Ups
The ups have included the emergence of a few different WRs who have stepped up their game in the absence of Jordan Addison and TJ Hockenson. Jeshaun Jones, Lucky Jackson, and Jalen Nailor have all made legitimate efforts to be on the 53-man roster.
Downs
The 2024 preseason has brought its share of ups and downs for the Minnesota Vikings. The most notable down was the season-ending injury to J.J. McCarthy as he was starting to show some promise and potential heading toward the regular season as QB2 behind Sam Darnold.
Top Five Takeaways
1. Sam Darnold Will Do Just Fine
This is a bit of conjecture considering we did not see Sam Darnold play much this preseason. However, he is surrounded by weapons unlike he has ever had before. It will be exciting to see somebody with his arm strength and mobility playing QB for the Vikings after having Kirk Cousins for several seasons.
2. Vikings Defensive Front Seven Has Depth
Some of the toughest decisions this front office staff has to make will be who to keep for the defensive front seven and who they should let go. Jalen Redmond, Levi Drake Rodriguez, and Taki Taimani are all fighting for spots at the DT position. So there are 2 DEs, 8 DTs, and 15 LBs that are all fighting for roster spots in Brian Flores’ 3-4 scheme.
3. Kicker Is No Longer An Area Of Concern
Will Reichard, a rookie out of Alabama, has solidified the kicking position for the Vikings in a way that has not been seen since the Vikings signed the former Green Bay Packer, Ryan Longwell in 2006. He went 7-8 on field goals and was perfect when it came to extra points this preseason
4. RB Room Appears To Be Significantly Upgraded
The Vikings moved on from Alexander Mattison this offseason as he was the first RB1 in Vikings history to go a whole season without scoring a rushing TD. They brought in another former Green Bay Packer Aaron Jones, who has 45 TDs over his career. Ty Chandler is still a solid RB2 option, along with Myles Gaskin (who looked significantly better in pass protection and running the ball).
5. Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison And Who Else
The Vikings appear to have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to their WR room. Everybody knows that Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison are WR1 and WR2. Who will be WR3, WR4, and beyond is yet to be seen.
Jalen Nailor looked like he could be a solid option for the WR3 position as KJ Osborn left for the Patriots this past offseason. Trishton Jackson has looked like a safety net in the red zone as he has used his big body to fight off defenders and had a TD in every preseason game this year.
For More Great Content
Are you desiring top-tier content that covers everything? From thrilling sports and intoxicating entertainment news to gaming tips and professional betting advice, Total Apex covers it all.
Delve into our no-fluff articles to stay ahead of the game with the latest sports action, uncover the hottest trends in entertainment, and get the latest scoops in the gaming industry that will take your experiences to the next level.
Finally, our betting advice will give you a decisive edge over the competition and increase your odds of beating the books. Whether you’re looking to stay updated or gain a competitive edge, Total Apex is your one-stop shop for all things compelling and relevant. Don’t forget we cover Fantasy Sports, too!
Check out all our sites: Total Apex Sports, Total Apex Fantasy Sports, Total Apex Entertainment, Total Apex Sports Bets, and Total Apex Gaming. Out of the ashes of obscurity will rise a beast. Always remember to Respect The Hustle! Follow us on Twitter/X @TotalApexSports to stay informed.
