EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — Mike Wallace became the first receiver to score a touchdown against the Broncos this season Sunday with a 4-yard catch from Teddy Bridgewater just before halftime.
The Vikings were able to use a crossing route combination with other players that helped free up Wallace as he went across the end zone.
Other times, however, Wallace implemented speed and quick, sharp cuts to get open against a Broncos secondary that started three players who were selected to the Pro Bowl after the 2014 season (cornerbacks Aqib Talib and Chris Harris, Jr. and safety T.J. Ward).
Wallace was targeted 10 times by Teddy Bridgewater and caught eight passes for 83 yards (10.4 per catch). The touchdown was the first in purple for the seven-year NFL veteran who was acquired via trade this offseason. The performance has been selected for Bridgestone Performance of the Week.
Wallace was part of a group of Vikings receivers who elevated their game in the Rockies. Receivers combined for at least 21 catches Sunday for just the sixth time on the road in franchise history. It was also the first time that didn't involve a monster game from Hall of Famer Cris Carter.
In addition to Wallace, the Vikings also got six catches for 87 yards from rookie Stefon Diggs in his first NFL regular season game and career highs of six catches and 70 yards from Adam Thielen. Cordarrelle Patterson also moved the sticks with a 9-yard gain during Minnesota's 97-yard touchdown drive in the fourth quarter.
The previous road games in which Vikings receivers combined for 21 catches:
At New England (10/20/91) — Cris Carter 10-114; Anthony Carter 9-62; Hassan Jones 2-24
At Arizona (10/2/94) — Cris Carter 14-167; Jake Reed 7-66
At Chicago (9/7/97) — Jake Reed 12-118; Cris Carter 9-107; Chris Walsh 1-9
At Baltimore (12/13/98) — Cris Carter 11-85; Matthew Hatchette 6-95; Randy Moss 6-89
At Chicago (11/14/99)—Randy Moss 12-204; Cris Carter 9-141
