Two weeks before the start of the season, the Minnesota Vikings were an outside bet to reach the Superbowl. Since then, they've lost their starting quarterback, Teddy Bridgewater, and their once in a generation running-back in Adrian Peterson.
After four games of the season, the Vikings are now legitimate Superbowl contenders despite those huge losses. Head coach Mike Zimmer has done an exceptional job. Their defense has completely stifled big teams in the Carolina Panthers, Green Bay Packers, and now the New York Giants.
The Vikings rolled onwards as one of just two 4-0 teams thanks to that exceptional defense - but their new quarterback Sam Bradford and replacement running back Jerrick McKinnon have been more than capable replacements for their injured stars. Bradford has been the composed quarterback everything always thought he could be without ever showing it, whilst McKinnon has been able to get the running game going that Peterson couldn't while he was fit.
The Vikings got off to a great start in this game, with Matt Asiata punching in from the goal-line, and this touchdown from tight-end Kyle Rudolph in the first half to establish a 14-0 lead. They would win the game 24-10.
💪🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈🎯
TOUCHDOWN.
Bradford throws a strike to @KyleRudolph82! #NYGvsMIN https://t.co/gvjvT5E3OS— NFL (@NFL) October 4, 2016
The Giants really struggled to get anywhere on this defense despite their impressive receiver collection. Eli Manning struggled under pressure, throwing a costly interception - but it wasn't all bad. Rookie running-back Paul Perkins showed why people are excited about him:
.@Prime_Perk_24 is off to the races!
He breaks free for 67 yards!
🏃💨💨💨 #NYGvsMIN https://t.co/PTliC5FvyI— NFL (@NFL) October 4, 2016
For the Giants, this game is a write-off. They acquitted themselves well against a better team, and have shown tangible improvement from last season. The Giants are still legitimate contenders to win the NFC East.
Unfortunately for Odell Beckham fantasy owners, he was held to just 23 yards - it could have been so much more, but he just about failed to come down with another miraculous one-handed catch:
ALMOST...#NYGvsMIN pic.twitter.com/ipvJq2ybAq
— NFL (@NFL) October 4, 2016
Beckham was very subdued, especially after yet another taunting penalty, and his sub-par start to the season is very concerning.
With Beckham not making any spectacular catches, the greatest catch of the night was this ball boy's one-handed brilliance:
Catch of the night?
This ball boy earned that honor. With ONE hand! 🙌#NYGvsMIN https://t.co/QEfumEH7vF— NFL (@NFL) October 4, 2016
Look at how cool and collected he is about the whole thing. Damn, son.
You can watch the full highlights here:
