MINNEAPOLIS –Three catches, three big plays for Jarius Wright.
On third-and-5 partway through the first quarter, Case Keenum found Wright, who dove for the 12-yard catch. The first down preserved a Vikings drive that ultimately ended in a 52-yard field goal by Kai Forbath to even the score at 3 apiece.
Wright's second grab also gained 12 yards and also converted a third down in Minnesota's 24-16 win over Baltimore.
"I'm a veteran in this league, so with me it's all about being in the right place at the right time," Wright said. "And having trust from your quarterback, too. I try to do that in practice throughout the week, and it showed up today in this game."
Keenum targeted the 27-year-old again early in the fourth quarter, and Wright answered the call. He snagged a 30-yard pass (the deepest of the game) along the left sideline to move the Vikings into Baltimore territory.
Wright's 54 receiving yards led the team, followed by Kyle Rudolph with 43 and Adam Thielen with 41. All three of his catches helped move along drives that ended in field goals by Forbath, who made a career-high six on the day.
Wright makes the most of each chance he gets, and Thielen said the other receivers aren't surprised when they see him put a big play on tape.
"We know what Jarius can do; he's been doing this for a long time," Thielen said. "It was great to have him out there. He's a guy that can make plays. He's a great football player, and you see it every day in practice.
"He was a big part of the win today. I mean, I think without him, it's a totally different game," Thielen added. "I'm happy for him and proud of him – he's one of my best friends, so it's great to see him have a good game."
Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer said Wright did "what he always does" when weaved into the game plan.
"He makes plays when he gets the opportunities," Zimmer said. "The third down, couple diving third-down catches, I believe it was. That's typically what he does when he gets in there. He's a great kid and works real hard, and when he gets his number called, he usually produces."
Wright and Laquon Treadwell, who had three catches for 28 yards, saw extended playing time Sunday when Stefon Diggs missed his second consecutive game with a groin injury.
Thielen emphasized the significance of having depth at wide receiver and said that was reflected in Minnesota's defeat of Baltimore.
"They're not going to be able to key in one guy or two guys – they have a lot of people to worry about," Thielen said.
Wright added that he believes the Vikings receiving corps "might be overlooked" and that he's always at the ready when his number is called.
"I'm one of the older guys; I've been here, I've played, I know what it takes to win," Wright said. "So it's just up to me to not only take it out on the field for myself but also to lead the young guys the same way."
