The Minnesota Vikings and the Philadelphia Eagles faced off for a rematch of their 2023 regular season as both teams looked to complete their 2024 preseason. Both teams remained undefeated, with the Vikings remaining so for the first time since 2016.
Each position group did their best to impress the coaching staff when roster decisions came up. We saw some players express concerns about the position groups, while others made us believe in them again. The rookies and UDFAs in particular stepped up and made the front office look good when deciding to recruit or sign them.
Now that we have gotten through this, let us do our best teaching work.
Quarterbacks
Photo credit: Caean Couto-USA TODAY Sports
Rating: A+
Jaren Hall seemed to have the Vikings’ offense completely under control in the first half, helping the team to a big lead. He started the second half, but was replaced by Matt Corrall, who kept the game simple and efficient and took over the running game. That’s all you could ask for from the quarterbacks on Saturday.
Running backs
Photo credit: Caean Couto-USA TODAY Sports
Grade: B+
Myles Gaskin and DeWayne McBride both looked efficient as the offensive line blocked well and gave them running lanes. Both men also showed their ability to catch passes and be creative in open space.
Wide receivers and tight ends
Photo credit: Caean Couto-USA TODAY Sports
Grade: B
Lucky Jackson had a good game but missed a couple of key touchdowns because he forgot that in the NFL you need two feet of separation to complete a pass. Justin Hall stepped in for the team on short notice and caught two balls and scored a touchdown. To top it off, Trishton Jackson scored a touchdown on the opening drive in his third straight preseason game, cementing his status as one of the Vikings’ biggest preseason winners.
Offensive line
Photo credit: Caean Couto-USA TODAY Sports
Grade: C+
The offensive line suffered four sacks, but did a good job of creating running lanes for the Vikings. The second-team offensive linemen have struggled to create many chances this offseason, the worst of which came last week against the Browns and their blitz. Vic Fangio had moderate success, but they did a good job of stopping them.
Defence line
Photo credit: Caean Couto-USA TODAY Sports
Rating: A+
The defensive line was the starting group last season. Levi Drake Rodriguez was the Vikings’ star of the draft and Taki Taimani has emerged as a candidate for the 53-man roster despite being a UDFA. The position will need to be addressed next offseason, but for now they have a solid band-aid for the problem.
Linebackers
Photo credit: Caean Couto-USA TODAY Sports
Grade: B+
The linebackers did a great job on Saturday of keeping the Eagles’ running backs in check. They held the Eagles to 76 rushing yards and the passing attack didn’t manage much more. Defensively, it was an outstanding performance by Brian Flores and his unit.
Secondary
Photo credit: Caean Couto-USA TODAY Sports
Rating: A+
In the final game of the preseason, the Vikings’ secondary played its best game of the year. They held the Eagles offense to just 181 passing yards and committed an interception on a batted ball in tight coverage. Dwight McGlothern, the UDFA from Arkansas, has emerged as a potential difference-maker in the secondary and will make significant steps if he makes the roster.
