The Minnesota Vikings snapped their historic 10-game preseason losing streak after beating the Las Vegas Raiders, 24-23. What might have been the most anticipated Vikings preseason game in some time lived up to all the hype.
It was entertaining and provided fans with glimpses of a promising future. While it would be foolish to place too much importance into one preseason game, this one allowed Vikings fans to consider what the team’s future could hold.
Here are some key takeaways from Minnesota’s preseason win over the Raiders.
WR3 Competition
With K.J. Osborn’s departure this past offseason and no major additions to the receiver room, WR3 was up for grabs. Brandon Powell returned, but we don’t know if he can consistently be more than just a specialist returner who occasionally makes a few plays.
While Jalen Nailor flashed in his limited snaps during his first two seasons, questions about his consistency and availability remained. Trent Sherfield, Trishton Jackson, and Lucky Jackson are behind Nailor, who also lack NFL experience.
Nailor took the early lead in the position battle, racking up three receptions for 63 yards in the first quarter. Jackson and Sherfield also performed well, racking up four receptions for 100 yards and three grabs for 46 yards, respectively, with both receivers also getting in the end zone.
Nailor’s performance this week and his ability to play on the outside give him an early head start in the WR3 competition. However, the receiver room, which appeared to lack depth in important positions, suddenly looks filled with solid pieces to complement Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.
The J.J. McCarthy Show
The Vikings made McCarthy the highest-drafted quarterback in franchise history with the 10th-overall pick, and the fanbase has been dying to see the rookie in action. Excitement built with what little footage had escaped training camp in TCO, and McCarthy did not disappoint.
McCarthy initially looked a tad off, throwing an interception on his first drive of the day. However, he eventually settled in, finishing 11/17 for 188 yards with two touchdowns and a pick. McCarthy looked just as good as his stat line, dispelling most of the major criticisms about his ability as a quarterback.
He pushed the ball downfield, something Jim Harbaugh didn’t ask him to do at Michigan. McCarthy threw with both touch and anticipation on multiple occasions, none more evident than when he hit Trishton Jackson for a 45-yard touchdown deep.
Most people will fixate on McCarthy’s deep shots, but it was more impressive how he operated on the intermediate throws and passes in between the numbers, much like he did at Michigan. McCarthy looked comfortable operating in the pocket, stepping into throws despite the hit he would take, and fitting balls in tight windows and between linebackers. His ability to make these NFL-level passes so early on only bodes well for his development in the future.
You can see the traits that head coach Kevin O’Connell wanted in a quarterback: someone who isn’t afraid to step into throws and can operate in the middle of the field. McCarthy also showed his ability to extend plays in the pocket with his presence and his legs.
Defensive Line Play
Another major question mark coming into this season was around the defensive line and the defensive tackle position in particular. Danielle Hunter and D.J. Wonnum left in free agency, but the Vikings added Andrew Van Ginkel, Jonathan Greenard, and Dallas Turner in free agency.
However, the problem was never with the edge rusher. After missing out on Christian Wilkins, the only defensive tackles they added were Jerry Tillery through free agency and Levi Drake Rodriguez late in the draft.
Defensive tackle will still likely be a massive sore spot this season. However, Rodriguez showed out in the 25 snaps he played, recording a sack, a QB hit, and two tackles. Although he’s still undersized for the position, Rodriguez was a force on the interior, playing against a similar level of competition.
Fellow rookie Turner also performed well in his limited time on the field. He recorded a sack, two QB hits, and three pressures against the Raiders’ starting offensive line.
Turner’s ability to win off the edge felt reminiscent of former Vikings defensive ends Everson Griffen and Danielle Hunter. While comparing a rookie to cornerstone franchise players after one game is taboo, Turner has more than earned praise based on his performance this week.
