Carlson’s game review: Minnesota Vikings at Bills – Week 1 preseason

ORCHARD PARK, NY - AUGUST 10: Sam Bradford #8 hands the ball off to Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota Vikings during the first quarter of a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills on August 10, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY - AUGUST 10: Sam Bradford #8 hands the ball off to Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota Vikings during the first quarter of a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills on August 10, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) Stacy Coley
(Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) Stacy Coley /

The good stuff from preseason Week 1

  1. Dalvin Cook off to a good start. Taking the opening handoff of the game, Cook plowed behind the offensive line for a gain of 5 yards and followed that up with a gain of 4, giving the Vikings a 3rd and 1 where Cook caught a pass for 7 yards and a first down.
  2. Vikings using the screens well. Whether it was Dalvin Cook or Bishop Sankey, Minnesota looked to running back screens on a couple of occasions. They were a great way to mix things up in the offense as well as show off what these backs can do in the passing game.
  3. Kick and punt coverage. While the offense struggled and defense gave up a lot of yards, the special teams coverage unit looked like they are ready for the regular season, not allowing a big return.
  4. Stacy Coley is looking great. I think I have been sleeping on this kid. He continued to impress whenever he got a look, making a good case for him to compete for a spot on the 53 man roster this season.
  5. Depth on the roster. One thing truly showcased in this game is that the Vikings have a truly deep group of linebackers and defensive linemen. These guys dominated through much of the game, especially with the second unit.