There were all smiles in Vikingsland yesterday as Minnesota took its early-season frustrations out on the Joe Burrow-less Cincinnati Bengals 48-10. The game was never in question as Brian Flores’ defense stepped it up a big notch, and the return of some familiar faces helped put the Vikings’ house back in order. And a much-traveled quarterback from the North Country enjoyed his time to once again shine on a fall Sunday afternoon.
Their victory, at least for the moment, erases the memory of the home debacle against the Atlanta Falcons the previous Sunday night. After a short celebration, the Vikings now turn their attention to a multi-week intercontinental adventure and an ensuing schedule that does them no favors.
Welcome Back, Christian Darrisaw
How much the Vikings had missed the services of Pro-Bowl left tackle Christian Darrisaw was evident from their initial offensive snap. They wasted no time running Jordan Mason behind him at a steady pace, and he was a big reason why Mason ended the game with 116 rushing yards and two touchdowns. New starting quarterback Carson Wentz had considerably more time in the pocket than starter J.J. McCarthy had experienced in the previous two weeks.
And Darrisaw’s performance lifted the play of his fellow linemates, no one more than rookie left guard Donovan Jackson. Jackson had played the first two weeks with two different tackles, which was evident in his play as he looked overmatched against the aggressive Falcons’ defensive line last week. Having Darrisaw at his side elevated his game, and he, too, started creating big holes for Vikings’ rushers to run through. The Minnesota offensive line hopes to be at full strength next week with the return of center Ryan Kelly.
Vikings Defense Brings It
Flores’ defense wasted no time in showing its dominance yesterday. On the Bengals’ second series, quarterback Jake Browning threw a ball that was tipped by Vikings safety Harrison Smith and intercepted by Isaiah Rodgers, who, in a flash, bolted down the sideline for an 87-yard interception return for a touchdown. And Rodgers would strike again near the end of the first half. With 1:47 until halftime, Browning threw a short pass to his tight end, Noah Fant, who was immediately stripped of the ball by Rodgers.
Rodgers recovered his own fumble at the Minnesota 34-yard line and once again sprinted down the sideline, this time for a 66-yard fumble recovery touchdown. And he wasn’t finished yet. On the ensuing Bengals possession, on second and 5 from the Bengals’ 32-yard line, Browning threw a pass to Ja’Marr Chase, who had the ball stripped by Rodgers and recovered by the Vikings’ Jeff Okudah at the Minnesota 48-yard line. On the day, the Vikings defense would recover three fumbles and intercept Browning twice.
Wentz was a Veteran Stabilizer
No one knew quite what to expect as veteran Wentz took the reins of the Vikings offense yesterday. Subbing for the injured McCarthy, He hadn’t taken a meaningful snap since 2022 when he played for the Washington Commanders. But Minnesota fans were quite relieved when Wentz led the team on the game’s opening drive, 64 yards in six plays, which culminated in a 12-yard touchdown strike from Wentz to tight end Josh Oliver, giving the home team a 7-0 lead.
He added a five-yard touchdown pass to T.J. Hockenson in the third quarter, and throughout the game, Wentz gave the Vikings the steadying veteran presence that they were lacking in Weeks 1 and 2. He finished the game 14-20 for 173 yards and the two touchdown passes. Overall, Minnesota rolled up 352 yards of total offense. They also racked up 22 first downs and committed zero turnovers.
The Road Ahead
The Vikings now embark on their European journey, where they play the Pittsburgh Steelers next Sunday in Dublin, Ireland. Then the following Sunday, they take on the Cleveland Browns in London, England at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The team should see the return of additional veterans from their injured list, and they hope to return home healthy with a 4-1 record as they enter their bye week.
