Vikings Stock Market Report: Seahawks Edition

There’s no place like home for the Vikings – at least a home full of fans- as the Vikings played their first game at home in front of a full stadium in nearly 700 days. The used the occasion to do something the Vikings have never done before: beat Russell Wilson.

It looked like it would be a track meet in the first half, as neither defense could do much to slow down the other team. The Vikings managed to go up 21-17 after falling behind early, thanks to a well executed two-minute drill, and a near flawless performance by Kirk Cousins.

But the Vikings defense stepped up in the 2nd half, holding Wilson and company scoreless, while adding three field goals of their own, leading to a comfortable 30-17 victory.

So finally getting off the snide with a win and a 1-2 record, who was good and not so today?

Blue Chip Stocks

Kirk Cousins. He had a near flawless performance, going 30/38 for 323 yards, 3 TDs, no turnovers, and a 128.4 passer rating. He made a few clutch throws under pressure as well. Amazing how well he can do when he gets time to throw.

Offensive Line. Cousins performance this year, which right there with any top QB in the league right now, is largely a product of better pass protection. Credit the Vikings offensive line for doing a better job keeping Kirk clean. Additionally, the Vikings had 140 yards on the ground, with Alexander Mattison leading the way, and getting some good holes to run through. Kudos to new Vikings OL coach for getting the most from this group, and doing a better job picking up the twists and blitzes.

Alexander Mattison. The Vikings didn’t miss Dalvin Cook today, because Mattison had a Dalvin Cook game. 26 carries for 112 yards, 4.3 per, and another 6 receptions for 59 yards, 171 yards in all. He doesn’t have Cook’s elusiveness, but he has a bit more power and like Cook can get yards after contact.

Justin Jefferson. JJ was a bit quiet the first two games, with a few drops- and he had another one today- but he also nine receptions on 11 targets for 118 yards and a TD. That gets him back on track with last season, when he was one of the most productive receivers in the league.

Tyler Conklin. It might be easy to overlook Conklin, but he ended the afternoon with 7 receptions on 8 targets for 70 yards and a TD. one of his best games, if not the best, of his career. Getting him involved in the offense will be a helpful tool for the Vikings down the stretch.

Greg Joseph. He put last week behind him and nailed every FG and PAT attempt. No yipes here.

Buy and Sell

Buy: Mike Zimmer adjusting to unseen looks. Sell: Zimmer giving the offense unseen looks.

Part of this is defensive players adjusting to their individual matchup, but it seems that Zimmer’s defense is more reactive than proactive to begin games, giving up more rather than they confound offenses with early looks. The good news is that as the season wears on, there will be less and less that’s not on tape, which…