Vikings tight end Chase Ford caught his first career touchdown in the 29-26 victory over Washington on Sunday.

"It felt really awesome," Ford said. "I didn't think that it was going to be that easy, but I'll take it."

Ford was wide open in the corner of the end zone on the 21-yard reception, one of five receptions for him, that cut the Vikings deficit down to 10-7 heading into halftime. Ford, who set career highs in receptions and yards last week, set a new career high with 66 receiving yards. He finished second on the team behind wide receiver Greg Jennings in targets, receptions and receiving yards.

"Chase is going to be a household name around here," rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater said. "Chase is a guy that has been making plays for us since OTAs. He's a very explosive player."

Ford has seen an increase in snaps with tight end Kyle Rudolph recovering from sports hernia surgery. The 2012 undrafted rookie free agent started training camp recovering from a broken foot but now has posted two straight solid performances.

"I never gave up faith," Ford said of the injury. "I knew that God had a plan for me, and I just went in there," Ford said. "When I was in the weight room, I was going as hard as I can. And when I got the opportunity, I've been trying to make the most of it."