Stock Market Report 2.0 Vikings Bengals

I was not sure if Wulford would write another Stock Market report but decided I would still write up the fan post one because since I started reading the Daily Norseman this has been one of my favorite articles. As for the game *Unprintable string of obscenities.” Well, the Vikings have played and lost their 1st game. The only thing missing from Minnesota’s loss was a missed FG and a Cousins pick 6. I love the Vikings but today wrecked my blood pressure right before work tomorrow. Anyway, Rick and Zim avoid one of the few things I was going to flame them for no matter what, Dozier was not on the field. On to the rankings.

Blue Chip Stocks:

Greg Joseph: Yes, A Vikings kicker gets a blue-chip stock. I will give everyone a moment to get over the shock. Joseph made a career long 53 yd fg to send the Vikings to OT and even survived being iced.

Special Teams: The Vikings special teams was the best part of the entire game. After last year’s team made a dumpster fire look competent and was the worst unit on the 2020 Vikings. For the 1st game at least the Vikings special teams was solid. There was one bad return out of the endzone by Smith-Marsette and a bad opening punt but the special team was much improved.

Adam Thielen: The offense was bad, but Thielen managed to produce once they got going. Two touch downs and a clutch penalty in OT helped the Vikings have a chance. On a day when the Vikings offense was hard to watch Thielen provided a bright spot.

Solid Investments:

Justin Jefferson: Jefferson looked a little rusty to start the game. That was not a huge surprise after suffering a shoulder injury in camp. He had a TD taken away after a questionable call but took a little bit of time to get going. Jefferson almost got a blue-chip stock as potential QB of the future after a nice pass to KJ Osborn. I’m not worried about Osborn

Revamped Defensive Line: The Vikings line overall looked better than last year. Hunter got a sack late and the run defense was better overall. The line did struggle at times and there is still some work to do but I think the line will improve. It was nice to see Pierce get a sack and Griffen back out there. The secondary had more issues but I think the defense is on the uptick.

Dalvin Cook: Dalvin had a “fumble” in overtime. But overall Cook did get going but had to shake off some rust. Some of the inside runs were rough and of course we had to have a pass behind the line on a 2nd and forever but Cook was not the issue.

Harrison Smith: Smith had a bad missed tackle in the 3rd quarter but overall played well. The secondary was more of a work in progress but Smith remains consistent. I hope with veteran CBs Smith might have more shots at picks and other plays again.

No Dakota Dozier: The Oline was really bad and the interior struggled again. Everyone had at least one penalty but O’Neill remained the best oline player out…