Entering their matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs, no one in the NFL had more turnovers than the Minnesota Vikings. In just four games, Minnesota had 11 giveaways — with two fumbles happening on the opening possession in four games — continually shooting itself in the foot in an early 1-3 start. The Vikings certainly understood this problem could not continue against a juggernaut like the Chiefs if they were going to notch the upset win.
Despite their best efforts, tight end Josh Oliver turned a first-play 15-yard pass into another giveaway at the start of the game. And wasting no time to capture the Vikings stepping on a rake again was Jim Nantz.
The CBS football announcer immediately jumped into an appropriately theatrical call about Minnesota’s turnover woes:
"He fumbles the ball and the script continues! [The Minnesota Vikings] have been a DISASTER in the first quarter this year! Coughing up and turning over the football! And it starts today on the very first play of the game!"- Jim Nantz pic.twitter.com/X7odZMz51e
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 8, 2023
In most other respects, an offense fumbling the ball on the first play of the game is a disaster. For the Vikings to do it on the first play of the game after all of their rampant issues — eight fumbles in five games! — is an unmitigated catastrophe. Nantz’s “catastrophe voice” was perfect for this moment.
This was how Twitter reacted to the Vikings' fumble issues
Vikings fumble issue is insane
— Brad Spielberger, Esq. (@PFF_Brad) October 8, 2023
INCREDIBLE.
Vikings lose a fumble on their first play from scrimmage. Third game IN A ROW that they've lost a fumble on their opening possession.
That was Josh Oliver, who coughed it up after an 18-yard gain.
— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) October 8, 2023
Vikings fumble on the first play. Because of course they do.
— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) October 8, 2023
The Vikings first play is a lost fumble, because, well, what else could it be
— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) October 8, 2023
vikings fumble pic.twitter.com/dwviqTqpkc
— kylie ✭ (@dakenjoyer) October 8, 2023
I’m still thinking about that fumble.
Like, why are the Vikings still fumbling?
Why? How?
— Phil Mackey 🎙 (@PhilMackey) October 8, 2023
Vikings fumble on the first play of the game LOL.
— Mark Gunnels (@MarkAGunnels) October 8, 2023
Oh my goodness, man. Vikings fumble on first play. Josh Oliver. This is freaking wild.
— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) October 8, 2023
That fumble is a Total Vikings Moment. Seen them start exactly like that my whole life.
— Robert Schmitz (@robertkschmitz) October 8, 2023
