Vikings Special Teams, Blocked Punts Spark Victory over Panthers

The Minnesota Vikings trounced the Carolina Panthers, 31-13, on the back of two blocked punts in the first half, racing out to a 28-6 halftime lead.

After back-to-back losses, the Vikings were in desperate need of some opportunistic plays, and the blocked punts were exactly that. Each was returned for a touchdown—the first by backup receiver and special teams ace Adam Thielen and the second by starting defensive end Everson Griffen.

The two special teams touchdowns put 14 points on the board, lightening the offense’s workload.

Minnesota’s game-breaking performance on special teams was one for the record books too. Scoring two touchdowns from blocked punts rarely happens in the NFL, per Vikings PR:

"

Today marks the fourth time in NFL history and first since 9/30/1990 that a team has had multiple blocked punt return TDs in a single game.

— Vikings PR (@VikingsPR) November 30, 2014"

The wait for a single touchdown off a blocked punt was long for Minnesota as well, per Matt Vensel of the Star Tribune:

"

That was the team's first blocked punt for a TD since 1986.

— Matt Vensel (@mattvensel) November 30, 2014"

Opportunistic plays were just what the doctor ordered for the ailing Vikings. Big plays on special teams gave Minnesota control of the game early on, something they have rarely had in the 2014 season. That eased the job for Teddy Bridgewater and an injury-riddled offense, setting the table for a game’s worth of success.

Neither block was particularly lucky on Minnesota’s part either. A Viking came unblocked both times for the block, just as special teams coordinator Mike Priefer planned it.

Thielen has now further cemented his valuable role with the Vikings. After a stellar training camp that earned him a roster spot prior to the season, the depth receiver has made a difference on special teams and in a niche role on offense as a run-blocking receiver.

He was an undrafted player out of Minnesota State University, Mankato. A second crack at the Vikings roster in 2014 opened up an opportunity for him, and he has taken advantage. Scoring his first NFL touchdown is a proper reward.

The second touchdown came under much different circumstances, the type not often seen when a blocked punt occurs. Minnesota was in its base defense.

Priefer’s scheming paid off, per Brian Hall of FoxSportsNorth.com:

"

As for Brinkley's blocked punt. Came from a base defense look. Brinkley had been begging Priefer for the call and knew he'd have a chance.

— Brian Hall (@MNBrianHall) November 30, 2014"

In most cases, a defense that stays with its base personnel in a punt situation equates to playing it safe, defending a possible fake. Instead, Minnesota sprung a surprise on the Panthers, bringing the heat to free up Jasper Brinkley for the block. Griffen scooped and scored, extending a lead the Vikings would not relinquish.

Both big plays came from deficiencies the Minnesota coaching staff must have picked out in Carolina’s punt protection or the time it takes Carolina’s punter to get the ball off. By keying in on these issues, the staff put its players in a position to succeed.

The advantageous plays confirm Priefer’s value to the Vikings. These two special teams touchdowns occurred only two weeks after the Vikings caught the Chicago Bears off guard with their own punt team, leaking out Andrew Sendejo for a 48-yard gain on the ground.

Recent developments on special teams are more evidence of the positive work done by the entire coaching staff in Minnesota. Injuries, suspensions and the trials of young players have dragged down the team for numerous weeks, but the Vikings found a way to overcome their circumstances in a much-needed win over the Panthers.

More of the same is needed in the weeks to come.

Statistics via ESPN.com unless noted otherwise.