Minnesota Vikings vs Buccaneers: Preseason game review
By Adam Carlson
The Good
Aug 15, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback
Shaun Hill(13) throws the ball during the second quarter in a preseason NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
- The backup quarterback spot was showcased. Let’s be honest, as Minnesota Vikings fans, we’re not really worried too much about Teddy Bridgewater. But bad things happen and sometimes the backups have to come in. During this game, Shaun Hill got to show why the Vikings felt so confident bringing him in. (9 pass attempts, 8 completions for 104 yards and 2 touchdowns)
- Cordarrelle Patterson got involved. Patterson has been in the doghouse for his subpar play last season, but he’s hoping to show that he’s more than just a flash in the pan. Scoring a touchdown goes a long way to show that he’s a threat with the ball in his hands, but can he prove worthy of being on the field? (2 catches for 29 yards, 1 touchdown)
- Matt Kalil looked capable again. He’s another guy that has struggled recently, but he’s put together solid back-to-back games. Teddy Bridgewater’s blind side might not be in as much trouble as some folks think.
- Jeff Locke punted well. Maybe it was the home field with the familiar flags and wind conditions, but punting 5 times with 4 of them landing inside the opponent’s 20 yard line is a huge improvement over what we’ve seen from him in the recent past. (39.4 yards average, 49 yards longest punt)
- Eric Kendricks was EVERYWHERE. This guy. I don’t know what to say about him. He’s smart enough to get in passing lanes, quick enough to blitz up the middle, and athletic enough to keep up in coverage. I’m loving what I’m seeing from this young man. (6 total tackles, 1 sack, 2 tackles for a loss, 1 pass defended)
Next: The Bad