5 Takeaways From The Vikings First Preseason Game
The Minnesota Vikings kicked off their preseason schedule Sunday night with the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio, against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
While it was a positive that the Vikings came away with a 14-3 victory, there was one thing that stood above all others: There were no reports of major injuries after the game. Players will get their bruises and nicks in every game, but the last thing you want in a game that doesn't county for anything is a significant injury to a key player.
It's the biggest reason why many regular starters don't play in the preseason, and it's the biggest reason why Adrian Peterson won't get a single snap until Week 1 of the regular season. That said, there were many positives that came out of Sunday's game, regardless of the outcome.
Here are five takeaways from the Vikings game and after two weeks of training camp.
Teddy Bridgewater Looked Fine In 1 Series
He played the first series and that was it, but Teddy Bridgewater looked fine in limited action. He was 5-of-6 passing for 44 yards, with his only incompletion on a rollout play to Mike Wallace that might have gone for a first down. He made plays with his feet, didn't turn the ball over and most importantly, didn't get hit. We'll find out more how his second season could go as he plays more, but the true test likely won't come until Week 1 at San Francisco.
MyCole Pruitt Stood Out At Tight End
MyCole Pruitt was a fifth-round selection this year and made a name for himself, leading the Vikings in receiving Sunday night. He caught four passes for 51 yards, including a 34-yard touchdown. He's quick and moves light on his feet for a tight end, and if he keeps making plays like he did Sunday he's almost guaranteed to make the 53-man roster.
Trae Waynes Made Plays Despite Penalties
Trae Waynes made three tackles in his preseason debut, but his first game action was also a bit of a learning experience. He allowed one long reception and also committed three penalties on the night. One was a defensive holding call that was declined, and the other two were pass interference calls. The preseason will be important for Waynes to know how physical he can play without getting penalties. That will be especially important if and when he's on the field for third down passing situations.
Defense Allowed Just 3 Points
It's a preseason game and it means nothing, but the Vikings defense played well in its first live game action. The unit allowed 192 total yards, forced three fumbles and recovered two and kept the Steelers out of the end zone all night. Pittsburgh was also only in the red zone twice. Defense is expected to be a strength this season, so it's an encouraging sign to see it translate on the field.
Stefon Diggs Impressed In Debut
Fifth-round draft choice Stefon Diggs came into training camp as a potential playmaker, and he didn't disappoint in his first live game with the Vikings. He caught both passes thrown to him for a total of 14 yards, but he electrified on a punt return that went 62 yards before being forced out of bounds just before the goal line. He can make tacklers miss with his speed and quickness, and could challenge to be the team's punt returner if he keeps it up.
Again, the preseason means absolutely nothing, but in a small sample size you had to be happy with Sunday night's game if you're a Vikings fan. They don't have much time to rest as they host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their second preseason game Saturday night at TCF Bank Stadium.
