Kyler Murray is back. After missing Week 2 with a concussion, the Vikings’ starting QB has cleared protocol and is set to lead a Minnesota team that’s already off to a red-hot 2-0 start as they head to Tampa Bay. This is the first time since 2003 that the Vikings have opened a season with back-to-back divisional victories, and they are absolutely buzzing heading into their NFC South tour.
Kyler Returns to a Team On Fire
Seriously, this Vikings squad is playing with fire. They kicked off the season with a wild 39-22 win over the Green Bay Packers in Week 1, where backup QB Carson Wentz had to step in during the first quarter after Murray went out with that concussion. Wentz rallied the team big time! Then last week, they faced some brutal, sloppy conditions in Chicago, wet and windy and just a mess at Soldier Field. The offense definitely had its issues, but the defense absolutely balled out, making sure Will Reichard’s three field goals were more than enough for a 9-3 victory. That’s not just a win, that’s their seventh straight win in Chicago and their seventh straight win dating back to last season. Murray coming back now? That just takes this momentum to another level.
Tampa Bay is 0-2 and Fighting for Air
Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are looking like they might be in serious desperation mode already. They dropped their Week 1 game to the Cincinnati Bengals, and then last week against the Cleveland Browns, things got wild. Trailing late, the Bucs pushed into Cleveland territory at the two-minute warning, and then BAM, a thunderstorm rolled in and delayed the game for over two hours! You know how that goes, all momentum gone. When they finally got back on the field, Tampa couldn’t punch it into the end zone, turning the ball over on downs and sealing a 23-19 loss to the Browns. That puts them at 0-2, and with Minnesota coming to town playing lights out, they are in a deep hole. The forecast for Sunday in Tampa is mid-80s with no rain, a huge change from the Chicago slop, so at least they’ll have nice weather for this critical matchup.
So, get ready for a late Sunday kickoff at 3:05 PM Central Time, beamed to us by the FOX family of networks. The Vikings are looking to keep this win streak alive and crush the Bucs’ early season hopes. Can Minnesota handle the Florida heat and an opponent fighting for their season? We’re about to find out!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Daily Norseman.
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