Each week, the Vikings defense seems to befuddle another superstar.
Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com wrote after the Vikings 24-10 win that perhaps the football world should get used to such performances.
The Vikings, Rosenthal wrote, are here to stay.
Odell Beckham's no-show in the second half of Minnesota's thorough 24-10 takedown of the Giants on Monday night was only the latest episode to showcase great players suffering career worst performances.
Cam Newton was sacked eight times by Mike Zimmer's crew last week, failing to score on his final nine drives. Zimmer's team inspired the nation to ask: "What's wrong with Aaron Rodgers?" after Minnesota's Week 2 upset of the Packers. Facing the Vikings is what was wrong. In the last 10 quarters, the Vikings have faced quarterbacks who combined for three MVPs and three **Super Bowl* MVPs. Those players have combined for one TD pass and five interceptions.*
Rosenthal also praised players such as Linval Joseph, Danielle Hunter, Everson Griffen, Anthony Barr and Harrison Smith for their strong play, while adding that Xavier Rhodes has been a shutdown cornerback for the past two weeks.
The Vikings are allowing 12.5 points per game, which ranks second in the NFL.
Bradford's consistent play helps Vikings in win
A month into his tenure with the Vikings, quarterback Sam Bradford delivered another solid performance Monday night against the Giants.
Andrew Krammer of the Star Tribune wrote that Bradford has earned the trust of his teammates with his steady play.
*Bradford completed passes to nine receivers for 262 yards and the one touchdown. He has not thrown an interception in three starts for the Vikings. *
"Sam's a baller," said Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph. "You can see him getting more and more comfortable now. Not only at the line of scrimmage but in the huddle as a leader of this offense and of this team; guys kind of gravitate towards his energy now."
*The highlight of the Vikings passing game might have been Bradford's 40-yard strike to Charles Johnson in the fourth quarter, after the Giants had pulled within seven points. On the ensuing play, Jerick McKinnon scored on a 4-yard run. *
*Bradford was not sacked behind a line that continued turning over personnel, losing right tackle Andre Smith in the first quarter because of an elbow injury. Jeremiah Sirles filled in at tackle a week after jumping in for Alex Boone at left guard. *
"They kept me clean and kept those guys going in the run game," Bradford said. "I think this was probably one of their best games of the year."
Vikings offense shines in crunch time
Leading by a touchdown early in the fourth quarter, the Vikings offense put together a statement drive to helped seal the deal.
Judd Zulgad of 1500ESPN.com wrote that Minnesota showed a strong balance between the run and pass games during the scoring sequence.
An eight-play, 76-yard drive that began at the Vikings 24 included a 16-yard pass to Kyle Rudolph and a crucial 40-yard completion to Charles Johnson that put the ball on the Giants' 4. Jerick McKinnon provided the finishing touch with a rushing touchdown that accounted for the final points in the Vikings' 24-10 victory.
"That was a pretty big response for us," Bradford said. "It was probably the biggest turning point in the game."
Bradford helped the Vikings convert both of their third-down tries as he was 2-of-2 for 21 yards, completing passes to Rudolph and Matt Asiata to move the sticks.
