Minnesota Vikings: Studs and duds from thrilling win over Panthers

Stud: Justin Jefferson

With Adam Thielen out of the game after being placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list during the week, the Vikings had a void at the top wide receiver spot in Week 12 and needed someone to step up to the challenge to lead the receiving crew against the Panthers.

From the early stages of the game, rookie wideout Justin Jefferson did a nice job of stepping into that role, most notably helping get Minnesota on the board first with a touchdown reception in the first quarter.

In the game, Jefferson finished with seven catches for 70 yards and a team-best two touchdowns to lead that group that recorded 34 receptions for 307 yards.

Jefferson continues to put together a solid rookie campaign for Minnesota, and his Week 12 performance was another addition to that.

Dud: Turnovers

One thing that swung the momentum of the game right out of halftime and late in the game on Sunday was turnovers on the side of the Vikings that gave the Panthers some quick points on the board to take a lead in the contest.

In the opening drive of the second half, Minnesota’s Kirk Cousins fumbled the ball that was returned for a touchdown by Carolina’s defense, putting the Panthers up 14-10. Shortly after, Dalvin Cook fumbled again, with that too being returned for a touchdown, pushing Carolina’s lead to 21-10.

Near the end of the game with Minnesota down three and set to return a punt with the game on the line, Chad Beebe fumbled the punt that resulted in Carolina taking over deep in Minnesota’s territory.

Of the many things that have gone wrong for the Vikings as far as hurting themselves over the course of the last few weeks, the turnovers specifically early in the third quarter and late in the game were another example of those concerns for the purple and gold.