10 things that stood out in Vikings' preseason opener
The Vikings’ rookies shined in their first chance to play real football
By Matthew Coller
The Minnesota Vikings opened their preseason slate with a 24-13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Here are some of the biggest takeaways from the game…
Who played, who didn’t
One of the easiest ways to get hints about where players stand is by their preseason usage. So let’s take stock of who was playing on Thursday night and where…
— It’s possible Ed Ingram got the start at right guard because the Vikings are so thin with their guard depth due to Chris Reed’s injury absence but it’s worth wondering whether there was a message involved as well. Ingram was the only starter to play on the offensive line. He is coming off a difficult rookie season in pass protection and the team may feel that he needs all the game action he can get heading into his second year. With a Dalton Risner visit happening recently, they might also be looking for whether he’s progressed in certain areas or not.
— All the safeties except Harrison Smith played, including Smith’ starting partner Cam Bynum.
— Rookie Mekhi Blackmon played most of the first half, getting a lot of looks in the slot
— Khyiris Tonga and Akayleb Evans were the only other presumed starters who played on defense
— Rookie Jordan Addison played several series
— Nick Mullens was under center for the entire first half
— LB Ivan Pace Jr. played the entire first half, mixing with Troy Reeder and Troy Dye
— Kene Nwangwu and Brian Asamoah did not play, presumably both due to injury
Jordan Addison shined
The highlight of the night came from the Vikings’ rookie receiver — though it didn’t count. Right off the bat, Addison made a diving Cris Carter-style toe-tap catch as he was falling out of bounds. The referees ruled that it was incomplete but replay confirmed it was clearly a reception. He also had a 22-yard sliding grab over the middle.
Ty Chandler got a ton of work and did a lot of good things
There is no question who the Vikings wanted to see in action on Thursday night: Ty Chandler. The 2022 preseason star was the workhorse for the offense and had some impressive runs, including a carry up the middle where his burst was on display and a pitch outside where he was able to reach the edge and gain more yards. He’s known for speed but showed some toughness as well, slamming into Seattle defenders several times for extra yards.
It wasn’t a statistically stellar game for Chandler but that could be blamed on a few runs being instantly blown up after blocking issues. Whether he fulfilled what the coaching staff wanted to see from a scheme and pass blocking perspective is hard to know.
TE Nick Muse mossed a guy
Josh Oliver and Johnny Mundt were in the game early for the Vikings but the youngest tight end on the roster made a memorable play. Mullens gave him a chance at a jump ball and he reached up over Seattle’s defender and made an outstanding catch. It’s not every day that Nick Muse gets compared to Randy Moss but it was a legitimate Moss’ing. Muse seems destined for the practice squad but if there is always an outside chance the team could stick with the younger player as TE3.
The offensive line had a rough time
Nick Mullens got the full Netflix “Quarterback” experience — you know, where the quarterback gets his slammed to the ground over and over. Mullens was under pressure throughout most of the first half with tackle Oli Udoh in particular struggling at right tackle. Most backup offensive lines are going to have their issues but the present version of the Vikings’ O-line feels light on depth.
Lewis Cine played a ton of snaps, some good and some uninspiring
To start the game, Cine made a good tackle on rookie Jaxon Smith-Njigba to hold him to a short gain. That was a nice moment considering everything that Cine went through last year with his injury. However, there didn’t appear to be a ton of urgency or explosiveness in his game. On a deep crossing route, he was late to react and gave up a huge gain on a throw over the middle. He was still in the game in the third quarter, which is a pretty clear sign they want to get him as much action as possible — and that he isn’t really chasing the starters at the moment.
CB Mekhi Blackmon had mixed results as well
Early in the game Blackmon had excellent coverage down the sideline on a deep pass that ended up flying over the receiver’s head but in the second quarter he gave up a slant for a touchdown and committed a penalty. Otherwise he wasn’t targeted, in part because Seattle threw a lot of screen and short passes.
Jalen Reagor and Brandon Powell both made plays
Who’s leading in the battle for PR/WR5? Hard to say through the first few weeks of camp but Reagor and Powell both came to play against the Seahawks with Reagor catching four passes for 55 yards and Powell grabbing two for 22 yards. Reagor was back for the first punt return but did not get an opportunity to run one back.
Ivan Pace Jr. looked the part. Najee Thompson, special teams specialist?
The intriguing UDFA class made its debut and linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. looked like he was shot out of a cannon. He smashed a Seattle guard to get a run stuff, chased down runners and got in the quarterback’s face on a screen. He played with a starter’s speed and physicality. Pace Jr. got a ton of work, playing into the third quarter.
Also Andre Carter II got plenty of reps on the edge and Najee Thompson made a great tackle in punt coverage and was the first man down to the end zone to stop a punt inside the 5-yard line. Another UDFA Jaylin Williams had an interception on a tipped Drew Lock pass.
It was less thrilling for Thayer Thomas, who accidentally touched a punt, turning into a turnover.
Not the debut Jaren Hall was looking for
The speed of the NFL, even in the preseason, causes some problems. That seemed to be the case for Jaren Hall in his debut. He struggled to get rid of the ball, repeatedly rolling around and either throwing it out of bounds or short. Hall finished 6-for-14 with just 37 yards.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
— DeWayne McBride was the kick returner with Nwangwu out
— Greg Joseph kicked well, hitting two field goals (one from 54) and an extra point.
— Blake Proehl got into the game in the second quarter. He hasn’t seen any game action since 2021 when he suffered a horrific leg injury. N’Keal Harry entered in the third quarter
— Andrew Booth Jr. was still in the game in the third quarter… and got beat for a touchdown
— Luiji Vilain had several pressures, looking good in preseason action as he did last year
— Joejuan Williams had a nice pass breakup in the end zone. He’s still technically in the CB3 race
E. Ingram is loathsome. I’m glad no one got hurt, but still fail to see the benefit of Addison playing in this game.