Minnesota Vikings vs Raiders: Preseason game review

5 of 5

Overall Impressions

Aug 22, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) watches from the sidelines late in the game as his team defeats the Oakland Raiders 20-12 at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Overall, the Minnesota Vikings offense came out struggling. Bridgewater was inconsistent on his first three throws, but found his rhythm to complete 10 of this next 11 passes. The protection from the offensive line looked good with the first team, but the run blocking left much to be desired. That will be one area where the team will need to improve if they hope to find success during the 2015 season.

The defense looked decent, with the Raiders only really getting one big play from Derek Carr to rookie wide receiver Amari Cooper that helped set up a one yard touchdown run from Latavius Murray, a talented young running back. Several guys showed huge steps in this game, including defensive end Justin Trattou and safeties Andrew Sendejo, Shaun Prater, and Anthony Harris.

Fans who are already trying to project which players will be on the 53 man roster must be having a very difficult time with all these younger guys stepping up and making names for themselves this preseason. This is the most talented Minnesota Vikings roster that I have seen in a long time, and it’s a shame that many of these young men will have to be released soon.

Happily, the whole “Christian Ponder returns to Minnesota” headline turned out to be a non-story. Ponder played okay, but also reminded us of how frustrated we could get with him at times. And that goes double for Raiders offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave.

Still, it’s onward and upward. The Minnesota Vikings will travel to Dallas to take on the Cowboys in the dress rehearsal game for week 3 of the preseason. This should be a lot of fun, as we should get extended looks at the starters in an effort to prepare them for the regular season.

I’ll see you guys again next week!

Next: Minnesota Vikings 2015 Game By Game Previews

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