One of the earliest returns the Carolina Panthers have gotten out of their busy offseason has been from the signing of Adam Thielen.
The former Minnesota Vikings wideout has been the most consistent and reliable weapon on a new offense, one that’s been searching for a spark to start the season. And much of that fire came last Sunday, when Thielen shot out for 145 yards and a touchdown on 11 receptions in Seattle.
Buy Panthers TicketsNow, the 33-year-old veteran is set to face the team that cut him loose after a homey and harmonious decade together. Conveniently enough, that team also boasts a struggling defense.
While Thielen has already said it will be “a little weird” to face the Vikings, he is undoubtedly set up to have an explosive effort against them. With the Panthers getting an energized Bryce Young back under center, the former Pro Bowler and the No. 1 overall pick will almost certainly try to hook up early and often against a vulnerable Minnesota secondary.
Heading into Week 4, the Vikings have given up the eight-most passing yards per game (261.7) and the fifth-most passing yards per attempt (7.6). They’ve also allowed opponents to complete 76.4 percent of their throws (the second-highest rate) with seven touchdowns to just one interception.
Nonetheless, it would not be surprising to see defensive coordinator Brian Flores and the Vikings try to box out the run and force Young to beat them. And if they do, the rookie should look Thielen’s way early and often to help push the Panthers to their first win on the campaign.
