08-21-2018, 11:32 AM
The Minnesota Vikings’ second preseason game was far less entertaining than their opening win over the Denver Broncos, but there was plenty to learn from the result. Let’s have a look at how each position is shaking out now that two games are in the books…QuarterbackThe battle at quarterback isn’t Trevor Siemian versus Kyle Sloter, it’s more of Kyle Sloter versus himself. Last year the Vikings made quite an effort to keep the developmental quarterback around, giving him a significant sum of money to sign after getting cut from the Broncos and then keeping him on the roster even when Sam Bradford returned for the playoffs.
Thus far in a handful of camp reps per day, Sloter hasn’t made a super strong case for himself. While he was solid against the Broncos, throwing one touchdown and running for another, he wasn’t as effective against the Jaguars. Overall Sloter is 19-for-26 passing but averages just 5.8 yards per attempt matching up against opponents’ third and fourth teamers.
Right now it’s up in the air whether he will get a roster spot.
Running backIn Week 1 of the preseason, Roc Thomas exploded for two touchdowns, and then in Week 2 it was Mike Boone‘s turn to stand out. Against the Jaguars, Boone ran for 91 yards on 13 carries and had an excellent block in pass protection late in the game. Thomas was still solid, gaining 5.0 yards per carry and catching a 16-yard screen pass. Mack Brown did not play.
The Vikings have been very interested in Boone’s freakish athleticism since Day 1, which may give him the slight edge over Thomas for a roster spot, but that depends on how each running back plays over the next two games. Both have likable skills. Boone is explosive and proved he can be tough to tackle, while Thomas is a natural runner with solid receiving ability — he was even targeted out of the slot on one play but could not bring in the pass.
Whichever player gets the job, it would make sense that the other is signed to the practice squad.
As far as fullback goes, it appears CJ Ham’s spot is secure and he will be a regular part of the Vikings’ personnel groupings and special teams.
Wide receiverIt wasn’t a banner day for any of the Vikings’ depth wide receivers. Things are still up in the air behind Adam Thielen, Stefon Diggs and Laquon Treadwell, so here’s where we stand with each receiver:
Cayleb Jones had two catches, including a nice back-shoulder adjustment on one. He’s had a strong camp and has a good shot to make the team, but he’s also suspended for the first four games.
Tavarres King received his first preseason action. He caught one pass and dropped another. Without a special teams presence, there’s a chance he may not make it.
Kendall Wright has failed to make any noise during camp or preseason, making it possible the Vikings cut him. However, they are short on receivers with Stacy Coley injured
Brandon Zylstra did not play for the second game in a row. He will likely get a shot against Seattle on Friday. He’s in line for a job if he plays well.
Chad Beebe saw time with the twos and played well in special teams opening the door a crack for him to make it on the back of his special teams work
Jeff Badet appeared to suffer a concussion after a big hit. He has blazing speed, but hasn’t found a way to show it off during preseason
Korey Robertson was a highly-paid UDFA. In practice and games there hasn’t been much that has stood out about his performance.
Jake Wieneke had three catches late in the game against the Jaguars. It’s hard to see him making the team at this point but there will be practice squad jobs available.
http://www.1500espn.com/vikings-2/2018/0...ason-game/
Thus far in a handful of camp reps per day, Sloter hasn’t made a super strong case for himself. While he was solid against the Broncos, throwing one touchdown and running for another, he wasn’t as effective against the Jaguars. Overall Sloter is 19-for-26 passing but averages just 5.8 yards per attempt matching up against opponents’ third and fourth teamers.
Right now it’s up in the air whether he will get a roster spot.
Running backIn Week 1 of the preseason, Roc Thomas exploded for two touchdowns, and then in Week 2 it was Mike Boone‘s turn to stand out. Against the Jaguars, Boone ran for 91 yards on 13 carries and had an excellent block in pass protection late in the game. Thomas was still solid, gaining 5.0 yards per carry and catching a 16-yard screen pass. Mack Brown did not play.
The Vikings have been very interested in Boone’s freakish athleticism since Day 1, which may give him the slight edge over Thomas for a roster spot, but that depends on how each running back plays over the next two games. Both have likable skills. Boone is explosive and proved he can be tough to tackle, while Thomas is a natural runner with solid receiving ability — he was even targeted out of the slot on one play but could not bring in the pass.
Whichever player gets the job, it would make sense that the other is signed to the practice squad.
As far as fullback goes, it appears CJ Ham’s spot is secure and he will be a regular part of the Vikings’ personnel groupings and special teams.
Wide receiverIt wasn’t a banner day for any of the Vikings’ depth wide receivers. Things are still up in the air behind Adam Thielen, Stefon Diggs and Laquon Treadwell, so here’s where we stand with each receiver:
Cayleb Jones had two catches, including a nice back-shoulder adjustment on one. He’s had a strong camp and has a good shot to make the team, but he’s also suspended for the first four games.
Tavarres King received his first preseason action. He caught one pass and dropped another. Without a special teams presence, there’s a chance he may not make it.
Kendall Wright has failed to make any noise during camp or preseason, making it possible the Vikings cut him. However, they are short on receivers with Stacy Coley injured
Brandon Zylstra did not play for the second game in a row. He will likely get a shot against Seattle on Friday. He’s in line for a job if he plays well.
Chad Beebe saw time with the twos and played well in special teams opening the door a crack for him to make it on the back of his special teams work
Jeff Badet appeared to suffer a concussion after a big hit. He has blazing speed, but hasn’t found a way to show it off during preseason
Korey Robertson was a highly-paid UDFA. In practice and games there hasn’t been much that has stood out about his performance.
Jake Wieneke had three catches late in the game against the Jaguars. It’s hard to see him making the team at this point but there will be practice squad jobs available.
http://www.1500espn.com/vikings-2/2018/0...ason-game/
