MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Isaiah Rodgers was simply unstoppable during the recent game against the Cincinnati Bengals, demonstrating an exceptional performance that had his teammates cheering and even the Vikings’ offense momentarily silencing a raucous crowd at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Rodgers delivered a show-stopping display, scoring two defensive touchdowns and forcing another fumble before halftime. His contributions were pivotal in leading the Minnesota Vikings to a commanding victory, especially against backup quarterback Jake Browning.
Vikings safety Harrison Smith, a seasoned veteran of 14 years, expressed his astonishment: “I’ve never seen anything like that, literally in just one half.” With Cincinnati missing star quarterback Joe Burrow, Rodgers exploited the situation with remarkable skill, enabling the Vikings to dominate throughout the game.
Early in the first quarter, with Minnesota already ahead 7-0, Rodgers made a significant play. Following a deflection by Smith on a pass aimed at running back Chase Brown, the sixth-year cornerback intercepted the ball, evaded a tackle at his own 20-yard line, and dashed down the sideline to score, stretching the Vikings’ lead to two touchdowns.
“The crowd kept getting louder and louder as I was getting close,” Rodgers recalled. “I just wanted to get into the end zone.”
In the second quarter, Rodgers struck again, stripping tight end Noah Fant of the ball after a short reception and seamlessly collecting the loose ball to score another defensive touchdown. Not stopping there, he forced a fumble from Ja’Marr Chase after a 15-yard gain, with Jeff Okudah recovering the ball near midfield. This turnover set the stage for Jordan Mason’s subsequent touchdown run.
Rodgers, who joined the Vikings as a free agent following his Super Bowl victory with the Philadelphia Eagles, made history by becoming the first player in Vikings history to score two defensive touchdowns in a single game. He is also only the 11th player since the Super Bowl era to achieve both an interception and a fumble return touchdown in the same game, a feat last accomplished by Samson Ebukam for the Los Angeles Rams in 2018.
“Regardless of whether the ball was thrown his way, he was just seeking the ability to impact the game,” said Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell, reflecting the high praise for Rodgers’ performance. “My goodness, what a performance. Not surprised, though. That’s a player from the very moment we signed him, I knew he was going to have a monumental impact on our team.”
Previously drafted in the sixth round by the Indianapolis Colts, Rodgers spent two seasons with the Eagles before his release following a suspension for breaching the NFL’s gambling policies. Having spent the 2023 season away from the game, his return has been nothing short of spectacular, underlining his growth as a player and person.
“That’s crazy,” said Rodgers upon seeing his accomplishments displayed on the big screen. “I was shocked when I saw it. Just trying to make plays and have fun. We just had a day today.”
