Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, Minnesota Vikings
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Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah looks on before a game against the Green Bay Packers.
The Minnesota Vikings seized control of their “Monday Night Football” showdown against the Chicago Bears in Week 1, and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s high-priced offseason investment into the trenches paid off.
Defensive linemen Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen were a big reason why.
A decision that ultimately led to the Vikings trading 2024 team captain Harrison Phillips to the New York Jets, adding Allen and Hargrave, re-established Minnesota’s front as one of the best.
Javon Hargrave & Jon Allen Dominate in Vikings Debut
Javon Hargrave, Jonathan Allen, Minnesota Vikings
GettyJavon Hargrave #97 and Jonathan Allen #93 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrate a sack against the Chicago Bears.
Hargrave, who signed the cheaper deal of the two new DL at $30 million over two years, showed his pedigree as a two-time Pro Bowler, logging 5 total tackles, 2 stops for loss, and 2.0 sacks.
Allen, also a two-time Pro Bowler and on a three-year, $51 million deal, had 3 combined tackles.
“Javon Hargrave recorded 7 pressures last night (tied for most among iDL) while Jon Allen recorded 6 (tied for 2nd-most),” Vikings Territory’s Nick Olson reported on X on September 9. “For context, the Vikings’ two starting iDL last season (Harrison Phillips and Jonathan Bullard) combined for 21 pressures all season.”
The Vikings held the Bears to 4.5 yards per play in the second half, including a 3.6 YPC mark by the running backs.
It was just one game, but the numbers do not lie.
Vikings Defense Remains Formidable
Jonathan Allen, Byron Murphy, Theo Jackson, Minnesota Vikings
GettyJonathan Allen #93, Byron Murphy Jr. #7, and Theo Jackson #26 of the Minnesota Vikings react after defeating the Chicago Bears.
For as much praise as J.J. McCarthy has rightfully gotten, the Vikings and, specifically, Adofo-Mensah’s vision for building the roster up around the 2024 No. 10 overall pick played out very well in the season opener.
Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio noted Caleb Williams and the Bears played a significant role in their own demise.
However, the insider also praised the Vikings’ defense.
“Although the Vikings’ defense seemed at times to be running in mud — and despite real concerns about the quality of the coverage in the back end — they kept the game close until the offense emerged from a protracted funk. Hargrave and Allen had a lot to do with that,” Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio wrote on September 10.
“Moving forward, they could help keep the Vikings in striking distance if/when the offense is sputtering. And they could help slam the door if/when the Vikings are the ones up by two scores with 15 minutes to play.”
Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s Changes to OL Pay Off Too
Brian O'Neill, J.J. McCarthy, Ryan Kelly, Minnesota Vikings
GettyJ.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates with Brian O’Neill #75 and Ryan Kelly #78 after a touchdown against the Chicago Bears.
Adofo-Mensah and the Vikings followed their $81 million commitment on defense with a $105.7 million investment in their offensive line, for $186.7 million spent on the trenches.
They signed former Indianapolis Colts center Ryan Kelly (two years, $18M) and guard Will Fries (five years, $87.7M). Additionally, the Vikings selected Ohio State guard Donovan Jackson with the No. 24 overall pick of the 2025 draft, giving them a completely remade interior offensive line.
Despite the group’s newness, they came together nicely against the Bears.
“The Vikings’ revamped interior offensive line only allowed one pressure last night,” Olson said in a separate post on X on September 9. “The last game the Vikings’ iOL didn’t allow multiple pressures? Week 8 of 2020.”
A lot to like about this play when things started getting going for the Vikings
• Ryan Kelly 💪• Strong pass protection from Donovan Jackson and Brian O’Neill• Great throw by J.J. McCarthy with a defender closing • Sideline catch by Justin Jefferson pic.twitter.com/XolroAVkWT
— Sean Borman (@SeanBormanNFL) September 10, 2025
For Adofo-Mensah, whose early draft record has left much to be desired, hitting on veteran free agents like Allen, Fries, Hargrave, and Kelly is critical for the Vikings.