Vikings Defense Makes Critical Late Stops of Panthers

[Viktor]

Minnesota's solid defensive performance helped the Vikings overcome critical mishaps in the game, including the muffed punt and fumbles by Kirk Cousins and Dalvin Cook that were returned for touchdowns on back-to-back plays by Panthers safety Jeremy Chinn. Penalties also tripped up the team throughout the day.


But despite the roller coaster of events, the mentality on the sideline remained positive.


"Throughout the game, there's definitely going to be ups and down. [But] we have to continue to fight and continue to hone in our techniques and details of the way we play defense, and make sure that we do our part," Wilson said. "No matter what's going on in the game, even if they make a play on offense on us, we have to respond, we have to keep fighting.


"It's not just one of us," he continued. "It's our entire defense, it's our entire team, it's the coaches putting us in great positions to win, and I think it was a great team win."


On the day, the Vikings allowed the Panthers 107 yards rushing – led by Davis with 55 – and 267 yards through the air. Bridgewater finished the contest 19-of-36 passing with one touchdown, one interception and a passer rating of 74.7.