The Minnesota Vikings dominated in Tampa for three quarters, gagged a 10-point lead, and then saved the best for last in Sunday's 19-13 overtime win over the Buccaneers. Here's what you need to know:
- The kids are alright in Minnesota. No. 32 overall pick Teddy Bridgewater led a clutch two-minute drill to set up the game-tying field goal in the final seconds of regulation. No. 9 overall pick Anthony Barr forced a fumble and returned the ball for a touchdown to win the game in overtime. Barr makes a few plays that make you go "wow" each week. He's adjusted to pass coverage skills well.
- Bridgewater had a typical rookie day. He missed a number of routine throws and was not accurate down the field. But he also made a lot of difficult third-down plays under duress from the Tampa pass rush, especially to Cordarrelle Patterson. Bridgewater's touchdown to Greg Jennings came when he took a big hit. The tougher the play, the better the throw from Bridgewater.
- The Buccaneers didn't reach the red zone until there was 4:04 left on the clock. They had 51 yards midway through the third quarter, including five straight three-and-outs. The offensive line just can't operate at a professional level. The flip side to that: Vikings pass rusher Everson Griffen has looked worth his big contract the last two weeks with dominant outings. With Sharrif Floyd and Barr playing better, this is an intriguing defensive front.
- If this was Vincent Jackson's last game in Tampa, he went out with a whimper. His one catch came for 13 yards in the fourth quarter.
- If nothing else, the Bucs seem to have a future star in Mike Evans. He's been very impressive going after contested catches deep down the field. He was a key to Tampa's 13 fourth-quarter points.
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