Vikings' Jordan Addison scores first-career NFL TD against Buccaneers
The Minnesota Vikings knew they needed more production behind Justin Jefferson in their receiving corps. It appears they’ve found it in rookie wideout and first-round pick Jordan Addison.
Addison scored his first-career touchdown in Week 1 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, hauling in a 39-yard pass from Kirk Cousins.
Addison took advantage of a bust in the back end of Tampa Bay’s defense, exploding through the middle of the field to be wide-open for Cousins to drop it in. The former Pitt/USC star has been impressive going back to training camp, even making his way back from a concussion.
Addison began his collegiate career at Pitt, where he became one of the top receivers in the nation. He captured the Biletnikoff Award in his final season with the Panthers after hauling in 100 receptions for 1,593 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns.
Addison entered the transfer portal after the 2021 season, with USC coming out on top for his services. While it took him a bit to adjust to Lincoln Riley’s offense, Addison still put up impressive numbers in 2022. He amassed 59 receptions for 875 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.
Jordan Addison shines in Vikings debut
Now in Minnesota, he joins a supporting cast which includes receivers Jefferson, K.J. Osborn and tight end T.J. Hockenson. Addison believes the Vikings’ offense will be a nightmare for opposing defenses in 2023.
“I feel like my skills fit perfectly for what we’re trying to do,” Addison recently said, via Sports Illustrated. “Like I said, it is a lot. But once you get it all down, the receivers we’ve got in this room, I don’t think nobody is going to be able to cover us.”
Addison has continued to earn the trust from Cousins, who has been impressed with his ability to make contested catches — something he seldom did at USC. Of his 81 total targets last season, just 17 were contested.
Addison finished his NFL debut with four receptions for 61 yards and the touchdown. The Vikings, however, fell to the Buccaneers, 20-17.