Though they came up with a loss in their inaugural preseason performance, it’s more important for the Vikings to see how their players can react in game conditions. And while offenses and defenses aren’t drawing up Super Bowl caliber plays to show out in games that mean little in competitive standing, it allows the fans to see what has been taking place in their favorite team’s training camps.
There was sloppiness across the board, but as the game progressed, there were notable points to be excited about.
Update on the Preseason QB Battle
Should Kellen Mond be QB 2? No. Well, maybe. But not yet. No one can dispute the physical talent that Mond possesses, but as I mentioned in my article analyzing the Vikings’ backup QB problems (read it here), he continues to struggle with his decision making. His stat line from Sunday’s game looked deceptively good going 9 out of 14 attempts for 119 yards and two touchdowns. But it isn’t so cut and dry as the numbers on the page.
Multiple times he would scramble out of the pocket and display “Fran Tarkenton-like” running ability, but that is more likely attributed to his flighty nature in the pocket. More than once Mond missed wide open reads downfield and would have to settle for lesser gains or incomplete passes. Though his performance seems good enough to remain on the roster, the Vikings still should consider finding a QB 2 elsewhere.
Is Kellen Mond's vision concerning?
To me, this is another example of turning it down.
I'd love to see him let it rip more on time and with anticipation.
Full video: https://t.co/DSRWWThjDe pic.twitter.com/WD9yF3gUIS— The Nepo Naming School (@theqbschool) August 15, 2022
Meanwhile, Sean Mannion was unable to meaningfully move the ball. Not a shocking report as we have seen him play meaningful reps before and his place on the roster should be deemed questionable at best.
Ed Ingram Fever
Thank you, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah! After retching at the play of starting RG Jesse Davis, Ed Ingram was a sight for sore eyes. The LSU draftee was a problem for opposing defensive linemen and showed Minnesota’s decision makers that he should be named the starter for week 1. In some cases, such praise would be out of place and too early given, but Ingram is that guy.
https://twitter.com/AJSchulteFB/status/1558934483340038149?s=20&t=BhGh1Ef57zASehGfwZYBOA
Running Back Depth Galore
We knew Kene Nwangwu was a beast, but Ty Chandler too? The Vikings are spoiled rotten at the RB position. In a game where Alexander Mattison kicked it off, he was easily the least impressive of the featured players. Chandler ran on the ground five times for 50 yards and had a near touchdown off a kick return. I hate to say it for the veteran number 2, but the Vikings should consider trading Mattison before he goes into free agency next season.
Ty Chandler giving his offense a short field. 😤 @Channdler_35
📺: #MINvsLV on @NFLNetwork (check local listings)
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/sIL5rVJL5k pic.twitter.com/zD67bZtym9— NFL (@NFL) August 14, 2022
Defensive Rookie Check-In
Both Lewis Cine and Andrew Booth had a fairly quiet game against the Raiders, neither truly showing out and looking like day one starters. Which is fine, the safety room has plenty of talent with Cam Bynum and Harrison Smith, and the cornerbacks will likely be Patrick Peterson and Cam Dantzler. The biggest note on these two rookies were the multiple penalties drawn by Booth for illegal contact (this will be a recurring issuing for DBs league wide) and a face mask. Things to work on.
The standout rookie on the defense seems to be Brian Asamoah. During the game he showcased his speed and tenacity in order to shred the Raiders’ offensive line in order to make big plays. Look out for him to get more playing time in the following preseason games.
My goodness, Brian Asamoah. What a play. pic.twitter.com/WfP4nBEVCg
— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) August 14, 2022
Final Thoughts
Like last season, penalties were a momentum killer for the Vikings. Accumulating upwards of 70 penalty yards and on one occasion converting a Raiders fourth down into a first, that will be first on the docket for the team during practice.
Greg Joseph looked a lot more confident every time he was called on to kick, whether it be extra points or field goals. Hopefully the confidence boosting from the coaching staff carries on into the regular season.
And finally, is it not time to find a replacement center? Garrett Bradbury continues to struggle against any opposition, and I don’t want to wait for the monster rookie Jordan Davis to throw him out of the stadium in week 2. Maybe Mattison could be traded with a late round pick in order to get a quality center for the season.