Vikings Rookies Carry Team in Overtime Win over Buccaneers

Comp.	Att.	Yards	TD	INT	Rating
24	42	241	1	0	81.5

The Minnesota Vikings were about to drop another game that they seemingly could not possibly lose. After giving up a fourth-quarter touchdown and trailing for the first time in the game, the team’s rookies came through in the clutch.

Throughout the season, three of Minnesota’s first four 2014 draft picks have been satisfactory if not tremendous.

Anthony Barr, Teddy Bridgewater and Jerick McKinnon were major catalysts to Minnesota pulling out the road victory. All three made impact plays at different points in the game, making the most of their opportunities.

Bleacher Report’s Zach Kruse chimes in with the statistics for Barr, Bridgewater and McKinnon:

"

#Vikings rookies vs. TB ... T. Bridgewater: 241 yards, TD, 0 INT J. McKinnon: 83 yards, 5.2/carry A. Barr: 8 tackles, sack, FF, FR, TD

— Zach Kruse (@zachkruse2) October 26, 2014"

For McKinnon, it was an up-and-down day on the ground in terms of yardage output. He deserves the utmost credit for still racking up 83 rushing yards in a game where his offensive line was not consistently wedging open holes for him.

McKinnon was able to create by making defenders miss, frequently scratching out difficult yards. His open-field running netted big gains as well. In pass protection, he did a sound job picking up blitzes and providing Bridgewater time to make some crucial throws. McKinnon has clearly elevated himself as the best back in Minnesota and worthy of his increased role in the offense.

Steady and reliable is the best way to describe the performance of Bridgewater. After throwing five interceptions in the previous two games, he made better decisions and kept the ball out of the hands of Tampa Bay defenders.

Downfield passing remained inconsistent, but Bridgewater converted a third-down throw in the red zone for a touchdown and made a few impressive throws to the sideline beyond 15 yards.

When Minnesota needed to mount a game-tying drive in the fourth quarter, Bridgewater’s calmness under pressure showed up. He willed the offense down the field on a 61-yard drive, completing numerous throws to the short and intermediate areas and marching the ball into field-goal range.

Andrew Krammer of 1500 ESPN provides the statistics from Bridgewater’s timely drive:

"

Teddy Bridgewater was 5-for-8 for 54 yards on the final drive to tie the game. #Vikings-#Bucs headed to OT.

— Andrew Krammer (@Andrew_Krammer) October 26, 2014"

As the game devolved into what could have been another disastrous ending for the Vikings, it was the resolve of Bridgewater that gave the team a redemption chance in overtime.

For Barr, that opportunity for redemption made all the difference.

The Buccaneers stole a late lead on a touchdown throw to tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins, picking on the rookie linebacker in coverage. The ending would have been sour for Barr until the game went to overtime, where he made the game-winning play.

Barr appreciated the chance to make amends, via this post-game quote from Master Tesfatsion of the Star Tribune:

"

"I gave one up on the other end. I'm happy I got to make it up for the guys." -Barr. #Vikings

— Master Tesfatsion (@MasterStrib) October 26, 2014"

Few rookies have the game slow down for them in a way that lets them rip the ball out in a situation like that. Most linebackers demonstrate concern with making the tackle, but Barr thought ahead and saw an opportunity for a big play.

The forced fumble, recovery and touchdown return highlight a season in which Barr has stated his case as the defensive rookie of the year.

He has transitioned to a new linebacker position with aplomb, making timely tackles in run defense, making impactful rushes as a blitzer and holding up in coverage. His performance in Tampa Bay, especially in making the game-winning play, speaks to how important he has been for the Minnesota defense.

His knack for big plays, especially through forced fumbles, was evident from his days at UCLA. Dane Brugler of CBS Sports provides some context:

"

Barr had 9 FFs his final two seasons at #UCLA

— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) October 26, 2014"

The turnover saved the day for a Vikings team that could not afford a loss to a poor team like Tampa Bay. With the season on the brink, Barr and his rookie cohorts came up big.

As the Vikings keep trying to grow into new offensive and defensive schemes and keep trying to build the team into a program of sustained success, the encouraging early signs from Barr, Bridgewater and McKinnon provide excitement for a brighter future.

The team's heavy reliance on rookie production will lead to ups and downs, but the Vikings gritted out a win in Week 8 on the backs of the youngsters.

Statistics via ESPN.com unless noted otherwise.