🏈WK 03 ~ GAME DAY vs BUCS ~ Let's Sink That Pirate Ship!

Observation #4 in MIN win vs Tampa - Kyler has a pretty deep ball, but he threw very little intermediate stuff today and that is what consistently moves the chains. It is concerning that we don’t spread the ball around much in the passing game.

— VikeFans (@VikeFans) September 27, 2026

Observation #5 in MIN win vs Tampa - I have become more and more of a fan of Isaiah Rodgers. He has good speed, coverage skills and WILL put his nose in to hit a guy. Great coverage and gimmie INT to end it

— VikeFans (@VikeFans) September 27, 2026

Observation #6 in MIN win vs Tampa - Today we saw a run sweep with 3 Viking linemen out front for the first time since Matt Birk’s days, and it WAS effective. KOC never tried it again.

— VikeFans (@VikeFans) September 27, 2026

Observation #7 in MIN win vs Tampa - The habitual problem with KOC getting plays in late and hurrying execution happened a lot today. Often, Murray was breaking the huddle with less than 9 seconds on the play clock.

— VikeFans (@VikeFans) September 27, 2026

I didn't overlook #8 ~ They didn't post it.

Observation #9 in MIN win vs Tampa -We have all preached to run more, but this year our offense has become dull and stagnant because we are running almost too much with limited assets in our backfield right now. The NFL remains a passing league.

— VikeFans (@VikeFans) September 27, 2026

Observation #10 in MIN win vs Tampa - Eric Wilson is a unique story to take off when he is a long-term veteran. He was disruptive today and was especially noticeable when he dropped off of a blitz to cover a middle TE and break up a key pass.

— VikeFans (@VikeFans) September 27, 2026

Observation #11 in MIN win vs Tampa - Baker Mayfield was not very good today, yet he looks more poised QB than to Kyler Murray. Kyler holds the ball too long and Baker is a gamer and “feels” the pressure better and does not panic.

— VikeFans (@VikeFans) September 27, 2026

Observation #12 in MIN win vs Tampa - Spreading it around, but not too well – The Vikings had just 4 receivers catch a ball midway through the 3rd qtr, and 2 of the receivers had catches for 5 yards or less.

— VikeFans (@VikeFans) September 27, 2026

Observation #13 in MIN win vs Tampa - The Viking offense got so predictable in the 3rd quarter, that the Bucs put 8 men in the box and we ran into it for no gain. Audibles are meant to be used to get out of a run in that situation.

— VikeFans (@VikeFans) September 27, 2026

Observation #14 in MIN win vs Tampa - After a bad year and a half, Ivan Pace is being used in small doses and he is making the best of his chances. On his sack today, he was shot out of cannon on the pass rush, and had another disruptive pass rush later.

— VikeFans (@VikeFans) September 27, 2026

Observation #15 in MIN win vs Tampa - Better to be lucky than good sometimes, as the Viking benefitted from a lot of penalty calls and a very inaccurate Baker Mayfield. They played great on defense but not so great on offense

— VikeFans (@VikeFans) September 27, 2026

Observation #16 in MIN win vs Tampa - The Vikings put a lot of pressure on opposing offenses to have as few takeaway opportunities as they (MIN) do. The ball has not bounced their way too often this year unless teams are behind & throw panic balls. Two late picks - desperation

— VikeFans (@VikeFans) September 27, 2026

Observation #17 in MIN win vs Tampa – Will Reichard is my MVP this year so far (Dallas Turner a close second). The dude just does not miss, however, PTSD from former Viking kickers still makes me worry on every kick try (including the last two he made - easily)

— VikeFans (@VikeFans) September 27, 2026

Observation #18 in MIN win vs Tampa – Relentless – Dallas Turner. When the lights went on for this young man, they were bright spotlights showing him a path to the QB. Anyone miss Jonathon Grennard?

— VikeFans (@VikeFans) September 27, 2026

Observation #19 in MIN win vs Tampa - It is time to have serious discussions about Brian Flores being head coach in MIN and get a real offensive coordinator for the Vikings. KOC’s offensive play calling, execution, and slow play calling is hurting this team.

— VikeFans (@VikeFans) September 27, 2026

Observation #20 in MIN win vs Tampa – So, take all the 19 observations so far, and even the complaints and forget about them. The Vikings are shockingly 3-0 with still lots of flaws showing. You cannot ask for more, maybe Flores as HC…Great Viking road win!!!

— VikeFans (@VikeFans) September 27, 2026

FINAL // Vikings 23, Bucs 16.

I mean, holy cow. The defense and Will Reichard did it again. Eric Wilson was great. Blake Cashman was great. The corners tackled. The offense continues to proceed without a rhythm at all whatsoever.

The record is 3-0.

— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) September 27, 2026

Will Reichard with a "chip shot" from 43 yards. His third FG of the day and sixth in the past two games. He's the Vikings' offense at this point.

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) September 27, 2026

The Vikings find a way to ... find a way (again). They're 3-0 after a 23-16 victory over the Buccaneers. Another lights-out performance by the defense and special teams.

Now they'll need to assess Justin Jefferson's ankle injury + look for ways to jumpstart their offense.

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) September 27, 2026

The Vikings had ZERO snaps in the red zone today. The last time they did that and won a game was in a 2007 against the Bears.

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) September 27, 2026