When you consider all that the Minnesota Vikings had to deal with against the Atlanta Falcons, they should have lost the game by double digits. Thanks to an incredible effort from quarterback Josh Dobbs and a masterclass coaching performance, they found a way to win by a score of 31-28.
It wasn’t a miracle that the Vikings won the game, but rather an impressive performance from multiple players and a belief in themselves that carried them to a victory.
There will be more adversity that the Vikings will have to face moving forward, but this test showed us a lot. The studs and duds from Sunday’s game are highlighted below.
Stud: QB Jaren Hall
It’s without question a disappointment on many levels that Hall left the game with a concussion. Before that third down play that knocked him out of the game, Hall was balling. He was 7-of-10 passing for 78 and ran for 11 yards as well. What was most impressive though was how he handled himself in the game. The Vikings trusted him to change things at the line of scrimmage and he played with composure throughout. It remains to be seen if the Vikings have anything in Hall, but it’s clear that the answer isn’t no.
Dud: Vikings run blocking
With a rookie quarterback starting along with having to play Josh Dobbs throughout most of the game, the offensive line, which had played well all season long, didn’t show up on Sunday. The run game has been really poor and it’s due to the offensive line failing to hold their blocks. When you are missing someone as important as your starting quarterback, others need to step up. The offensive line didn’t and it’s disappointing.
Stud: QB Josh Dobbs
When you go to a team and have to play quarterback after just five days, that’s not a recipe for success. For the Vikings, it’s better than most because of Dobbs’ skills and intelligence. The rocket scientist picked up enough of the playbook to come in after Hall’s injury and he played well. Yes, he fumbled twice in his first four possessions, but his play was inspired and better than what anyone could have expected.
Stud & Dud: WR Jordan Addison
It wasn’t even that Addison played poorly throughout the game but rather that he didn’t make the plays that we have come to expect from him. Addison has taken that step forward as a rookie which is why those expectations are there. The main instance of that was a third down throw on a dig route where Addison dropped the ball after he was hit. He should have caught it and stepped up with no Cousins or Hall. Kudos to Addison for making up for it on the final drive with an insane catch, as he made the play that he couldn’t earlier in the game.
Stud: HC Kevin O'Connell
When you deal with injuries to multiple starters after having already lost your starting quarterback, coaching matters a lot. O’Connell had an incredible performance against the Falcons. He navigated two inexperienced quarterbacks and injuries to both Hall, Osborn and Akers to a victory. The performance today speaks to the culture that O’Connell has implemented over his first two seasons. The Vikings found a great head coach in O’Connell.
Stud: ILB Jordan Hicks
There isn’t much more you can say about Hicks other than he’s been incredible. Hicks has played nearly every snap so far this season and played like one of the better linebackers in the National Football League. He was everywhere for the Vikings, including getting a sack and a savvy pass breakup on a crossing route. The Vikings should be happy with what Hicks has done this season.
