Game balls for the Vikings' loss to the Bengals
Adam Thielen picked up where he left off and Michael Pierce showed off something new, but the Bengals had more offensive fireworks.
September 13, 2021 at 12:34AM
Bengals running back
Returning from a foot injury that sidelined him much of last season, Mixon had 29 carries for 127 yards and a touchdown.
JA'MARR CHASE
Bengals receiver
An LSU teammate of Joe Burrow and the Vikings' Justin Jefferson, the rookie had a stellar NFL debut, ranking up five receptions, 101 yards and a 50-yard scoring catch.
ADAM THIELEN
Vikings receiver
After finishing last season third in the NFL with 14 touchdown catches, Thielen picked up where he left off, with two TD grabs Sunday, including a 24-yarder on fourth-and-6. He was the team's leading receiver with nine catches for 92 yards.
MICHAEL PIERCE
Vikings defensive tackle
With two of the Vikings' five sacks, the nose tackle nearly doubled his career total in his Vikings debut. Co-defensive coordinator Andre Patterson talked up Pierce's pass-rushing ability throughout camp.
