The Minnesota Vikings remain undefeated in London following their 21-17 win over the Cleveland Browns in Week 5, and they had an unlikely late hero in cornerback Jeff Okudah, who drew attention from the NFL for his efforts.
Okudah, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2020 draft, is in his first year with the Vikings.
The sixth-year pro has yet to start a game. He has logged ample playing time as the Vikings’ third corner, particularly when they go with traditional nickel formations on defense.
Vikings CB Jeff Okudah Draws Praise From NFL
GettyJeff Okudah #8 of the Minnesota Vikings makes a tackle against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Vikings signed Okudah, who has earned $39.1 million in his career, to a one-year, $2.3 million contract during free agency this past offseason. He made his presence felt several times in Week 5 against the Browns. That includes arguably the game’s most important play.
Okudah tackled Browns wide receiver Jamari Thrash in bounds to end the game.
“Jeff Okudah makes a clutch tackle inbounds and that’s where the game ends,” the NFL posted on X on October 5. “VIKINGS WIN IT.”
Okudah entered Week 5 with 6 total tackles and 1 fumble recovery on the season, and he had logged 51 snaps on the season for a 21.1% share, per Pro Football Reference. He is behind Byron Murphy and Isaiah Rodgers at corner.
Moreover, the Vikings often use three safeties, with Jay Ward ahead of Okudah in snap share.
It was Okudah, though, whose tackle ensured that the clock would expire and that the Vikings would escape Week 5 with a victory.
Vikings Hit Bye Week After Multiple Close Calls
GettyCarson Wentz #11 of the Minnesota Vikings reacts against the Cleveland Browns.
Before Okudah saved the day, the Vikings avoided the worst with starting quarterback Carson Wentz. He took a hit from Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger and was ruled questionable to return before halftime.
After a trip to the blue medical tent, the Vikings’ locker room, and then to get X-rays.
He returned for the second half, having only missed the final snap of the first, with rookie undrafted free agent Max Brosmer taking a kneeldown to reach the break.
Wentz is filling in for second-year QB J.J. McCarthy, who could return to action for the Vikings in Week 7 following the bye. The Vikings will host the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles in that game.
The Vikings also saw running back Jordan Mason, who is starting in place of the injured Aaron Jones, get up slowly in the second half.
Like Wentz, Mason finished the game, which is obviously good news for the Vikings.
Vikings WRs Come Up Big in Week 5 Win
GettyJustin Jefferson #18 of the Minnesota Vikings catches a pass against the Cleveland Browns.
The Vikings did not have smooth sailing amid myriad injuries, including to four of the five starting offensive linemen. Wentz was sacked 3 times, but he avoided turning the ball over, finishing with 236 yards and 1 TD pass on 73.5% completion.
Vikings wideout Jordan Addison was benched for the first quarter after missing a walkthrough, according to head coach Kevin O’Connell.
He ended up catching the go-ahead touchdown.
“C’mon now. Don’t count us out now,” fellow wideout Justin Jefferson said into the camera after screaming to open another video posted by the league after the contest. “We always get this dub in London. Always. Let’s go!”
Jefferson had seven receptions for 123 yards. Addison posted a 5-41-1 line. Okudah sealed the victory over the Browns for the Vikings.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post NFL Issues Notice on $39 Million Former Top-5 Pick After Vikings Game appeared first on Heavy Sports.