Vikings vs Rams preseason week 4: 5 things to watch for

Nov 8, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end MyCole Pruitt (83) catches a pass against the St. Louis Rams in the third quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 21-18. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end MyCole Pruitt (83) catches a pass against the St. Louis Rams in the third quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 21-18. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
Aug 12, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive back Michael Griffin (33) against the Cincinnati Bengals in a preseason NFL football game at Paul Brown Stadium. The Vikings won 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 12, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive back Michael Griffin (33) against the Cincinnati Bengals in a preseason NFL football game at Paul Brown Stadium. The Vikings won 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

Final safety battle

Antone Exum was already given his release (he cleared waivers and returned to the team on the Reserve/Injured List), but there are still players who need major evaluation at the safety position to determine who other than Harrison Smith will be the last line of defense for the squad.

Andrew Sendejo has put together a solid preseason and may have cemented another year as starter, but youngster Jayron Kearse has been making some big plays that may encourage the team to take a long, hard look at him for the future.

Meanwhile, veteran Michael Griffin is struggling to fit in with the team after signing as a free agent this offseason, but has an experience advantage over guys like Kearse and Anthony Harris.

If the team is planning on keeping 5 safeties, they could be set. However, in my opinion, Michael Griffin could be the odd man out unless in turns in one heck of a performance against the Rams. Even then, it might be too little, too late.

Next: Who will leave a great impression?