Which players on offense and defense stood out the most from the Minnesota Vikings preseason win over the Denver Broncos on Saturday?
The Minnesota Vikings opened up their 2018 preseason with an impressive 42-28 win over the Denver Broncos on Saturday night.
A number of players put in good performances for the Vikings against the Broncos. But who stood out above the rest as being the most impressive for Minnesota on offense and defense on Saturday?
Offensive MVP vs. Broncos:
Vikings offensive line
Although the Vikings’ offense was solid almost all night, making plays in each quarter, this award goes to a unit, the offensive line.
Days after getting the news that they would be without guard Nick Easton for the season and the fact that they were missing starters in center Pat Elflein and right tackle Mike Remmers, these guys came out and punched Denver in the mouth.
The sudden death of their architect, coach, and friend, Tony Sparano, also comes to mind. It’s only a preseason game, but no doubt these athletes came together and delivered a remarkable performance for their beloved coach.
With consecutive 21-yard, off-tackle runs by running back Latavius Murray in the first quarter (setting up an opening drive touchdown) and an 78-yard perfectly designed screen pass to running back Roc Thomas for a touchdown in the second quarter, it was clear that these guys were playing for something more than an exhibition box score.
Very well done, fellows.
Honorable Mentions:
Kirk Cousins – QB
Cousins looked confident, accurate and very comfortable in a leadership role. His 28-yard pass to Stefon Diggs on the Vikings’ first drive was as good a ball as he’s ever thrown.
Stefon Diggs – WR
Diggs is quickly proving he is worth every penny Minnesota recently paid him. If he’s modeling his game after Antonio Brown, it’s proving to be a great idea.
Roc Thomas – RB
The rookie from Walter Payton’s alma mater had two touchdowns and most certainly has the attention of Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer and offensive coordinator John DeFilippo.
Defensive MVP vs. the Broncos:
Anthony Harris – S
In Denver’s second three-and-out to start the game, Harris hurried the third down throw of Broncos quarterback Case Keenum on a safety blitz. Then later in the first half, the Minnesota safety snatched an interception from Denver backup signal caller Paxton Lynch.
Minnesota Vikings
Though Harris is not a starter (currently Andrew Sendejo’s backup), he had quality playing time with both of the Vikings’ first and second-team defenses.
Honorable mentions:
Jack Tocho – S
The young Minnesota safety made the play–and the hit–that drove the ball into the air on Anthony Harris’ pick. Tocho also had a late game interception himself.
Unfortunately, he also gave up two touchdowns to Denver backup quarterback Chad Kelly due to what clearly looked like missed assignments on the part of the Vikings safety.
Eric Wilson – LB
In his second year with the Vikings, Wilson was near the ball all game and made plays with his nice blend of speed and power. Will he push fellow Minnesota linebacker Ben Gideon for a role on the team’s starting base defense this season?
Trae Waynes – CB
Waynes wasn’t on the field long. But when he was, his speed, length, and ball skills were showing. Waynes made one aggressive tackle and broke up a Keenum throw to the sideline during his action in the first quarter.