The Minnesota Vikings lost the season-opener to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 20-17.
The Minnesota Vikings were 11-0 in one-score games last season but failed to do enough to keep the streak alive.
Buy Vikings TicketsMinnesota’s three turnovers and six timely penalties cost the Vikings possessions and left a lot of points on the board. A key example was the interception by undrafted rookie Christian Izien before the end of the half.
Despite the loss, some players boosted their stock in the season opener. Others, however, saw their draft stock fall.
Stock up: Harrison Phillips
One positive that the Vikings can take away from this game is that they were stout against the run. The Buccaneers ran for 73 total yards on 33 carries, a total that’s good for 2.2 yards per carry.
The leader of that charge was defensive tackle Harrison Phillips, who finished with eight total tackles, including five solo tackles. Harrison also had a key pass deflection that helped stifle an early Tampa Bay drive.
Stock down: Offensive Line
Minnesota’s offensive line continues to be the biggest weakness of this offense. Kirk Cousins suffered nine more quarterback hits to start the 2023 campaign and two sacks, including one that led to a fumble deep in their territory.
The offensive line also contributed to an earlier fumble when right guard Ed Ingram swiped the ball out of Cousins’ hand. The Buccaneers recovered the fumble.
Stock up: Jordan Addison
Jordan Addison’s rookie debut could not have gone much better given the outcome, as the first-round rookie hauled in four receptions on six targets for 61 yards.
The hope was that with the attention given to Justin Jefferson, Addison would have opportunities to make some plays down the field. Today, they did just that.
Jeffreson ran a deep out route that the Tampa Bay coverage double-covered down the field. This left Addison to run freely up the seam and behind the would-be safety for a 39-yard touchdown.
Stock down: Minnesota running game
One of the keys to this game was Minnesota establishing the run against this Tampa Bay front seven. The Bucs were able to stay aggressive because they shut down the running game of the Vikings early.
The Vikings only amassed 41 yards on 17 carries, with Mattison leading the way (34 yards on 11 carries). Backup running back Ty Chandler gained no yards on his three carries. Minnesota was not able to get this run game early and became on-dimensional very early, allowing the Tampa Bay defense to aggressively defend the passing game with their relentless rush.
Stock up: Danielle Hunter
Danielle Hunter showed why the Vikings paid him before the year started. Hunter had seven tackles, two tackles for loss, including a sack, and a pass deflection.
In the first half, Hunter and company got him off his spot, Mayfield was 6-of-15 for 63 yards and a touchdown at the half.
The loss of Davenport before the game started was evident as they could not keep up the intensity in the second half. The Vikings’ defense had an overall tough day getting to Baker Mayfield as he sat in the pocket comfortably in the second half.
If they could keep the same pass-rush throughout the game as they showed in the first half, this could be a strength of this defense.
Stock down: Finishing
To move the ball as well as the Vikings had in times today, 17 points is a disappointment. Justin Jefferson had 150 receiving yards. Kirk Cousins threw for over 300 yards.
There’s no other way to put it, Minnesota has to learn how to finish these drives. The interception in the red zone before the half and the untimely penalties that make drives tougher to continue have to be addressed.
It’s week one and those things can be ironed out with more attention to detail. However, losing a winnable game like this with the schedule getting significantly harder starting Thursday will leave a sour taste in Minnesota’s mouth.
