3 Under-the-Radar Vikings to Watch: Week 1 at Giants
Losing in Week 1 could signal that 2024 is going to be a long season for the Vikings.
The New York Giants are coming off a 6-11 season where they averaged a measly 15.6 points per game. Brian Flores’ defense should be preparing to feast at MetLife Stadium, especially if the pass rush lives up to its promise and potential. But while all eyes are on Sam Darnold and the revamped front seven, consider a trio of under-the-radar players when the game gets underway.
3 Under-the-Radar Vikings: Week 1
Blake Brandel, #64, Left Guard
At no point has Blake Brandel played left guard in the NFL. That’s all going to change in Week 1. Making the feat even more notable is that he’s getting the start against an iDL that boasts Dexter Lawrence, arguably the best defensive tackle in the sport.
The fifth-year veteran has been through a lot in his career. Over on The Vikings Gazette, there’s a breakdown of his journey, but here’s a quick recap. After a rookie season on the practice squad, Brandel started getting worked into the mix…as a jumbo tight end.
In 2022, the lineman survived the transition over to the Kevin O’Connell era and has picked up starts in consecutive seasons. Initially, he replaced the injured Christian Darrisaw at left tackle. And then in 2023 he replaced the injured Ed Ingram at right guard. Versatile and hard working, Brandel now gets to settle into left guard.
Consider what Wes Phillips had to say about the opportunity back in the summer: “It’s been very encouraging so far with him stepping into that starting spot on the left there. And I think it’ll only grow from there. The more experience, the more reps he gets. He’s been a guy that anytime he’s been put in a game, at several positions, has come through for us. And we haven’t forgotten that, and I think he’s earned this opportunity.”
Read the rest of the profile on TVG if you’re looking for a bit more reading. Oh, and keep an eye on #64 when the offense is on the field.
Jihad Ward, #52, Edge Rusher
Apparently, Jihad Ward is a high-energy player.
Brian Flores spoke to that reality recently, praising his versatile veteran for being “about as energetic, and bring[ing] about as much energy as anybody I’ve ever been around.” The DC goes to praise Ward’s “versatility” and other characteristics, too: “He’s smart, he’s tough, he’s competitive, [there’s] a lot to like about him.”
Flores, in short, is a fan.
The man is coming off of a career-high 5 sacks last season. He did so while playing for the Giants. Think he’s going to be motivated to pickup one or two against his former team?
On obvious passing downs, look for the 6’5″, 285-pound edge rusher to kick inside to 3T to help create some chaos. So much attention is going to be paid to Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Dallas Turner that Ward may end up making some huge plays.
Ryan Wright, #17, Punter
The large lad who is punting the football is coming off of a forgettable sophomore season.
To his credit, Wright fended off Seth Vernon during the offseason, securing the P1 job after several months of competition. The task now involves proving Minnesota right for choosing Wright (pun fully intended).
In 2023, Wright was responsible for 7 touchbacks and only landed 17 of his 59 punts inside the 20. Minnesota will be looking for less of the former and more of the latter. Or, put differently, less touchbacks and more punts that land inside the 20.
Winning the field position battle is obviously critical for any football team, but the issue may be particularly pronounced for a Vikings team that’s undergoing a transition at quarterback. The hope is that Wright will prove to be the punting solution for 2024 and beyond.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference helped with this piece.
K. Joudry is the Senior Editor for Vikings Territory and PurplePTSD. He has been covering the Vikings full time since the summer of 2021. He can be found on Twitter, as a co-host for Notes from the North, and as the proprietor at The Vikings Gazette, a humble Vikings Substack.
