The Minnesota Vikings came out on top against the Oakland Raiders, 34-14, Sunday afternoon, with a lot of help from the offensive side of the ball. After struggling to find their groove last Sunday in Green Bay, the offense bounced back and helped carry the Vikings to 2-1 on the season.
Here are three offensive standouts that helped the Vikings get their second win of the young season.
The one-two punch of Dalvin Cook and Alexander Mattison
The Vikings run game continues to impress, totalling over 200 yards on the ground. Dalvin Cook had yet another impressive day, finishing his day with 110 rushing yards and a touchdown. Rookie Alexander Mattison also found the endzone for the first time in his career, and ran for 58 yards.
With the NFL being a pass-happy league, it is interesting that the Vikings can find so much success on the ground. Cook and Mattison seem to be one of the best running back duos early on in the season, a huge reason this team sits at 2-1.
Irv Smith Jr.
The Vikings found value in the second round when drafting tight end Irv Smith Jr. Although his stats don’t jump off the stat sheet through the first three games of the season, Smith has made a big impact early on in his career.
Smith caught the ball three times for 60 yards on Sunday afternoon, leading the Vikings in receiving yards. He also had another big play negated due to a penalty, which would have ended his day with over 80 yards.
The rookie from Alabama has already proven that he can be an asset in the run blocking game, but adding him into the receiving core makes this team even more dangerous.
With Chad Beebe getting injured, the Vikings might only have three receivers heading into Chicago next weekend. The tight ends will play a vital role in the pass catching game, so it will be crucial to continue to grow Smith in the receiving game.
Adam Thielen
Adam Thielen found the endzone twice against Oakland, once through the air and once on the ground. The Minnesota native hauled in three catches for 55 yards, with his touchdown coming on a play-action bomb from Kirk Cousins. Thielen also scored a one-yard rushing touchdown on an end around.
Last season, Thielen was the Vikings biggest playmaker. With the running game getting out to a great start this season, the play action game to Thielen could be the dagger this team needs down the stretch.
The Vikings offense will have a much bigger test next Sunday when they head to Chicago to take on the Bears.
