Vikings Preseason Game #2

It’s only preseason. 

After being dominated for two days in joint practices, the Baltimore Ravens scored more points than the Minnesota Vikings in Preseason Game #2. 13-3.

The Vikings had a couple opportunities to score touchdowns. In the first quarter, J.J. McCarthy missed a wide open Myles Price for a touchdown. In the fourth quarter, Max Brosmer threw an interception in the red zone. In between, there was a lot of preseason-level play. 

For me the highlight play of this preseason game was probably nose tackle Domonique Orange dropping in coverage and deflecting a pass about ten yards downfield. It was that sort of game. 

I like watching this Brian Flores-choreographed Vikings defense. Even if it’s backups against backups, this defense is fun. Even when they give up some plays, the players are so close to preventing that play. From starters to deep backups, they are competing. This is a fun defense. I can not wait to see it when the games count. 

The Vikings defense was fun. The Vikings offense had some moments but couldn’t string enough of those moments together. Most disappointing was the run game. Rookie Demond Claiborne had first half opportunities but found little running room. Zavier Scott had the second half had and the best runs of the game. With starting quarterback Kyler Murray sitting the rest of preseason, J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer each had some game-impacting plays. None could maintain any offensive momentum.

The best of the Vikings offense was receivers Tai Felton, Dillon Bell, and Jeshaun Jones. Each had over 50 yards receiving. The Vikings decision-makers will have some tough receiver decisions to make when it comes to trimming the roster. 

A loss is a loss but this loss to the Ravens was one of those preseason games that didn’t really feel like a loss. It was just a preseason game. The quarterbacks missed some throws but 300 yards in a preseason game filled with backups is decent offensive production. The defense, as usual, was fun. The single Vikings touchdown allowed felt like a fluke. 

The Vikings wrap up the preseason next week at the Denver Broncos.