Patterson, Defense spark Minnesota Vikings Victory

The first half of the Minnesota Vikings win over the Titans felt almost unbearable. Where was that spark, that energy fans have come to expect from a Mike Zimmer led team? Fortunately the Vikings remembered who they were after halftime.

Minnesota Viking’ fans were feeling a little shell-shocked after thirty minutes of football on Sunday. Nothing seemed to be working for the visiting squad. Adrian Peterson could not get on track, Shaun Hill and the receiving corps looked as though their timing was off. Even the vaunted Minnesota Vikings defense appeared a bit lethargic.

And then the Tennessee Titans kicked off to Cordarrelle Patterson to begin the third quarter.

Patterson has been playing the part of “anti-hero” since being drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 2013. We all love that character in any story who possesses the same wonderful traits and characteristics as the hero, but just can’t seem to pull it all together until it’s almost too late.

Patterson played the part beautifully on Sunday, returning the second half kick for 61 yards, and subsequently jump-starting some life into a team that was on the brink of another loss to start out the season.

Everything just seemed to click after that, especially on defense.

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After another Blair Walsh field goal cut the Titans lead to four points, the real hero of this story decided to show up. Everson Griffen‘s pressure on Marcus Mariota forced an errant throw, leading to Eric Kendricks interception return for a TD. Minnesota’s defense had finally awakened. The Vikings took a 12-10 lead and never looked back.

Mike Zimmer admitted to possibly “overthinking” things a little in the first half. The Titans were rapidly substituting players in and out of the huddle, motioning guys all over the line of scrimmage, attempting to confuse and fluster the defense prior to the snap. It may have all been window-dressing, but Zimmer felt the need to match the Titans chaotic start.

Zimmer’s halftime reflection changed the course of the game. By getting back to what the Vikings do best, Zimmer set his team up for almost immediate success. His players inevitably responded well.

Danielle Hunter had an amazing start to his second year as a Minnesota Viking. The youngster recorded 3 tackles, 1 sack, and a fumble recovery which he returned for a TD.

Trae Waynes got the start at corner for an injured Xavier Rhodes. Waynes played well despite the fact that the Titans were targeting him most of the afternoon. Waynes finished the game with a team leading 10 tackles.

Linval Joseph put a punishing tackle on Titans RB DeMarco Murray along the sideline. Murray never looked the same the rest of the game. Joseph dominated the Titans offensive line during the second half. Helping to squeeze the life out of Tennessee’s running game, and recording the Vikings other sack of the game.

Harrison Smith was once again all over the field. His numbers may not look all that impressive in the box score, but he was making plays early and often.

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The Minnesota Vikings are becoming one of the most adaptive clubs in the NFL. No matter what the situation this team figures out a way to move forward. Having adept coaching in the locker room helped the Minnesota Vikings to a week one victory. People say that it’s not how you start, but how you finish, and apparently being able to adjust in between doesn’t hurt either.