Preseason Game 1: Five Minnesota Vikings Who Helped Themselves

Aug 15, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles safety Kurt Coleman (42) during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Panthers 14-9. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

4. Kurt Coleman

The Vikings defense had a good night Friday night, holding the Raiders scoreless until very late in garbage time, and no one on that defense had a better evening than safety Kurt Coleman.

I’m not sure Coleman would have even gotten the start had it not been for injuries to Jamarca Sanford, Andrew Sendejo and Robert Blanton, but get the start he did. And he certainly made the most of his opportunity. The former Eagle made the single biggest defensive play of the evening, picking off Derek Carr on a tipped ball in the second quarter.

Coleman also had a pass break up and several strong tackles in the game, playing with both the first and second units due to a depleted secondary.

With the second safety spot still very much up in the air, Coleman has to feel like he did himself a great favor with his stand-out play Friday night. We’ll see what happens next game when recently-signed Chris Crocker gets his chance to hit the field.