Minnesota Vikings vs Dallas Cowboys: Preseason game review
By Adam Carlson
Aug 22, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Oakland Raiders linebacker Ray-Ray Armstrong (57) tackles Minnesota Vikings running back Jerick McKinnon (31) in the first quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
The Bad
- Captain Munnerlyn‘s bad first impression. He was bounced around the pecking order of cornerbacks this preseason, but finally got a start in the team’s nickel package tonight. The first thing that he does is gets called for a holding penalty on third and long that gives Dallas a first down. Not good, Captain.
- Minnesota Vikings discipline. Too many silly penalties. It felt like it was raining penalty flags early in the first quarter inside AT&T Stadium. You have to win the field position battle, and giving away free yards and first downs isn’t a great way to do it. It was a sloppy game all around, but the team will need to clean it up.
- Jerick McKinnon‘s running woes continue. 6 carries for 10 yards just doesn’t cut it. While it might be offensive line woes, something mental, or maybe even something physical, McKinnon just isn’t getting it done. He made me a believer last year, and now he has me questioning my faith.
- Blair Walsh is still inconsistent! He made a nice 45 yard attempt that squeezed inside the uprights. But then he missed a 43 yard kick. While today was a much better outing from Walsh, he needs to be far more reliable to equal the value that the team gave him this offseason.
- Trying to determine roster position by what team a player is on. This is the preseason. Yes, Audie Cole played with the third team today. But that’s because the team was trying an experiment with Hodges at middle linebacker this week. This is what the preseason is, and it doesn’t mean that he’s been demoted or is on the chopping block.
Next: The Confusing