 carries the ball against the New York Giants during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-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/tynyg.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=645,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/tynyg.jpg” tabindex=”0″ role=”button”><figcaption> John Jones-Imagn Images.</figcaption></figure>
<p>The Minnesota Vikings somehow started the 2024 campaign — one where ESPN predicted they’d finish with the league’s worst record and owners of the first overall pick in April — with a 2-0 mark and confidence to boot.</p>
<h4>The 3 Most Underrated Vikings Players thru 2 Games</h4>
<p>Kevin O’Connell’s team topped the New York Giants on the road and the San Francisco 49ers at home.</p>
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<figure><img loading=)
rushing attack.
2. Jihad Ward (OLB)
 celebrates after the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-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/wardvike.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=677,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/wardvike.jpg” tabindex=”0″ role=”button” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/wardvike-788×444.jpg” alt><figcaption> Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images.<span></span></figcaption></figure>
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<p>Ward forced 4 total pressures in Week 1, <a href=)
according to Pro Football Focus, and also played on the inside of the Vikings’ defensive line on pass-rushing downs. Some fans had Ward on the roster bubble this summer, but he arrived in Week 1 and 2 and shined.
Minnesota has lacked credible pass-rushing depth for a few seasons. With Ward, that streak may be over. It’s only been two games,” but Ward has played quite well, en route to a 74.9 PFF grade heading into Week 3, which, of course, is starting-caliber production.
The Vikings don’t need Ward to start because of Jonathan Greenard, Dallas Turner, and Andrew Van Ginkel on the roster. Yet, Ward is a sweet perk on 3rd Downs, for example.
There was also stuff like this versus the 49ers:
1. Patrick Jones (OLB)
 during the NFL International Series game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter van den Berg-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/2022/12/USATSI_19184078.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=884,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/USATSI_19184078.jpg” tabindex=”0″ role=”button” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/USATSI_19184078-788×444.jpg” alt><figcaption> Peter van den Berg-USA TODAY Sports<span></span></figcaption></figure>
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<p>You won’t believe it, but Jones II ranks second in the NFL in sacks (4) behind Detroit Lions EDGE Aidan Hutchinson.</p>
<p>Jones II played like a beast in Sunday’s win <a href=)
over San Francisco, chipping off 2 sacks, 2 tackles for loss, and a mind-bogglingly productive 88.2 Pro Football Focus grade. When the 2024 campaign began last weekend, most Vikings fans narrowly focused on Greenard, Van Ginkel, and Turner at the top of the ticket. But somehow, Jones II has topped them all through two games.
His prestige may wear off a bit, but through two games, he’s the Vikings’ most underrated player.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His MIN obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
