The Top 5 Storylines for the Vikings’ Preseason Finale
The Minnesota Vikings have split their preseason contests, going 1-1 versus the Houston Texans and New England Patriots. On Friday, the operation will travel to Tennessee to face the Titans in the preseason finale.
The Top 5 Storylines for the Vikings’ Preseason Finale
In that game, there are jobs (and careers) on the line. Here’s what you should pay attention to.
1. Can Max Brosmer Keep the Momentum Going?
Minnesota’s quarterback depth has surprisingly been a main storyline for the club this summer. Neither Sam Howell nor Brett Rypien has been too convincing, and suddenly, Max Brosmer has a shot at climbing up the depth chart.
He was clearly the best passer in the second preseason game, showing timing, accuracy, and a general understanding of the offense and opposing schemes. Some voices have claimed the man should be J.J. McCarthy’s backup quarterback, and ending on a high note is crucial.
In the same breath, can Rypien and Howell rekindle some magic? They might both end up on the chopping block with a bad performance.
2. Can Zavier Scott Clinch the RB3 Role?
Zavier Scott has been a superior running back to Ty Chandler through two preseason games and has confirmed the buzz reporters have spread since the early training camp days. He has the size and the explosiveness to be a decent RB3 in addition to his pass-catching skills out of the backfield.
Furthermore, the runner has shown some capabilities on special teams, which is crucial to unseat Chandler. A splashy play or two and solid reps otherwise would go a long way. He cannot afford to blow a pass-protection opportunity or to fumble the rock.
3. Receiver Emergence
Minnesota’s WR room has been a disaster this summer. Rondale Moore has been placed on season-ending IR, and Jalen Nailor is hurt, too. Jordan Addison will miss the first three games due to a suspension. It’s now Justin Jefferson and, well, some guys.
None of those guys have done enough to earn the trust of Skol Nation, with Lucky Jackson, who was perhaps the hottest candidate, dropping a pair of passes versus the Patriots. Rookie Tai Felton has a big chance to secure a role much earlier in his career than expected, but Jeshaun Jones, Thayer Thomas, or Myles Price could do the same.
4. DL Depth
With Harrison Phillips being traded to the New York Jets, the Vikings have another opening along the defensive line. It’s potentially the deepest group on the roster, and with Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen, the club finally employs a couple of interior difference-makers.
Jalen Redmond and Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins are safe, but behind them, there could be a competition between Levi Drake Rodriguez (who has been injured recently), Taki Taimani, Elijah Williams, Travis Bell, and Jonathan Harris. The Vikings will keep six or seven defensive linemen.
5. Punting Competition
On Wednesday, special teams coordinator Matt Daniels confirmed that Ryan Wright and Oscar Chapman are in the midst of a serious punting competition. Wright has held the job for three years, but his accuracy flaws have raised some questions.
Undrafted rookie Chapman, out of Australia (via Auburn), has a shot to dethrone him. He has gained the trust of kicker Will Reichard as a holder, which always goes a long way.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Pro Football Reference helped with this article.