 hauls in a reception during the fourth quarter on Oct 9, 2022, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Facing the Chicago Bears, Thielen showcased his reliable hands and route running as the Vikings worked to secure a key NFC North victory. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=443,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/USATSI_19205577.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1024,height=682,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/USATSI_19205577.jpg”><figcaption><span>Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) hauls in a reception during the fourth quarter on Oct 9, 2022, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Facing the Chicago Bears, Thielen showcased his reliable hands and route running as the Vikings worked to secure a key NFC North victory. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.</span></figcaption></figure><div class='code-block code-block-3' style='margin: 8px 0; clear: both;'>
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The Minnesota Vikings pulled off a thrilling Week 1 victory at Soldier Field, taming the Chicago Bears by three points after quarterback J.J. McCarthy authored a 4th Quarter comeback in his first-ever start.
A few Vikings fell short in Week 1, and they’ll need to respond sooner rather than later. Here are three players who need bounceback games in Week 2.
McCarthy and his offense struggled through three quarters, but once crunchtime hit, he woke up, and so did his pals.
Along the way, a few players orchestrated forgettable outings, and they’ll need bounceback performances on Sunday Night Football against the Atlanta Falcons.
Vikings Players Needing Redemption Performances on SNF
Keep an eye on these three men during Sunday Night Football.
 runs off the field after pregame warmups before a game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports.</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=427,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/hockhair.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=639,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/hockhair.jpg” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=427,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/hockhair.jpg” alt=”T.J. Hockenson runs off the field after warmups at Soldier Field.”><figcaption>Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (87) jogs off the field following pregame warmups on Oct 15, 2023, at Soldier Field in Chicago. Preparing for a divisional contest against the Bears, Hockenson wrapped up his early drills before kickoff as teammates continued their routines. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports.<span></span></figcaption></figure>
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<h3>1. T.J. Hockenson (TE)</h3>
<p>Hockenson caught 3 passes for 15 yards on <em>Monday Night Football</em>. That’s not going to cut it at his price point. It’s especially disadvantageous because Jordan Addison is suspended, and Minnesota needs all the able-bodied, efficient pass-catchers it can find. In a normal week, that’s Hockenson.</p>
<p>There’s also the J.J. McCarthy element. First-year quarterbacks tend to rely on the tight end more than most. So, McCarthy needs Hockenson to step up in Week 2.</p>
<p>Hockenson didn’t have bad drops like <a href=)
Justin Jefferson or Adam Thielen on Monday, but he simply must put his thumbprint on the offense in a more decisive manner. It’s why he earns $16.5 million per season. He’s not an ornamental piece in the offense.
FantasyPro‘s Leo Sells noted on Hockenson this week for fantasy football purposes: “The Vikings weren’t able to get much going in the passing game on Monday. It was J.J. McCarthy’s first regular-season game as a pro, so he went through some growing pains, which Hockenson felt the effects of.”
“He should bounce back and produce better than this moving forward, but with Jordan Addison set to return from his suspension in just a few weeks, it remains to be seen how big of a role the veteran tight end will actually secure for himself on this offense.”
2. Ivan Pace Jr. (ILB)
30.0.
That was Pace Jr.’s Pro Football Focus grade in Week 1 at the Chicago Bears, and that score is not good. Thankfully, the rest of Minnesota’s defense played mostly well that evening, and Caleb Williams is not very accurate, especially in the clutch.
 celebrates a sack against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second quarter at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images.</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Ivan-Pace-Jr.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=578,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Ivan-Pace-Jr.jpg” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Ivan-Pace-Jr.jpg” alt=”Ivan Pace Jr. celebrates after a sack against the Jaguars at EverBank Stadium.”><figcaption>Minnesota Vikings linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. (0) celebrates a sack during the second quarter on Nov 10, 2024, at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, FL. The undrafted standout brought pressure against the Jaguars, energizing Minnesota’s defense with his aggressive play in the road matchup. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images.<span></span></figcaption></figure>
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<p>Generally speaking, Pace Jr. is unlikely to fire up back-to-back stinkers, so calling for his bounceback performance may be unnecessary.</p>
<p>Still, with no Blake Cashman on Sunday — he’s out for at least a month — Pace Jr. must rebound and play well so that Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts doesn’t erupt.</p>
<p><span><em>SI.com</em>‘s</span> <a href=)
Joe Nelson mentioned Cashman’s impending absence on Thursday: ‘Without Cashman, the Vikings turned up the pressure on Williams and the Bears and kept them scoreless until Chicago’s penultimate drive. By then, the Vikings had rallied from a 17-6 deficit and built a 27-17 lead.”
“O’Connell gave backup linebacker Eric Wilson a game ball for his performance replacing Cashman. Wilson finished with five tackles and blocked a punt, while also wearing the green dot on his helmet, meaning he relayed the defensive play calls to his teammates on the field.”
 runs for yards after catch as Minnesota Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman (51) pursues during the second quarter U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/USATSI_24242946.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=787,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/USATSI_24242946.jpg” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/USATSI_24242946.jpg” alt=”George Kittle runs after a catch as Blake Cashman pursues at U.S. Bank Stadium.”><figcaption>San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) picks up yards after a reception while Minnesota Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman (51) gives chase on Sep 15, 2024, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The second-quarter play tested Minnesota’s coverage as Kittle fought for extra yardage. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.<span></span></figcaption></figure>
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<p>The Vikings also <a href=)
signed linebacker Sione Takitaki to the practice squad this week.
“According to Pro Football Focus, Wilson played 25 snaps and was in coverage for 13 of them — and Williams was 0-for-2 when throwing into Wilson’s coverage. The veteran linebacker also led Minnesota with a 90.9 run defense grade,” Nelson added.
3. Adam Thielen (WR)
Indeed, Adam Thielen caught an impactful two-point conversion at the Bears — but that was about it.
In his first game back with the Vikings since 2023, folks envisioned Thielen filling a WR2 role next to Justin Jefferson. But he only saw one target in his direction from McCarthy, and Thielen dropped that would-be first down catch.
 celebrates after scoring on an 18-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns during an NFL International Series game at Twickenham Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/NFL-International-Series-Minnesota-Vikings-at-Cleveland-Browns-10378560.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=801,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/NFL-International-Series-Minnesota-Vikings-at-Cleveland-Browns-10378560.jpg” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/NFL-International-Series-Minnesota-Vikings-at-Cleveland-Browns-10378560.jpg” alt=”Vikings WR Adam Thielen celebrates a touchdown against the Browns at Twickenham Stadium in London.”><figcaption>Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) celebrates after scoring on an 18-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter on Oct 29, 2017, at Twickenham Stadium in London. Thielen’s play highlighted Minnesota’s offensive effort against the Cleveland Browns in the NFL International Series matchup overseas. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports.<span></span></figcaption></figure>
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<p>The man might just need more targets; he might need to get open more on Sunday night. In any event, Minnesota needs a non-Jefferson wideout to step up in the next two games before Jordan Addison’s return, and Thielen is simply the best candidate.</p>
<p>It’s worth noting that <a href=)
U.S. Bank Stadium will explode when Thielen is introduced during pre-game festivities.