Friday night marks one last dress rehearsal for starters as
the Vikings host Seattle at U.S. Bank Stadium. After mustering just 33 net
yards in four total drives, the first-team offense will be trying to continue developing
continuity. There were a variety of factors which impacted the team’s ability to
have success offensively. Play-calling, timing issues and offensive line play
are just a few of the factors. With the starters playing into the second half,
this will be the best time to tie up loose ends before the Vikings kick off the
season against San Francisco on Sept. 9.
During the third preseason game, here are a few things you should
watch closely.
Offensive timing and continuity
After a disappointing performance in last week’s preseason
game vs. Jacksonville, the first-team offense will be trying to find more
continuity in the third preseason game. The timing, route concepts andplay-calling were oddly out of sync last week. Offensive coordinator John
DeFilippo said he has to do a better job and will have a chance to experiment one
final time before the regular season begins. Quarterback Kirk Cousins said this
game will provide a good indication of where the team is at offensively. A
first half sample size is going to tell us more about the current state of the
Vikings’ offense. With Mike Remmers and Rashod Hill expected to return, it will
paint a clearer picture of where the Vikings are at up front, too.
The No. 3 running
back battle
One of the most intriguing battles of training camp and the
preseason has been the No. 3 running back job. With Roc Thomas and Mike Boone
both showing flashes, the final two preseason games are going to be important.
However, I think Boone has the best body of work and is starting to separate himself.
His testing metrics and upside are off the charts as a runner. In a recent podcast, NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah talked about how his explosiveness stands
out on tape. He added that two personnel executives in the league were gushing about
what he brings to the table. If the Vikings try to place Boone on waivers,
there’s no way he will make it to the practice squad. I think he could be used
in a unique fashion within the Vikings’ offense because of his above average
receiving skills and yards after contact ability. Perhaps Boone will get a few opportunities
with the starters to see what he brings to the table.
The depth spots at
wide receiver
The battle for depth spots at wide receiver is far from set,
which is slightly surprising. Veterans Kendall Wright and Tavarres King haven’t
done much to separate themselves in the race. Also, Brandon Zylstra has missed the
preseason with an injury. He is expected to return in this game and will need
to show he is worthy of a roster spot. Outside of those names, Chad Beebe is
the only other player who has made a splash. He has been effective out of the
slot and separated himself as a contributor on special teams. The door is open
for a few of the above players to carve out a roster spot with a strong finish
to the preseason.
Eyes on the defensive
line
The defensive line group might be one of the toughest
positions to cut in early September. With a strong charge by Ifeadi Odenigbo
last week, the competition has become more intense. Tashawn Bower returned to
practice and is going to challenge Odenigbo and Stephen Weatherly in a crowded
position group. There’s a remote chance the team will be able to keep all
three, along with rookie Jalyn Holmes. However, if one player shows more
potential down the stretch, it could impact how the coaches and front office
staff view the current depth construction. Who will mix into the rotation
first? It will give us a hint as to how each player is currently viewed.
A look at Cook and
maybe Iloka
Running back Dalvin Cook is expected to play in his first
game since suffering a torn ACL last October. He will likely see a very limited
role, but the coaches want to take off the training wheels before regular
season play begins. Cook has looked extremely explosive and fresh in camp as he
makes a return to the Vikings’ roster. It will be interesting to see one of the
team’s most important weapons in the offense for the first time in 2018.
The Vikings signed safety George Iloka this week to bolster
the team’s secondary depth. He hinted at seeing some time in this game, but his
role will likely be small. Nonetheless, it’s a chance to see how he looks in
the second-team defense. It seems like it isn’t possible we’ll see him mix into
the first-team unit, but all eyes will be on Iloka to see how he’s used.
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