Something new here at Minnesota Sports Unlimited continues this week. The difference is this week I will do Offense and Defense to split it up a little bit. I will do the offense this morning and the defense this afternoon. This week we will grade every position player for the Vikings, and I will give a short explanation why I gave them that grade. This week the Vikings found a way to defeat division rival the Detroit Lions 20-17 to put their record at 3-2. In the process lost QB Sam Bradford to a reaggravation of his knee injury. Just because the Vikings got the win doesn't mean I am going to give excellent grades. Leave a question in the comment box on your thoughts.
OFFENSE
QB Sam Bradford
I
Sam Bradford attempted to come back from injury this weak, and you could tell he was not healthy as he was limping around. He made it just before halftime before he had to be lifted for Case Keenum. Bradford went 5-11 for 36 yards including four sacks and safety that mainly was because of his lack of movement. I don't expect to see Sam behind center again at the earliest when they come back from the Bye on November 12th, and quite honestly it would not surprise me if he was done for the year. There were reports that he might have an arthritic knee and if that is true, he is out for the year.
RB Jerick Mckinnon
A
After starting the season as the third running back, Mckinnon has had opportunity knock, and he has walked through it after the injury to Dalvin Cook and ineffectiveness to Latavius Murray. In this game, Jerick shined and probably earned the starting job. Mckinnon carried the ball sixteen times for 95 yards with a 58-yard touchdown run. He also had six catches for 51 yards out of the backfield, which is 146 total yards. Mckinnon finally showed some toughness and took on tacklers.
WR Stefon Diggs
I
There is not a lot to write about Diggs as he suffered a groin injury in first half. Diggs only had one catch for a total of four yards on four targets. The hope that the damage is not severe and he will play against the Packers.
WR Adam Thielen
C
Adam Thielen had five catches for 34 yards a 6.8-yard average. He caught six of his eight targets. It was not his fault as the offense threw a lot of short passes. However, I cannot give a higher grade when he only had 34 yards receiving.
WR Michael Floyd
D
In his first game of his career with the Vikings, it was pretty much a dud. He did not play a lot of snaps, so I am not going to give him an F. He made an unbelievable catch on the sideline, so the talent is there. He was apparently rusty, and hopefully, he plays better against the Packers. In this game, he had one catch for 18 yards on his only target.
TE Kyle Rudolph
B
Kyle was the best pass receiver on the field for both teams. Rudolph had six catches for 45 yards and a touchdown on nine targets. As a tight end that was pretty solid. It is not A level but quite good for a tight end, and it was Rudolph's best game of the season.
LT Riley Reiff
A
Riley continued to be worth every penny that the Vikings spent on him in the offseason. He did not give up a sack for another game and continued his strong play. I had my doubts about Reiff when they signed him, but he has been an enormous upgrade over Matt Kalil.
LG Nick Easton
D
After struggling thus far at LG and having Jeremiah Sirles replace him in many games. However, he suffered a calf injury in the 4th quarter and did not return, and it is uncertain if he will play against the Packers. If he doesn't play Jeremiah Sirles will get the start.
C Pat Elflein
D
After being the second most consistent offensive lineman behind Riley Reiff, Elflein struggled in this one. He famously gave up the butt sack in which he was pushed back into Sam Bradford knocking him down. He had a couple of penalties and two sacks allowed. He will likely learn from this and come back and face Mike Daniels and be much more efficient.
RG Joe Berger
C
Berger had his good parts and some parts that you're like wow he is playing bad. He got beat a few times for quarterback hurries. There were no sacks and no penalties, so he was average.
RT Mike Remmers
C
He was average again in this game, and in this game a mediocre performance is excellent. Remmers and Joe Berger opened up the hole that Jerick Mckinnon used to go 58 yards for his touchdown. Remmers gave up a few quarterback hurries, but as long as he is not giving up sacks, I will take it.
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