Gallery: Vikings beat Carolina for first victory

The Vikings survived a massive first-quarter blunder to beat the Panthers. 
Photos by Star Tribune
October 1, 2023 — 7:47pm

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Minnesota Vikings Justin Jefferson (18) catches a 30-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC.

Carlos Gonzalez, Star Tribune

Minnesota Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson (18) celebrates a touchdown in the second quarter.

Carlos Gonzalez, Star Tribune

Minnesota Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson (18) celebrates a touchdown with his mother Elaine in the second quarter.

Carlos Gonzalez, Star Tribune

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) ran on the field during player introductions.

Carlos Gonzalez, Star Tribune

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) throws a 30-yard touchdown pass to Justin Jefferson (18) in the third quarter.

Carlos Gonzalez, Star Tribune

Minnesota Vikings running back Cam Akers (31) attempts to avoid a tackle in the third quarter.

Carlos Gonzalez, Star Tribune

Sam Franklin Jr. (42) of the Carolina Panthers intercepts Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) and returns it for a touchdown in the first quarter.

Carlos Gonzalez, Star Tribune

Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) attempts a pass in the third quarter.

Carlos Gonzalez, Star Tribune

Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (22) forces a fumble on Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) in the third quarter. D.J. Wonnum (98) recovered the fumble and returned it 51 yards for a touchdown.

Carlos Gonzalez, Star Tribune

Minnesota Vikings D.J. Wonnum (98) recovers a fumble and returns it 51 yards for a touchdown.

Carlos Gonzalez, Star Tribune

Minnesota Vikings D.J. Wonnum (98) returns a recovered fumble for a 51-yard touchdown.

Carlos Gonzalez, Star Tribune

D.J. Wonnum (98) of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates after recovering a fumble and returning it 51 yards for a touchdown.

Carlos Gonzalez, Star Tribune

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell reacts after a Justin Jefferson touchdown in the third quarter.

Carlos Gonzalez, Star Tribune

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (87) in the first quarter.

Carlos Gonzalez, Star Tribune

Minnesota Vikings linebacker Marcus Davenport (0) sacks Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) in the fourth quarter.

Carlos Gonzalez, Star Tribune

Minnesota Vikings do the SKOL Chant after a Vikings touchdown in the third quarter.

Carlos Gonzalez, Star Tribune

Carolina Panthers receiver Adam Thielen is greeted by former Minnesota Vikings teammate Justin Jefferson at the end of the game.

Carlos Gonzalez, Star Tribune

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