Vikings Top Performers vs. Broncos, per PFF
Dustin Baker
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The Minnesota Vikings ended a bland preseason on Saturday, losing at the Denver Broncos 23-13 in a game that highlighted special teams performances for the road team.
Vikings kicker Greg Joseph knocked through a 58-yard field goal in the 4th Quarter, while newly-anointed punter Ryan Wright compiled a 56.3 yards-per-punt average. And that was about it for notable achievements in Denver.
Still, men battled for roster spots, so some individual performances stood out, as the Vikings will finalize a 53-man regular season roster on Tuesday. These are Minnesota’s top performers from Saturday night, according to Pro Football Focus:
- Chris Reed (OL) = 84.4
- Kris Boyd (CB) = 81.4
- Ty Chandler (RB) = 76.9
- Tye Smith (CB) = 76.3
- Kyle Hinton (OT) = 75.8
Chris Reed authored his first big summer moment, at least in the preseason. He’s taken snaps at center in training camp but shined against the Broncos. Rookie Ed Ingram probably has “Reed’s job” at right guard sewn up, but the Vikings could be seeking a contingency plan at center if Garrett Bradbury is up to his old tricks via pass protection. In that regard, Reed needed a nice showing, and he found it in Denver.
The Vikings CB room is a little suspect because rookie Andrew Booth hasn’t fully blossomed. Kris Boyd will provide a veteran presence and likely sealed his case for the 53-man roster, thanks to the 81.4 PFF grade.
RB Ty Chandler continues to impress — so much so that it shouldn’t be considered newsworthy anymore. The North Carolina alumnus is flat-out a talented and productive running back. Tye Smith was recently reunited with the team after Harrison Hand shimmied to the New York Giants last week. A practice squad assignment is probably on tap for Smith, and his output at the Broncos may have solidified the job. Offensive tackle Kyle Hinton is also trending toward a practice squad fate.
Minnesota had some worrisome performances, too. These men rounded out the worst PFF grades on Saturday night:
- Parry Nickerson (CB) = 40.3
- Brian Asamoah (LB) = 34.6
- Nick Muse (TE) = 33.5
- Sean Mannion (QB) = 32.5
- Jaylen Twyman (DT) = 27.8
The Vikings host the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium in 13 days to start the season.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sally from Minneapolis. His Viking fandom dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doors (the band).
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