Diggs, Thielen Step Up For Vikings Without Go-To Receiver
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Minnesota Vikings know that Kansas City will commit to stopping the run, but who will catch the ball if they have to throw it often?
That's been an ongoing and ever-changing discussion. Mike Max gives us two candidates based on recent performances.
Stefon Diggs got his shot, and he delivered. He was playing a significant role with Charles Johnson out of the lineup against Denver.
"It was exciting just as far as being out there with the guys competing at a high level. You've got to love it. I love football, so I was out there trying to have fun and do what I can," Diggs said.
He does not know how that will translate this week, or this season. He just knows that he believes when they want him, he's ready.
"If you don't have confidence going into trying to make a play then you're a little rough," Diggs said. "It just keeps you level-headed, keeps you sane pretty much."
The Vikings have had a couple injuries and they don't have a go-to receiver, that means each receiver must be ready to play each Sunday. Not just Diggs, but Adam Thielen as well.
Thielen had already established himself as a special teams leader. Now, he's become a dependable part of a passing game that likes to spread it out.
"That's the reason why we do so much stuff in the offseason and everybody gets reps with Teddy and everybody gets reps with the second quarterbacks," Thielen said. "So no matter what happens during the regular season, we're ready to go."
He has learned that this game is about being prepared consistently, because it looks like it will be a season not of a featured receiver, but a rotating cast.
"We know that we have depth in the wide receiver position. We know we have confidence whoever goes in there and we're just going to go out there, have fun and play football," Thielen said.
