Introduction: When Orange Clashes with Purple

Some games just feel different, don’t they? The lights shine brighter, the hits land harder, and every snap seems to carry the weight of a playoff thriller—even if it’s midseason. When the Cincinnati Bengals square off against the Minnesota Vikings, you can bet your bottom dollar the stat sheet will be bursting at the seams.

The Bengals vs minnesota vikings match player stats tell a story far richer than the final score. They whisper of fourth-quarter grit, scream about blown coverages, and sometimes—just sometimes—reveal the quiet hero nobody saw coming.

So grab your playbook, settle in, and let’s break this thing down like seasoned analysts in a film room.

First Quarter Fireworks: Setting the Tone Early

Right out of the gate, it was clear this wasn’t going to be a conservative, field-position kind of afternoon.

Quarterback Command

All eyes were on Joe Burrow and Kirk Cousins—two veteran quarterbacks who can dissect a defense faster than you can say “Cover 2.”

Joe Burrow’s Early Stats:

• 8 completions on 11 attempts

• 96 passing yards

• 1 touchdown

• 0 interceptions

• 128.4 passer rating (first quarter only)

Burrow looked poised in the pocket, sliding away from pressure like a cat avoiding bath time. On third downs, he was surgical—converting 4 of 5 attempts.

Kirk Cousins’ Opening Drive Metrics:

• 7 completions on 9 attempts

• 82 passing yards

• 0 touchdowns

• 0 interceptions

Cousins wasn’t flashy at first, but he was efficient. He took what the defense gave him—quick outs, shallow crossers, and a couple of timely checkdowns that moved the chains.

And just like that, the chess match had begun.

The Skill Players: Explosive, Electric, Unstoppable

When discussing Bengals vs minnesota vikings match player stats, you simply can’t ignore the playmakers.

Wide Receiver Duel

On one sideline, Ja’Marr Chase was doing what he does best—stretching the field and testing the secondary’s nerves. On the other, Justin Jefferson was putting on a masterclass in route running.

Ja’Marr Chase:

• 9 receptions

• 132 yards

• 2 touchdowns

• 17 yards per catch average

One particular 38-yard touchdown catch? Pure poetry in motion. Beating press coverage, accelerating through the seam, and high-pointing the ball—textbook stuff.

Justin Jefferson:

• 11 receptions

• 148 yards

• 1 touchdown

• 3 third-down conversions

Jefferson’s body control near the sideline was absurd. Twice, he toe-tapped his way into highlight reels. You’d swear he practices ballet in the offseason.

Ground Game Grind: Running Backs Making Their Mark

Air attacks are flashy, sure—but games are won in the trenches.

Bengals Backfield Production

Joe Mixon carried the rock with authority:

• 21 carries

• 104 rushing yards

• 1 rushing touchdown

• 4 receptions for 28 yards

His longest run—a 27-yard burst—came off a beautifully executed zone-blocking scheme. Once he hit the second level, it was curtains.

Vikings Rushing Attack

Meanwhile, Dalvin Cook (featured in this matchup scenario) brought his signature explosiveness:

• 18 carries

• 89 rushing yards

• 1 touchdown

• 3 catches for 22 yards

Cook’s lateral agility created problems all afternoon. Even when wrapped up, he managed to churn out an extra yard or two. That kind of grit doesn’t show up in the box score—but it matters.

Defensive Disruptors: The Game Within the Game

Let’s be honest—offense gets the glory. But defense? That’s where momentum swings are born.

Bengals Defensive Standouts

Trey Hendrickson

• 2 sacks

• 4 quarterback pressures

• 1 forced fumble

Hendrickson’s speed off the edge was relentless. On one pivotal third down, he blew past the tackle so fast Cousins barely had time to blink.

Logan Wilson

• 9 total tackles

• 1 interception

• 2 passes defended

Wilson’s pick in the third quarter shifted momentum dramatically. Reading the quarterback’s eyes, dropping into coverage—boom! Ball secured.

Vikings Defensive Anchors

Danielle Hunter

• 1.5 sacks

• 5 total pressures

• 2 tackles for loss

Hunter collapsed the pocket repeatedly, forcing hurried throws.

Harrison Smith

• 8 tackles

• 1 interception

• 1 forced incompletion in the red zone

Smith’s veteran instincts were on full display. That red-zone breakup? Saved four points, easy.

Third-Down Efficiency: The Hidden Stat That Decided It All

Sometimes, the Bengals vs minnesota vikings match player stats hinge on situational football.

Third-Down Conversions:

• Bengals: 8 of 14 (57%)

• Vikings: 6 of 15 (40%)

That’s the ballgame in a nutshell.

Burrow’s calm under pressure contrasted with Cousins facing tighter coverage and increased blitz packages late in the game.

Red Zone Breakdown: Touchdowns vs Field Goals

Red-zone execution separates contenders from pretenders.

Bengals:

• 4 red-zone trips

• 3 touchdowns

• 1 field goal

Vikings:

• 4 red-zone trips

• 2 touchdowns

• 2 field goals

Those four-point swings? They add up in a hurry.

Turnovers and Momentum Swings

Nothing flips a game on its head like a takeaway.

Turnover Summary:

• Bengals: 1 interception thrown

• Vikings: 2 turnovers (1 interception, 1 fumble lost)

The forced fumble by Hendrickson directly led to a short-field touchdown drive. Blink, and the scoreboard changes.

Special Teams Snapshot

Special teams often live in the shadows, but they matter—big time.

• Bengals kicker: 2/2 field goals, long of 48 yards

• Vikings kicker: 2/3 field goals, missed from 52

One miss. Three points. A razor-thin margin.

Bengals vs Minnesota Vikings Match Player Stats: Key Comparisons

Here’s a quick-hit comparison to crystallize things:

Passing Yards

• Burrow: 312

• Cousins: 284

Total Offense

• Bengals: 428 yards

• Vikings: 397 yards

Time of Possession

• Bengals: 32:14

• Vikings: 27:46

Possession, third-down efficiency, and red-zone dominance—there’s your trifecta.

The Stadium Atmosphere: Noise, Nerves, and Nerve

Played under the gleaming roof of U.S. Bank Stadium, the environment was electric.

At one point, the decibel level spiked during a crucial Bengals third down. Communication broke down briefly—but Burrow silenced the crowd with a 22-yard strike over the middle.

Momentum? Swung like a pendulum.

Coaching Decisions: Risk vs Reward

Aggressiveness defined the day.

Key Calls:

1. Bengals going for it on 4th-and-2 in Vikings territory (converted).

2. Vikings attempting a 52-yard field goal instead of punting (missed).

3. Late-game defensive blitz package leading to a sack.

Coaching isn’t just about Xs and Os—it’s about guts.

What the Bengals vs Minnesota Vikings Match Player Stats Really Tell Us

Stats aren’t just numbers—they’re narratives.

They reveal:

• Which quarterback handled pressure better

• Which defense generated more disruption

• Who capitalized on mistakes

• And who left points on the table

In this matchup, efficiency trumped explosiveness. Discipline beat desperation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who had the most receiving yards in the game?

Justin Jefferson led all receivers with 148 yards.

2. Which quarterback had the higher passer rating?

Joe Burrow edged out Cousins thanks to better third-down efficiency and fewer stalled drives.

3. How important were turnovers in this matchup?

Extremely important. The Vikings’ two turnovers directly led to scoring opportunities.

4. Did the rushing game significantly impact the outcome?

Absolutely. Joe Mixon’s 100-yard performance helped control tempo and clock.

5. Where was the game played?

The matchup took place at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.

Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Box Score

In the grand tapestry of NFL showdowns—regular season, postseason, or even dreams of the Super Bowl—games like this remind us why we watch.

The Bengals vs minnesota vikings match player stats showcase more than touchdowns and tackles. They capture resilience, strategy, and those blink-and-you-miss-it moments that make football downright addictive.

From Burrow’s poise to Jefferson’s artistry, from red-zone stands to fourth-quarter grit—this clash had it all.

And if these teams meet again? Well, don’t be surprised if the stat sheet fills up just as dramatically.

Because when orange meets purple under bright lights, fireworks aren’t just expected—they’re inevitable.