Minnesota Vikings vs Raiders: Preseason game review
By Adam Carlson
The Bad
Aug 22, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Jerick McKinnon (31) rushes against the Oakland Raiders in the second quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
- What is going on with Jerick McKinnon? He hasn’t been impressive at all this preseason. And this game against Oakland had the dynamic running back looking like a rookie who was unsure of his assignments. Sure, the offensive line didn’t get a great push either, but it is frustrating watching McKinnon struggle this way. (12 carries for 25 yards, 3 catches for 27 yards)
- Blair Walsh needs to get his stuff together. I understand missing a kick when it’s wet and windy. That happens. But Walsh has been horrible so far this preseason after signing a deal making him one of the highest paid kickers in the NFL. Hopefully things improve when the Minnesota Vikings move indoors next season, but he needs to get this problem under control ASAP. (0/3 FG attempts, 2/3 Extra Point kicks)
- Cordarrelle Patterson is losing his cool. There was a miscommunication on a deep route between Patterson and Shaun Hill that resulted in an interception. It happens in the NFL all the time, but it’s how you respond to these kind of things that show maturity. On the field, Patterson owned up to the mistake, pointing at his chest. But off the field, he wasn’t nearly as able to admit to reporters what happened on the play. (2 catches for 8 yards)
- Scary hand injury to Shaun Hill. At this point, it doesn’t sound like Hill’s hand injury is anything serious, but an injury like that to an important person like the backup QB following the string of injuries this Minnesota Vikings team has endured so far this year would be very bad. (11/17 passing, 82 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT)
- Taylor Heinicke hit big after big struggles. I have to admit, I’m pushing for Heinicke to be the Minnesota Vikings third quarterback that the team can stash on the practice squad, but his play during this game didn’t do much to make me feel good about that push. Plus, that hit he took that knocked him out of the game looked BRUTAL. (0 completions on 4 attempts, sacked once, fumble)
Next: The Confusing