Vikings-Browns: What I Want To See

The Minnesota Vikings face the Cleveland Browns tomorrow in Preseason Game #2. After a couple joint practices this week, the teams have become quite familiar with each other. They might even be tired of seeing each other. 

In a more beautiful world, quarterback J.J. McCarthy would be playing a bulk of this game. Unfortunately, a torn meniscus and the surgery to repair it has sidelined him for his rookie season. Starting quarterback Sam Darnold will not be seeing preseason action in this game and next week against the Philadelphia Eagles. For the rest of the preseason, it’s the Nick Mullens and Jaren Hall show. 

Here are some of the things I’m most interested in seeing against the Browns:

- Nick Mullens not throwing interceptions

- Jaren Hall look like he’s been in this system for two years

- RBs after Aaron Jones and Ty Chandler

- all of the WRs chasing the final roster spot(s)

- the backup offensive line

- the defensive line

- the corners

Players I’m most interested in seeing against the Browns:

- Nick Mullens/Jaren Hall

- RB DeWayne McBride

- WRs Jeshaun Jones, Lucky Jackson, Ty James, Malik Knowles

- OL Walter Rouse, Michael Jurgens, Tyrese Robinson

- DL Levi Drake Rodriguez, Jaquelin Roy, Jalen Redmond, Taki Taimani

- Edge rushers Bo Richter and Andre Carter II

- CBs Dwight McGlothern, A.J. Green III, Jaylin Williams

For the first couple weeks, undrafted edge rusher Gabriel Murphy was the talk of camp. An injury has sidelined him recently. That’s opened the door for fellow undradted rookie Bo Richter and he’s taken advantage. He made a handful of splash plays in the first preseason game. He’s primed to do the same tomorrow. Murphy had better get back on the field soon. 

With the win against the Las Vegas Raiders last week, the Vikings snapped a 10-game preseason losing streak. A win against the Browns would put the Vikings on a winning streak. I’d like to see that.