Vikings week 1 player awards

The Minnesota Vikings won a thriller in Minneapolis defeating the Jacksonville Jaguars 26-23 in overtime. With 20 seconds left in the game, the Jacksonville Jaguars scored what would surely be a game winning touchdown. The Vikings, lead by second-year quarterback Christian Ponder and the leg of rookie kicker Blair Walsh, had other plans. With 14 seconds on the clock quarterback Christian Ponder led the team down the field, setting up Blair Walsh for the biggest kick of his young career. Walsh drilled it.

In overtime the Vikings had first possession ending with another clutch kick by Blair Walsh. The 38-yard field goal would end up being the game winner, Giving the Vikings a chance to go 2-0 for the first time since 2009. Going into next week, the Vikings will look to beat the Indianapolis Colts at Indianapolis for the first time in franchise history. The Vikings are currently 0-10 at Indianapolis and will play their first regular season game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Here were some standout players from Sunday:

Offensive: Adrian Peterson

Coming off the ACL injury back in December, Peterson was still questionable to even play in the season opener before the game – yet Peterson made it clear he knew he would be playing earlier in the week. The Pro Bowl running back proved that he is still the best in the game by scoring 2 touchdowns for 84 yards on a 4.9 average. Peterson now sits on top of the pedestal with 6,836 rushing yards, breaking Robert Smith’s previous record of 6,818 yards. Peterson also finished the game with his 16th game of at least 2 touchdowns, the most in franchise history.

Offensive: Percy Harvin

Harvin was a beast all over the field. His domination as a running back, receiver, and threat as a kick returner make him a unique and gifted athlete. Peterson went out of his way to say without Percy the Vikings wouldn’t have won on Sunday. Harvin set a team record for most net yards in a season opener with a combined 192 rushing, receiving, and kick off return yards. He finished the game with 5 rushes for 20 yards and 6 receptions for 84 yards.

Defensive: Chad Greenway

The Vikings defense stepped up against the Jacksonville Jaguars despite a last minute heave that had Chris Cook turned around. One of the most outstanding and best player makers on the defense was Chad Greenway. He was all over the field recording 13 total tackles, 2 QB Hits, and deflecting 2 passes. Greenway had some huge tackles including a tackle on Jones-Drew who appeared as if he was about to break a long run.

Defensive: Brian Robison

Robison was big throughout the Vikings’ first regular season game. Although he didn’t record a sack, Robison wrecked havoc for the Jaguars. He finished the game with a couple QB hurries, a pass deflection at the line, and 4 tackles. On Monday, Frazier was asked about Robison being a breakout player this year.

He got off to a great start yesterday. I think he is in position to hopefully have a breakout season. It would be great for our team if that happens but the way he played yesterday, he’s well on his way.” Frazier said. “We’d love to see him consistently bring pressure like he did yesterday and that allows us to blitz less and even help our secondary more but he’s off to a great start. He had a great camp, great off season, didn’t miss anything and it was great to see yesterday. Would love to see him do it again against the team we’re playing this coming Sunday.”

Most Valuable Player: Blair Walsh

Blair Walsh has arguably the biggest shoes to fill. Ryan Longwell was known as a reliable kicker that could be counted on when the game is on the line. Drafted in the 6th round, Walsh wasn’t expected to fill in for Longwell right away, but the Vikings had other plans that included cutting the long time veteran Longwell. Walsh had a solid start to his young career making his first 2 field goals from 20 and 42 yards out, but really proved himself on the last play of regulation. With the game on the line, the rookie stepped up and booted a 55-yard field goal, making it look easy. He later drilled a 38-yard field goal that would lead the Vikings to a 26-23 overtime victory. All you can simply say about this rookie is “Clutch” and everyone’s going to have high expectations for him the rest of the season. Walsh’s 55-yard field goal was the longest field goal in an opening game in Vikings franchise history and the second longest field-goal in team history. Walsh finished the game 4/4 for his field goals and 2/2 on extra points.