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Minnesota Vikings: Five things we learned in the win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

By Jake Andersen

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 24: Case Keenum (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 24: Case Keenum (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – SEPTEMBER 24: Trae Waynes (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – SEPTEMBER 24: Trae Waynes (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

3. Trae Waynes is not worth giving up on.

Whenever I surf through my Twitter page, I get a fair share of hate towards cornerback Trae Waynes. After his performance against the Steelers, many were ready to cut ties with the young corner after being exposed on multiple plays.

One week later, the Waynes haters were silenced as he arguably turned in the best game of his career. According to Pro Football Focus, Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston had a 41.1 passer rating when throwing at Waynes (4-for-7 for 52 yards and an interception). He also shut down burner DeSean Jackson, who only caught one of four passes against Waynes.

While the inconsistency is frustrating, fans should be reminded that consistency at the cornerback position takes time. Also, not every first round corner turns out to be Xavier Rhodes.

For the time being, let’s see how Waynes builds on this performance and let’s give him time to establish himself in his first season as a starting corner. He clearly has the makings of a starting corner and isn’t worth giving up on at this point.

4. When the defense stops the run, the Vikings are tough to beat.

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    • Just as the Vikings rushing offense was dismal last season, the Vikings rushing defense wasn’t great either. Giving up almost 107 yards per game on the ground, there were games that the defense was largely exposed on the ground.

    This season, the Vikings have held opponents to an average of 62.7 rushing yards. In their victories over the Saints and Buccaneers, they allowed 2.9 yards per carry for a total of 86 yards, making both teams one-dimensional.

    In their loss against the Steelers, they allowed 102 rushing yards, although Pittsburgh only boasted a 3.2 yards per carry. Nevertheless, the Steelers’ effective run game helped them take advantage of passing opportunities, specifically in play-action situations.

    The Vikings passing defense has been near the top over the last couple of years, so when the they stop the run, that’s a formula for success. Just as the Vikings offense thrives with an effective run game, the defense thrives when they stop the run. This was clearly the case against Tampa Bay, who only rushed nine times for 26 yards.

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