Vikings Stay Unblemished in Preseason With 20-12 Win Over the Raiders

image courtesy of vikings.com

Teddy Bridgewater was 10/14 for 89 yards including a second quarter touchdown pass to Charles Johnson that tied the score at 6. Bridgewater’s brilliant toss on a second and eight timing route in the corner of the end zone was perfectly placed where only Johnson could make the grab. Johnson’s over the shoulder touchdown catch was just as impressive as the throw. The two playmakers connected 4 times for 40 yards and flashed enough chemistry and timing to keep Vikings fans optimistic about this season’s passing attack.

On a rainy night at TCF Banks Stadium where Blair Walsh missed three fields and an extra point, the Vikings managed a win with a good defensive performance, specifically on third downs, holding Oakland to just 5/14. The defense forced two sacks and two interceptions, while the special team unit consistently won the field position battle. Marcus Sherels played well in punt coverage and also had a nice 49 yard kick off return. Stefon Diggs wowed the crowd with a 29 yard punt return late in the forth quarter and punter Jeff Locke pinned Oakland inside the 20 three times on the night.

A one hour weather delay in the second quarter pushed back Christian Ponder’s return to Minnesota. Ponder was a respectable 7/11 for 69 yards with no turnovers in the second and third quarters. Matt McGloin competing with Ponder to be the primary backup quarterback in Oakland was intercepted in the third quarter by linebacker Brian Peters who returned the ball to the 1-yard line setting up Blake Renauds touchdown run to cap off the Vikings third and final touchdown.

The most impressive drive of the night might have been Shaun Hill’s 13 play touchdown drive with just over two minutes remaining in the first half.  Starting at the Vikings own 20 yard line, Hill connected on 9/13 attempts working mostly from the no huddle shot gun formation. A series of short passes spreading the ball to four different players help move the ball into scoring territory. With no time outs and first and goal from the 4 yard line, Hills hits Chase Ford on a quick slant from his split tight end position for the score to take a 13-9 advantage.

I’m not the worlds biggest Matt Asiata fan, but I certainly must say he looks more like a number two back at this point than Jarick McKinnon. What’s wrong with McKinnon? He can’t produce between the tackles and he doesn’t seem to have the burst to bounce runs to the outside. 12 carries for 24 yards is not getting the job done.

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