Vikings Postgame Report: The Vikings Earn Their First Victory Of The Season vs Carolina, Smith & Defense Have A Big Impact | CAR | Week 4

Welcome to Week 4 of the Vikings Postgame Report. The Vikings are heading home from Charlotte with a 21-13 victory over the Panthers. The Vikings Defense and rushing attack stepped up and powered the team to their first win on the season. The team settled down after an opening drive pick-six by Sam Frankling Jr., but the team settled down and were able to keep the game within 6 points going into halftime. The Vikings Defense was able to get after rookie quarterback, Bryce Young, sacking him five times, including three by Harrison Smith. Smith was a huge catalyst, finished with 14 combined tackles, three sacks, and a forced fumble that D.J. Wonnum returned for a 51-yard scoop-and-score. Wonnum and Marcus Davenport accounted for the other two sacks on the afternoon. Cam Akers and Alexander Mattison racked up 135 yards on the ground, while Justin Jefferson caught both of Cousins' touchdown passes.  The Vikings will come home to host the Kansas City Chiefs next Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium.  Paul Allen and Pete Bercich recap the differences they saw in this week's victory, the effectiveness of the running game, Harrison Smith's impact on the entire defense, and look ahead to the challenges presented by the Kansas City Chiefs.  Plus, Head Coach Kevin O'Connell and Quarterback Kirk Cousins both spoke to the media at the postgame press conference. All of this and more is in the 2023 Week 4 edition of the Vikings Postgame Report.