Preseason Week 2 Ups and Downs: Minnesota Vikings vs. Jaguars

(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) C.J. Ham
(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) C.J. Ham
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 18: Mike Boone #44 of the Minnesota Vikings avoids a tackle by Telvin Smith #50 of the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second quarter in the preseason game on August 18, 2018 at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – AUGUST 18: Mike Boone #44 of the Minnesota Vikings avoids a tackle by Telvin Smith #50 of the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second quarter in the preseason game on August 18, 2018 at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

The Good stuff vs Jacksonville

  1. The offensive line hustle. Whether it’s Danny Isadora seeking blocks or Tom Compton jumping on a fumble, seeing the effort from the big guys working hard to show their worth with starting spots, as well as roster spots, up for grabs is amazing!
  2. Taking advantage of Blake Bortles. When discussing the top quarterbacks in the NFL, it will take a while for most people to mention Bortles (unless you’re a character from The Good Place). Minnesota was able to get pressure and force bad decisions, regularly forcing low percentage throws.
  3. Coverage down the field. Whether it’s Anthony Harris, Harrison Smith, Eric Kendricks, or someone else, Minnesota did an excellent job of making sure the mid-range to keep throws were not completed.
  4. Eric Wilson is looking good. The linebacker grouping for the Vikings isn’t deep, so having players step up can be hugely important. Wilson could find himself in position to be the next man up if he continues to prove his worth.
  5. Mike Boone and Roc Thomas. These two guys are going to divide the staff and front office if they need to choose only one to make the 53-man roster. The talent when it comes to finding the third running back for the roster is extremely high, and it might be a challenge to keep one who doesn’t make the squad.

Schedule