3 Things We Learned From the Minnesota Vikings After Week 7
The Minnesota Vikings picked up a shocking upset on Monday Night Football over the San Francisco 49ers.
SportsGrid looks at the Vikings through Week 7.
NFL Week 7 Content: Super Bowl Power Rankings | NFL MVP Power Rankings | NFC Power Rankings | AFC Power Rankings | 3 Things Baltimore Ravens | 3 Things New Orleans Saints | 3 Things Jacksonville Jaguars | 3 Things Pittsburgh Steelers
1. Jordan Addison has Some Justin Jefferson in him
It would be a major understatement to say that it was a monster game for Jordan Addison in Week 7. There have been a lot of question marks about which wide receiver was going to step in Justin Jefferson’s absence, but Addison made the answer to that question very clear in Week 7. Some wondered why the Vikings used their first-round pick on a wide receiver in the 2023 NFL draft, but you can see why now after Addison’s performance in Week 7. Addison hauled in seven catches for 123 yards and a pair of touchdowns, helping lead the Vikings to the Monday night upset. We’re not expecting this type of production on a weekly basis, but he certainly gave us a big glimpse of what he’s capable of on Monday against the 49ers.
2. If the Offensive Line can Protect Kirk Cousins, he’s a Star
We’ve always believed that Kirk Cousins gets a little too much negative attention. He’s a very competent starting quarterback in the NFL, and more often than not, he puts together a really solid showing. That was the case in Week 7, where Cousins was relied upon to throw the ball 45 times in the Vikings’ victory over the 49ers. Cousins finished with 378 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception in the win. There are a lot of good features that Cousins brings to the table at quarterback, and he’s often misrepresented because of the narratives surrounding him in Primetime. We’re not saying that you’re ever going to win a Super Bowl with him, but if the Vikings could ever find a way to put together a good defense, that possibility would undoubtedly grow exponentially.
3. The Rushing Game Remains Inconsistent
Despite the offensive line doing a very nice job against an elite 49ers’ defensive line on Monday night, the run game for the Vikings remained inconsistent at best. Alexander Mattison and Cam Akers combined for 70 yards on 18 carries, and there simply was nothing explosive about either running back in Week 7. Not only has taking care of the football been an issue for Mattison, but he just hasn’t had that extra gear, which is what the Vikings thought Akers would bring. Akers did lead the backfield in touches on the ground against the 49ers but had a lackluster performance and averaged only 3.1 yards per carry. We know the Vikings can throw the football, but their rushing attack is giving them big problems on offense, and it’s hard to see that changing anytime soon.
Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
