4 Quick Takeaways from the Vikings’ Preseason Finale
The Minnesota Vikings officially went 1-2 in the 2025 preseason. Kevin O’Connell’s operation (without any starters) dropped the first road game of the year after splitting the home series. Much more important, however, is what else we’ve learned.
4 Quick Takeaways from the Vikings’ Preseason Finale
Here are a few takeaways.
1. Max Brosmer Is Real
Undrafted rookie quarterback Max Brosmer entered training camp last month as the clear fourth quarterback behind veterans Sam Howell and Brett Rypien, but he was the best one of that backup trio in the preseason.
The young passer showed accuracy, rhythm, and timing, as well as an understanding of the offense paired with excellent decision-making. If he had played ten games in the NFL, he would probably be the backup quarterback for J.J. McCarthy. Because neither the starter nor the rookie has any experience, the Vikings might want to have a seasoned guy in place, but Brosmer has earned a roster spot on the 53-man roster.
2. Oscar Chapman’s Fatal Moment
The punting competition has been heating up recently, with the special teams coordinator Matt Daniels calling the battle between incumbent specialist Ryan Wright and rookie Oscar Chapman “neck-to-neck” this week.
On Friday, however, not a punt has potentially ended that conversation, but a hold. On field goal attempts, punters catch the long snap, put the ball down, and hold it for the kicker to swing his leg and hopefully drill the kick. Well, Chapman bobbled the ball, and that just can’t happen. In the meantime, the operation was smooth with Wright holding.
3. Myles Price the Special-Teamer
Wideout Myles Price just continues to display a dynamic return ability. His impressive punt return was called back due to a penalty, but he still showed his elusiveness after the catch. In last week’s game, he had two nice punt returns and an explosive kick return.
Now, the big element is whether the Vikings trust him to field the punt every time. Consistency is key, as a muffed punt is a game-changing play that cannot occur in the regular season. One of his punt returns was not fielded cleanly. Still, he’s the best punt returner on the roster. Barring a new addition, it’s his gig.
4. Backup CBs Struggle
The Vikings are set in the starting lineup with Isaiah Rodgers joining Byron Murphy Jr., while Jeff Okudah is coming off the sideline in nickel. Behind them, the franchise employs a trio of inexperienced corners in Mekhi Blackmon, Dwight McGlothern, and Zemaiah Vaughn.
Blackmon’s lowlight was a holding penalty when he grabbed the receiver’s jersey for about five seconds to keep the Titans’ drive alive. Vaughn slipped on a Van Jefferson route that resulted in a 65-yard score, and McGlothern allowed a few catches, too. All three have shown promise in the past, but they might not want to include Friday’s performance in their resumes.
Editor’s Note: Information from ESPN, PFF, Over The Cap, and Pro Football Reference helped with this article.