4 Things to Watch in Vikings’ 2nd Preseason Game
The Vikings’ preseason got off to a good start with a victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, ending a 10-game losing streak. More important than the result was some encouraging performances by the Vikings’ rookies and young players.
4 Things to Watch in Vikings’ 2nd Preseason Game
Next on the schedule is the Cleveland Browns, led by former Vikings OC Kevin Stefanski. Minnesota heads to Cleveland for joint practices before playing the preseason game on Saturday. The second of three preseason games comes against a strong Browns team, which will be a physical test. As the preseason ramps up, here are my four things to watch for in the Vikings’ second preseason game.
1. Game Time For Starters
Over the first two years of O’Connell’s tenure as the Vikings HC, starters have been nowhere near the preseason games. That changed slightly with this year’s first game. Some noticeable names like Justin Jefferson, Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Harrison Smith were kept out, but most of the first team got some reps in.
Will that continue over the next two games? It’s something to keep an eye on, as the Vikings have started the season in a sluggish fashion in O’Connell’s first two seasons. We won’t see lots of the first team in the upcoming preseason games, but it will be interesting to see who is on the field and if this is a plan to make the Vikings sharper to start the season. With the news of JJ McCarthy’s injury, will Sam Darnold be kept completely out of the firing line?
2. Bo Richter Type Performance from Fringe Players
One of the standout performers from the Raiders game was undrafted rookie edge rusher Bo Richter. Akin to Andre Carter (Army) from last year, Richter is an intriguing prospect from an Armed Forces program. Last year, Carter made the final roster, and many were picking Richter to do the same. After 6 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, a quarterback hit, and a sack on debut, he looks to be in a great position to do just that.
Can Richter back up his impressive debut in purple with another good display? Doing so would put him firmly in line for a roster spot. Many other players on the fringe of the roster will be hoping to make a similar impression in Cleveland. The defense, in particular, has a host of undrafted rookies vying to make an impression. Gabriel Murphy, Dallas Gant, and Dwight McGlothern are three to watch.
3. Levi Drake Rodriguez
Not mentioned above, but because he deserves his own section, is Levi Drake Rodriguez. The Vikings IDL looks set to be an issue once again, with not much added to the group to suggest there should be optimism for improvement. Rodriguez has been touted as a guy who could make a difference. The Vikings seventh-round pick put his case forward in the first preseason game with an impressive display.
The Vikings desperately need a disruptive force to play alongside the solid Harrison Phillips. Rodriguez’s early signs were promising, with a sack and a tackle for loss. His job now is to continue impressing and put himself into contention for playing time come the regular season.
4. The Wide Receiver Battle
The WR battle in Minnesota comes in two parts. There is the WR3 role to be won, and then there are the remaining roster spots to fight for. Jalen Nailor has always been my favorite to be the WR3, so long as he remains healthy. He’s proved his ability across training camp and the first preseason. The only thing stopping him now is another injury.
I expect the Vikings to carry two more receivers on their roster and have Brandon Powell and Trent Sherfield penciled in for those spots. However, a 100-yard game from Trishton Jackson from four receptions and including a touchdown firmly catapulted him into the equation. Sherfield caught three passes for 46 yards and a touchdown, while Powell only played on eight snaps and never saw a pass come his way. That leaves Powell lagging at the moment, but with two preseason games left, there’s plenty of time for this battle to heat up even more.
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