How Did Former Vikings Like Adam Thielen, Eric Kendricks Do in Week 1?

Checking in on some members of the 2022 Vikings in their new homes.

After an offseason of turnover in Minnesota, several prominent members of the 2022 Vikings made their debuts with new teams this weekend. Let's see how they did.

Panthers WR Adam Thielen: 2 catches, 12 yards in loss vs. Falcons

Thielen had a very quiet Carolina debut despite playing a full-time role. The 33-year-old will look to get going against the Saints in Week 2. The Panthers host the Vikings in Week 4.

Jets RB Dalvin Cook: 16 touches, 59 yards in win vs. Bills

Cook made his Jets debut in a thrilling Monday night victory over the Bills that was overshadowed by Aaron Rodgers' season-ending Achilles injury. He had a few chunk gains but was mostly bottled up while teammate Breece Hall exploded for 147 yards on 11 touches. With Zach Wilson at quarterback, New York will undoubtedly lean on both backs moving forward.

Steelers CB Patrick Peterson: 4 catches on 6 targets, 2 TDs allowed, 2 PBU, 2 tackles in loss vs. 49ers

Peterson made headlines for saying on his podcast before this game that the 49ers had tells in their offense that would help him grab an interception. The confidence backfired, as he was beaten by Brandon Aiyuk for two touchdowns in a dominant San Francisco win. Peterson did have two pass breakups.

Chargers LB Eric Kendricks: 54.9 PFF grade, 7 tackles, 4 catches on 4 targets, 1 PBU in loss vs. Dolphins

In Sunday's epic Chargers-Dolphins duel, there was a classic Kendricks play where he dropped into coverage and broke on a ball for a diving PBU. Outside of that play, though, he was merely fine in his Chargers debut.

Browns DT Dalvin Tomlinson: 65.6 PFF grade, 1 pressure, 1 tackle in win vs. Bengals

Tomlinson had a fairly productive day on 35 snaps in his first game with Cleveland. The Browns surprisingly shut down the Joe Burrow and the Bengals in a 24-3 victory.

Browns EDGE Za'Darius Smith: 90.5 PFF grade, 6 pressures, 4 QB hits, 2 tackles, 1 PBU in win vs. Bengals

Smith was absolutely dominant in his Browns debut. He and Myles Garrett had six pressures apiece; they were constantly getting after Burrow. For as long as Smith stays healthy, that's probably the best edge rusher duo in the NFL.

Others

• Irv Smith Jr. had 3 catches for 17 yards on 5 targets for the Bengals
• Chandon Sullivan played 13 defensive snaps for the Steelers
• Duke Shelley only appeared on special teams for the Rams
• Cameron Dantzler is a free agent again

Overall, Smith had an incredible game and Tomlinson was solid. The Vikings probably beat the Buccaneers with Smith in their lineup on Sunday. Everyone else started slow, which — at least for a week — seems to justify the Vikings' decision to move on from many aging veterans this offseason.

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