Welcome to Year 13, Harrison Smith. The Vikings’ star safety graded a 90.4 in the opener, allowing one reception in three targets and grabbing a dagger interception in the end zone.
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