VT Question of the Week: What (or Who) Stood Out in the Vikings’ Hall of Fame Game?

Carl: Defensive Line
I try not to get overly excited about preseason games, but the Vikings’ defensive front certainly impressed me the most in the Hall of Fame Game. Andre Patterson is entering his second season as the defensive line coach for the Vikings, and he just might have all the pieces in place to consistently control the line of scrimmage on any given Sunday. Last season, the Vikings front four featured three new starters in Everson Griffen, Sharrif Floyd and Linval Joseph. After one preseason game this year, I’m beginning to believe the sky might be the limit for this talented unit. Tom Johnson, Shamar Stephen, Justin Trattou and Danielle Hunter are also playing very solid football, which will tempt Mike Zimmer to actively rotate guys during the regular season. Like I said, it’s only a preseason game, but I liked seeing the quickness off the snap, active hands, and the physicality to collapse the pocket and close running lanes.

Brent: Jabari Price
I’m not sure I’d use the word “impressed,” but the player who flashed for me was Jabari Price. Going into training camp, I was unsure of Price’s fit with the team – especially with a two-game suspension looming. However, Price’s play against Pittsburgh caught my eye mostly because he seemed to play faster and with more physicality than I remember last year. Now that Price is on the radar, I am interested to see how far he can push Captain Munnerlyn. We know Zimmer likes Price’s versatility, but can he be trusted enough to play full time in the slot? Munnerlyn seems to be in an odd spot with this team, and thoughts about him being an early-season cut linger.

Adam: Tight Ends
As I wrote about this week, the tight ends are somewhat overshadowed by the return of Adrian Peterson and the additions of Mike Wallace and Stefon Diggs. But, looking at Sunday in a vacuum, I was easily most impressed by the talent and depth at the tight end position, starting with two great catch and runs from Kyle Rudolph. MyCole Pruitt’s touchdown and blocking combined for a welcomed rookie performance, and Rhett Ellison did what he does with the consistency with which he normally does it. I’m thrilled with the talent and depth we’ve got at the tight end position which will perfectly compliment the star playmakers this offense already boasts.

Austin: Team Energy
I wasn’t necessarily impressed with a particular player — okay, okay, maybe Diggs and Pruitt — but rather, the energy Mike Zimmer’s team played with on Sunday. From the first snap to the final whistle, players were finishing snaps through the whistle, rallying to the ball, and simply put, looking like the better team most of the night. It’s clear that this team wants to play hard for Zimmer, and it’s an encouraging sign after so many years watching lethargic play from Childress and Frazier-led teams. This early in the season, it’s a positive sign to see a Vikings team look so crisp so soon. Here’s hoping that only improves with each week.

Brett: Offensive Line
Though not perfect, the Vikings offensive line had an impressive outing against the Steelers. Throughout the first Vikings drive on offense, when starters from both teams were playing, the offensive line was impressive in pass protection. Matt Kalil, who we’ve all been sweating about for over a year now, had a solid night and provided some hope that he could bounce back this season. Mike Harris held his own at right guard and looks like the guy to beat to start at the position. The other three guys (Fusco, Sullivan and Loadholt) all delivered as expected. Granted, it’s the first preseason game of the year, but seeing our young, budding quarterback have time in the pocket to go through his reads put my mind at ease. (For the moment…)

Andy: Offense
Staying away from the Trae Waynes (way) too soon Hot Takes, my main takeaway was how fun this offense could be in 2015. Teddy was mad efficient in his only drive, moving the offense 51 yards on 10 plays while completing 5-of-6 passes for 44 yards (also 6 on the ground). I was expecting Norv to let Teddy air one out to either Mike Wallace or Charles Johnson, but I loved how both were used: a reverse to Wallace and a bubble screen to CJ. Teddy was also 2-for-2 to Kyle Rudolph moving the chains both times. Adrian obviously didn’t play and I didn’t see as much of McKinnon as I’d like, but add both of them to this offense (didn’t even mention how good MyCole Pruitt and Stefon Diggs looked) and baby, you got a stew going.

Also Matt Kalil looked…. Not terrible? #Blessed

Guest of the Week

Andrew Krammer, 1500ESPN:
There are a few standout performances from Sunday. In general, I thought defenders tackled much better than I expected (save for Dri Archer’s 15-yard run on 3rd-and-14) considering they don’t take to the ground in practice anymore. Two rookies stood out in fifth-rounders Stefon Diggs and MyCole Pruitt. Diggs’ vision and slipperiness make him a prime candidate for punt returner, but can he have that ball security that Marcus Sherels prides himself on? We’ll see. Pruitt looks tailor made for Norv Turner’s offense. He’s built like Charles Clay and showed off his hands on Sunday. I wouldn’t be shocked to see Pruitt leap to TE2, whether that’s by Week 1 or Week 8. It was only 10 plays, but I liked what I saw from the Vikings’ offensive line with Mike Harris at right guard. Harris held his own and can drive a defender back when he lays his 338 pounds into someone. His biggest question mark comes in pass protection. Speaking of, I thought Matt Kalil looked good. You can read all the training camp reports you want about “struggles” in training camp, but the fact is he’s not going to go up against defensive ends as good as Everson Griffen in too many games this season. Knees looked healthy, legs thicker. He still has catching up to do with his overall technique, which is why you see him working with coaches before and after practices. It’s a crucial year for his long-term future in Minnesota.

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