D.J. Wonnum had one of five sacks of Panthers quarterback Bryce Young on Sunday.
Carlos Gonzalez, Star Tribune
D.J. Wonnum had one of five sacks of Panthers quarterback Bryce Young on Sunday.

5 Extra Points: Great match-up for defense, Cousins gets by, more Akers

October 2, 2023
After the Vikings' blitzes couldn't faze Justin Herbert last week, Carolina rookie Bryce Young fell in the face of pressure from Brian Flores' defense.
Harrison Smith (22) of the Minnesota Vikings pass rushes against Chuba Hubbard (30) in the second quarter.

Souhan: Always a beast, Harrison Smith leads way to Vikings victory

October 2, 2023
Smith, the Vikings' oldest star, is being used differently by defensive coordinator Brian Flores than he was last season and made big plays when his team needed themSunday.
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 Char

Gallery: Vikings beat Carolina for first victory

October 1, 2023
The Vikings survived a massive first-quarter blunder to beat the Panthers.
Vikings outside linebacker D.J. Wonnum (98) returns a fumble forced by safety Harrison Smith for a touchdown in the third quarter against the Panthers

Three keys to the Vikings' 21-13 win over the Carolina Panthers

October 1, 2023
Vikings safety Harrison Smith had three sacks in the second half, one of which led to the game-winning points.
Running back Cam Akers, right, acquired by the Vikings on Sept. 20, made his debut for the team agains the Panthers.

Davenport, Akers give Vikings boost vs. Panthers

October 1, 2023
Edge rusher Marcus Davenport had four tackles and a third-down sack while running back Cam Akers finished with 51 yards on seven touches in his Vikings debut.
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) hugs former teammate Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (22) following an NFL football game, Su

Thielen frustrated by loss to Vikings. Did he bring grudge to the game?

October 2, 2023
Adam Thielen bought a coffee for a longtime friend on the Vikings staff. He chatted with former teammates and coaches. And he performed to his career standards, including one catch that came some extra emotion.
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 Char

Smith's sacks, fumble recovery for TD help Vikings put down Panthers

October 2, 2023
D.J. Wonnum's fumble return for a touchdown off a Harrison Smith strip sack turned the tide in the second half as the Vikings gained their first win of the season.