4 bold predictions for the Vikings preseason matchup vs. the Jaguars

Daniel Carlson inches further ahead in the kicker battle

This week, roles should be reversed for Minnesota, with Daniel Carlson handling the kickoffs and Kai Forbath attempting field goals and extra points against the Jaguars.

Carlson will once again show off his powerful leg, booming nearly all his kickoffs through the back of the end zone for a touchback or at least forcing the Jacksonville kick returner to take a knee deep in their own end zone.

However, that isn’t what will surprise fans. In fact, it will be Forbath connecting on both his field goal attempts from 40 or fewer yards and then missing an extra point wide left. Not exactly the flawless performance Carlson had during last week’s game when he connected on all his field goals and extra point tries, including one boomer from over 55 yards out.

While this won’t close the door completely on Forbath returning to the Vikings, it will make the kicking competition much more difficult for him to win. Especially considering Minnesota trading up into the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft to select Carlson was already a bad sign for Forbath’s future with the team.

Things should heat up even more next week when the roles are reversed once again, but it may be too late by then for Forbath to overtake Carlson should he put forth another solid performance.

– AC