Minnesota Vikings vs Buccaneers: Preseason game review

Aug 15, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings fullback

(48) celebrates with offensive lineman

(75) after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter in a preseason NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Although this is technically week 1 of the preseason, it feels much more like week 2 after the Minnesota Vikings played in the Hall of Fame Game against the Pittsburgh Steelers last weekend.  But let’s ignore the numbering and move forward to discuss the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

This was slated by the media as Jameis Winston’s first preseason action going up against young quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.  I also saw some advertisements that featured Winston and Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes, as they were teammates at Florida State University.

At least the billing was true, as fans got an extended look at Jameis Winston and a little more of Teddy Bridgewater than last week.  While Winston had an up-and-down game as you’d expect from a rookie, the Minnesota Vikings got out to an early lead and didn’t look back.

The final score was 26-16 in favor in the Minnesota Vikings, but there is much more to a preseason game than the final score.  Here are the good things, the bad things, and some things that are just downright confusing.

Next: The Good