Minnesota Vikings: Studs and duds from thrilling win over Panthers

Stud: Forcing turnovers, more opportunities for offense

In the first half, linebacker Eric Kendricks recorded an interception while Carolina was in the redzone to turn the tides and more importantly hold the Panthers off the scoreboard while threatening to take the lead.

In the second half with Carolina looking to extend its lead to 14 points while up 21-10 and in field goal position, the Vikings special teams unit blocked the field goal and recovered the ball to take over and keep the game to an 11-point contest.

As much as turnovers hurt Minnesota on offense, it was able to force Carolina into doing the same which allowed the Vikings to remain in the contest during the Week 12 matchup.

Dud: Cook leaving with an injury

Outside of the events that took place during the course of the game, one of the biggest duds that also appeared was Dalvin Cook once again having to deal with some injury issues for Minnesota. In the third quarter following a fumble that was returned for a touchdown, Cook was helped off the field with an apparent injury.

Although he was helped off the field, Cook was later shown running through some drills on the sideline to test out his injury and the team later went to announce him as probable to return with ankle injury. Cook did end up returning to the field later on in the contest, which was at least a positive sign.

The Vikings need Cook to return and to remain healthy in order to have any chance of reaching the playoffs in 2020 or even finishing the year strong. He has been the biggest performer on the offensive side of the ball so far this year and if he misses time, that’s bad news for Minnesota.