Stock up, stock down from the Vikings’ win over the Panthers
The Vikings revamped their defense this offseason and retained a lot of key players for their offense. At one point, Minnesota had an 0-2 record to show for it.
In the NFL, what a difference a few weeks makes. The Vikings have now won two in a row. Minnesota is back at .500 headed into its bye in Week 7.
Here are the players whose stock rose or dropped in Week 6 against the Panthers:
Stock up: CB Bashaud Breeland
Photo: AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn
Breeland helped the Vikings defense get out to a hot start when he intercepted Sam Darnold’s pass on the first play from scrimmage.
Breeland and the Vikings defensive backs got bailed out by Panthers wideouts dropping balls throughout the game. But overall, Darnold struggled to do much, outside of that drive near the end of the fourth quarter.
Stock down: DE Danielle Hunter
Photo: Bob Donnan/USA TODAY Sports
For the first time all year, Hunter had kind of a quiet game. He had no sacks, no QB hits. He tallied six tackles, though. Also, Hunter appeared to be held on a couple of plays.
Stock up: WR K.J. Osborn
Photo: Carlos Gonzalez/Star Tribune via AP
Osborn proved to be a capable third option in the passing game yet again. The second-year wideout had 78 receiving yards on six receptions.
He capped off his decent day with the game-winning touchdown reception. He even celebrated like Stefon Diggs.
Stock down: The punt unit
Photo: Bob Donnan/USA TODAY Sports
The Vikings signed punter Jordan Berry right before the season started. Through six games, Berry has impressed with his punting distance this year.
But in the third quarter of Week 6, Berry didn’t get the best opportunity to launch a punt. That’s because Carolina’s Frankie Luvu blocked the kick. The Panthers’ Kenny Robinson scooped up the ball and scored. Minnesota gave up blocked punts last year. That continues to be a problem in 2021.
Stock up: The Mike Zimmer era
Photo: Bob Donnan/USA TODAY Sports
The Vikings have won three of their last four games, including two consecutive victories. With Minnesota’s front office and coaching staff remaining relatively stable at the top, the Vikings need a promising season to show that this current brain trust is still capable of competing.
The team has notched its record to 3-3. The Vikings can rest up during the bye week, then try to turn this 2021 season into something special.
Photo: Jim Dedmon/USA TODAY Sports
Joseph went 3-for-5 on field goals. He missed what would have been the game-winning field goal with seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.
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