Vikings Stock Market Report: Carolina Cardiac Attack Edition

The Vikings won yet another close game Sunday afternoon, needing overtime to come away with a 34-28 win over the Carolina Panthers, balancing their record at 3-3 heading into their bye-week.

This game was a bit of the best of times, and the worst of times, to quote an oft-used phrase, as the Vikings defense rendered the Carolina offense ineffective much of the game, while the Vikings offense produced nearly 500 yards and 28 points prior to overtime- against a Carolina defense that had allowed an average of 255 yards per game so far this season. They were also the stingiest pass defense in the league through 5 games, but the Vikings and Kirk Cousins were able to break them:

At the same time, the Vikings defense held the Panthers to just over 200 yards in total offense prior to their final 96-yard drive.

But it was also the worst of times, as the Vikings allowed the Panthers to convert a 4th and 10 from their own 4 yard line late in the 4th quarter, to keep their hopes alive, and then again later allowed them to convert a 4th and 6 to put them in position to tie the game- which they did.

The Vikings special teams also allowed Carolina to pick up some much needed points on a blocked punt, which they returned to a touchdown, and also missed what would have been a game winning field goal at the end of regulation time, and another one earlier in the 2nd half too. And there was also a fumble early on by Justin Jefferson, deep in their own territory, which the Panthers were able to quickly cash in on with a touchdown.

And yet it was also the best of times as the Vikings defense forced 3 turnovers, and Kirk Cousins led essentially two game winning drives- something becoming more common with him- ending the last one in overtime with a big-time touchdown throw to K.J. Osborn for the win.

It was a close game- closer than it should have been – but the Vikings were clearly the better team and ultimately they produced enough for that to be reflected in the final score.

Moving on to individual performances, and the stock market report…

Blue Chip Stocks

Kirk Cousins. Cousins stepped up when he needed to, and delivered especially late in the game, finishing 33/48 for 373 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTs, and a 112.6 passer rating. It was noteworthy also that on one of those late drives, he faced what might have been a strip sack in years past, but was able to take care of the ball and avoid the sack- and then run for 16 yards and a first down.

Christian Darrisaw. I’ll give him a blue-chip nod in his first official NFL start at left tackle. He didn’t give up a sack, but he did give up what might have been a strip late in the game- mentioned just above, but overall he looked good and could…