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) Sam Bradford
(Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) Sam Bradford /

Overall impression of preseason Week 1

As a whole, the game was okay. The first team offense and defense were both disappointing, as big yards were given up to the Buffalo offense even though they failed to get on the board. Meanwhile, the first team offense struggled to move the ball, with offensive linemen picking up penalties or allowing pressures.

More from The Viking Age

Things improved as the depth players came in. Minnesota definitely proved to have a strong bench with unexpected players making some huge plays. This was exceptionally true when it came to quarterbacks Taylor Heinicke and Case Keenum leading drives that ended in scores.

Interestingly, this game did little to decide which players will win camp battles. In fact, more names are likely added to the competitions, with breakout performances by Stacy Coley and Tashawn Bower.

Fans will need to remember that this is only the first preseason game of the year. There is still plenty of time left for the Vikings to refine their game and make necessary adjustments to tighten things up for the first team offense and defense.

Next: Rodney Adams catches TD vs Bills

The big thing here is the injury to Trae Waynes. Hopefully word is passed along soon that he will be alright for the start of the Minnesota Vikings 2017 season. That injury puts a grey cloud over what should be a mostly positive game for the boys in purple.