Minnesota Vikings: Five things we learned in the win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
1. The offensive line is much improved from last season.
Whenever the offensive line isn’t being talked about, that’s usually a good thing. With a brand new starting five this season, the Vikings have started out on a good note.
Most importantly, they head an eleventh ranked rushing offense a year after ranking last. While rookie phenom Dalvin Cook is a huge reason for that, the offensive line deserves credit too. Having an effective run game has clearly opened up opportunities in the pass game, while slowing down opposing defenses’ pass rush.
Only time will tell if the line holds up, but there’s optimism that this starting unit is far better than the one that opened and finished last season.
2. Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen are establishing themselves as big-time NFL receivers.
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I must admit, I didn’t think Diggs and Thielen would be very effective without Bradford once again, but they sure proved me wrong. In this game, Diggs stole the show, but Thielen had a solid day of his own. Diggs posted eight catches for 173 yards and two touchdowns, while Thielen had five catches for 98 yards.
Currently, Thielen and Diggs rank second and third in receiving yards in the NFL, respectively. As under-the-radar receivers in the league, they are starting to make their presence felt as game-changing receivers. Along with Dalvin Cook, the Vikings have a dangerous trifecta of weapons in an offensive unit that ranks second in total offense behind the New England Patriots.