MINNEAPOLIS — On Saturday, Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell viewed the preseason game as a chance to evaluate his backup quarterbacks. Sam Howell, Brett Rypien, and undrafted rookie Max Brosmer were all vying for the number two spot behind starting quarterback Kirk Cousins.
Despite a 20-12 loss to the New England Patriots, each backup made a case for themselves. “The competition is still open,” O’Connell said, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the backup role.
Max Brosmer, QB
Brosmer’s performance wasn’t perfect—he got 156 yards on 15 of 27 passes with one interception. Yet, his decision-making stood out. On a critical fourth-and-17, he made a strong throw despite pressure. O’Connell praised him for his ability to throw the ball proactively, a skill that shows promise for the young quarterback.
Brosmer has displayed impressive processing speed and accuracy—qualities not often associated with someone who went undrafted. He played under tough conditions, often behind a shaky offensive line. His ability to overcome these challenges may reassure the Vikings if they decide to lean on younger quarterbacks.
Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, DT
Defensive players are also making a name for themselves. The Vikings have been excited about their defensive line depth, and rookie Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins is a big part of that. He’s only 22 but has already started to make an impact. Some scouts believe he could have been a first-round pick had he stayed in college for another year.
Ingram-Dawkins faced off against Patriots center Garrett Bradbury, showing he could generate pressure. His agility and eagerness to learn from seasoned players like Jonathan Allen is promising for a franchise seeking to strengthen its defense.
The Screen Game
The Vikings seem to be revamping their screen game, which has struggled in recent years. New metrics show they are improving, though they haven’t always delivered exciting results. During their preseason showing, the team had notable successful screens, including one big play to running back Aaron Jones set up by rookie Donovan Jackson. This strategy could help the Vikings counter opposing pressures on quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
Oscar Chapman, P
Punter Oscar Chapman has also impressed. Last year, competition was fierce with Seth Vernon, but Chapman is proving to be more reliable. He averaged 52.5 yards on two punts on Saturday, showcasing not just distance but consistency. His ability to hold for field goals adds more than just competition for Ryan Wright—it increases a competitive atmosphere that will benefit the special teams overall.
Jay Ward, S
The Vikings have shown they can develop good safeties, with Jay Ward being the latest example. He recorded six tackles in the last game and has been playing with increased speed and understanding of the game. His ability to break up passes suggests he could be a key player in their secondary this season.
Declines
Sam Howell, QB
Meanwhile, Sam Howell’s performances have fluctuated. After a strong initial showing, he struggled against the Patriots, completing just one of five passes. His earlier inconsistency resurfaced, raising questions about his readiness for a backup role.
Return Game Concerns
The Vikings’ return game remains a worry. It has ranked at the bottom of the league for the past few years, with a mean of 6.9 yards per return last season. New additions like Rondale Moore and rookie returner Silas Bolden haven’t substantiated enough promise to fix this issue.
Lucky Jackson, WR
Receiver Lucky Jackson also had a disappointing outing, dropping critical passes in a game when the Vikings needed reliability. With Jordan Addison facing a suspension and Jalen Nailor dealing with injury, Minnesota might need to explore other receiver options.
By focusing on key players and their performances, it’s clear that the preseason is vital for shaping the Vikings’ roster. How these young athletes develop in this competitive environment will significantly influence the team’s success throughout the upcoming season. As fans and analysts alike closely watch the choices made during this period, it remains to be seen who will ultimately rise to the occasion.
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