It was old-school Sunday for the Vikings as they rode a revived defense led by 34-year-old safety Harrison Smith and an improving run game to their first 2023 win in Carolina. The Vikings survived a poor performance by QB Kirk Cousins, who threw two interceptions, including a Pick Six on an awful throw at the Chiefs goal-line that ended a good opening drive.
Flores’ Defense Arrives in First Win amid a Down Day for Cousins
Smith had not made a lot of impact plays in the first three games, but he was the player of the game in Carolina with a career-high three sacks, including the team’s play of the year thus far.