The classical definition for Slobberknocker is a literal hard hit. I'm going to play off that somewhat in a more figurative manner. While in contrast, and maybe more obviously, the Naw's are things that shouldn't have happened and/or need to change.
Master Chefs
I'm still dubious about Dalvin Cook's ability to stay healthy & effective for at least 14 games but if year three manages to be the charm required for it to happen then having Alexander Mattison will be gravy. In game three, Cook did something that has never been done in franchise history, which is crazy considering the history of backs that the Vikes have had! The achievement is that he's the first one to have at least 100 yards in all three games to start the season. And while the yardage total is lower than his Seminole teammate, Mattison had a heck of a touchdown run in his own right. They will have to keep it going but if the production by the pair is sustained, they will soon be in the conversation as the best tandem in the NFL.
A Welcome Relative
After the thoroughly discussed and overall abysmal performance by Kirk Cousins last Sunday, he came back with exactly the kind of performance that the team needs to be consistently successful! Said another way, he was error-free and efficient. I said just yesterday that the coaches needed to figure out how to find the middle ground between his week 1 with the ten passes and playing it safe and last Sunday. I believe that today was exactly that sort of a plan.
Wrinkle
Speaking of the coaches, the sly handoff to Thielen was a tremendous play to call in that position. That's just one example of having things ready for certain situations that no one had seen or maybe even thought of before. I'm already curious to see what else they could out of the same formation, in the same position on the field. It just goes to show that they may have found the right successor to Pat Shurmur!
Coming Out Party
I was skeptical of the selection of Irv Smith after the draft because of the Bama factor and one game does not my concern dispel. But credit where it is due, he made the most of his opportunity today. Three catches for 60 yards is the sort of production that can bring the buzzword "multiple" to life.
Cast Away
Eric Wilson wasn't quite a revelation from kickoff to final horn but he also did a good job in his role today. Of the four sacks that the defense managed, he got home on two of them so take that for what it is!
The Daunting Duo
The other two sacks that held up, came from the end pairing of Danielle Hunter & Everson Griffen. I don't lightly trust people with two first names but Hunter & Griffen are qualified exceptions to that and are showing the league that last year is last year. When the offensive line makes a mistake either one of them can make the opponent pay and today was right in line with that fact!
The Eraser
Harrison Smith rarely misses on the chance to make plays when they fall in his lap like today's interception did but it moved him one step higher in the franchises record books and showed that he's no worse for the wear as he starts his third decade.
Pour One Out
With the guy that he replaced on the opposite sideline, Dan Bailey put together a welcome relief performance as the Kicker. He didn't miss any of his attempts and he got to watch the doinker happen as a sweet by-product, so Bailey makes the cut!
Return of the...
Mike Hughes coming back was exactly the sort of readdition that the team needed to it's Cornerback group! He may not have made any highlight plays today but the road to recovery began and puts him on a good path towards being really ready when the games matter the most!
SKOL!
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