The Minnesota Vikings just pulled off another gritty, ugly win, but honestly, what everyone’s talking about right now isn’t the final score. It’s the sight of superstar wideout Justin Jefferson heading to the locker room after their very first drive in Tampa Bay, followed by a wild punt return that ended up saving their Week 3 bacon in a 23-16 victory over the Buccaneers. For the second straight week, the offense looked shaky, but somehow, they found a way to win on the road.
Jefferson Down, Offense Stalls, But They Still Got Points?
Week 3 kicked off with the Vikings winning the opening coin toss yet again, and they elected to receive. Kyler Murray hit Justin Jefferson on the very first snap for a 22-yard gain, which got everyone hyped, right? Then Aaron Jones ran the ball into Tampa Bay territory in just two plays. Things were looking great, but a hold on Donovan Jackson pushed them back, making it a third-and-long. They recovered some yards, but it wasn’t enough, and they settled for a 54-yard field goal from Will Reichard. So, 3-0 Vikings just under five minutes in. But that field goal came at a massive cost. On that opening drive, Jefferson suffered an ankle injury. He went into the blue medical tent, then to the locker room, first declared questionable, then ruled out for the rest of the game. That’s a huge blow, and everyone’s gonna be watching that situation like a hawk all week.
Myles Price Just Broke a Decade-Long Drought With THAT Play
Tampa Bay got the ball back, starting their first drive from their own 40-yard line after a nice return from Kenny Gainwell. But Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers’ offense couldn’t get anything going, going three-and-out. Time to punt. And that’s when Myles Price absolutely EXPLODED. He took the punt at his own 14-yard line, made a couple of slick moves, found open field, and was GONE. Eighty-six yards to the crib for a punt return touchdown! Just like that, it was 10-0 for the purple. That punt return was the first one for the Vikings in almost a full decade, going all the way back to Marcus Sherels against the Houston Texans in October 2016. Tampa didn’t back down, though. Mayfield led them right back down the field, hitting Cade Otton for their first first down, then some runs from Bucky Irving, a personal foul on Dallas Turner, and then a 40-yard catch-and-run touchdown to rookie Ted Hurst. That was Hurst’s first career TD catch, a big moment for the third-round pick from Georgia State. Just like that, it was 10-7.
The Vikings got the ball back after Hurst’s touchdown. While the offense continued to struggle, Will Reichard added three more field goals throughout the game, and the defense and special teams held strong to ensure that 23-16 victory. With Jefferson’s injury the biggest question mark heading into next week, you gotta wonder if this defense and special teams can keep carrying the load if the offense keeps sputtering. That 23-16 win feels like a lifetime ago when you’re thinking about Jefferson’s ankle.
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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