The rookie quarterback saw his first NFL action as the Vikings starter against the defending Super Bowl champions. He had a couple of interceptions that helped put his team in a 35-17 hole, then led a fourth-quarter rally that produced a 93-yard touchdown drive, a field goal and put a fright into the favored visitors from Green Bay.
In that fourth quarter, the rookie delivered five first downs on third-down plays — 4-for-6 passing for 69 yards, and another on a 12-yard scramble. The 35-27 loss could not deter the enthusiasm for this new quarterback.
"He played with a lot of heart," said veteran receiver Michael Jenkins, who had caught a spot-on, 72-yard pass from the rookie early in the game.
The head coach said: "[Teammates] really feel as if he's in charge and they rallied from that. Just seeing some of the throws he made on the run, his pocket presence, his ability to function in tough situations …"
Seeing those things, the coach said, gave everyone on the Purple enthusiasm not only for the nine games left on the schedule but for the seasons to follow.
Dan Wiederer, the Vikings beat writer for the Star Tribune, observed that the early 72-yard strike served as this warning to the Packers defense: "Yep, the Vikings suddenly had a dangerous vertical passing attack."
Jim Souhan, a Star Tribune columnist, wrote the newcomer brought these qualities to the most important position in sports: "guts, talent, leadership and life."
Legendary scribe Sid Hartman suggested in a couple of years this quarterback would be "another Fran Tarkenton."
