6 Takeaways from the Vikings First Preseason Game vs. the Seahawks
The Minnesota Vikings took on the Seattle Seahawks in their preseason opener. Sure, they may have lost the game, 24-13, but it was still great to see the team in action again for the first time in seven months.
With the first preseason game in the books, here is a look at some of the things we learned from the Vikings first preseason game.
Blake Brandel Indeed Started at Guard
When the first Vikings depth chart came out, many were surprised to see that Blake Brandel was listed at guard. As it turns out, that was not just a typo as the third-year offensive lineman made a start at left guard in the preseason opener.
Brandel has been a career offensive tackle going back to his days at Oregon State, but the 6’7 veteran showcased his versatility by standing up to the stout defensive front of the Seahawks throughout the first half.
Meanwhile, it was Vederian Lowe who got the start at left tackle, and if Brandel is indeed making the move to guard, the second-year tackle will be relied upon as LT2 in Minnesota this year.
Veteran WRs Make an Impact
As should be expected from savvy veterans getting an opportunity in preseason play, both Brandon Powell and Jalen Reagor made a big impact for the Vikings offense during the first half. The duo combined for 6 catches for 77 yards, and Reagor added a 19-yard reception that directly set up Minnesota’s only TD of the game. The Vikings have a very talented group at the position, and these two made a big case for why they should stick around in September.
UDFAs Show Up Early
Ivan Pace made the start at linebacker for Minnesota in their preseason opener, and while he gave up a couple plays in pass coverage, he already looks the part of blitzing LB in Brian Flores’ defense. The undrafted rookie flew all over the field, and he was often finding ways to disrupt plays in the backfield.
While Jordan Hicks and Brian Asamoah are the likely starters at off-ball linebacker this season, Pace is quickly looking like the first option off the bench after a strong start to training camp and this first preseason showing.
Meanwhile, Alan Ali quickly found his way onto the field in the first half at right guard. Ed Ingram got the start, but similarly to last year, his performance was rather underwhelming in pass protection. After Ingram left, Ali stepped in and looked like an improvement at the position.
Ty Chandler Looks Great at RB
Ty Chandler did a little bit of everything for the Vikings in the preseason opener. He tallied 11 carries for 41 yards, 4 catches for 29 yards, and even showed off some blocking chops in pass protection. The second-year RB is poised to take on a big role as RB2 behind Alexander Mattison this year, so the showing was a great sign.
CB NaJee Thompson May Have Secured a Roster Spot
If there’s one way for an undrafted free agent to make a final roster, it’s by making an impact on the special teams. NaJee Thompson did just that during Minnesota’s preseason opener. He was the gunner on punts throughout the first half, and the UDFA made not one, but two spectacular plays throughout the evening.
First, Thompson obliterated Easop Winston for no gain on a return, and then on the very next punt, he downed a ball inside the Seahawks five. The gunner is an underrated part of a roster, and the UDFA certainly looked the part in Week 1 of preseason action. There is still a long way to go, but this was a great start for him.
Jaren Hall Looks the Part
Jaren Hall may not have wowed anyone with his statistics on Thursday night, but the talent is certainly there. The rookie QB moved well in and out of the pocket during his first NFL action, didn’t rush throws, and made a couple impressive passes (including a 19-yard connection with N’Keal Harry). There is still a long way to go, but these are very positive signs from the fifth-round pick moving forward. Fans should be very encouraged.
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.