Minnesota Vikings’ Offensive MVP vs. Titans in preseason Week 4
With most Minnesota Vikings’ players competing for reserve roster spots on Thursday night against the Titans, fans didn‘t see a lot of top talent on either side of the ball. Still, a good eye found some things that were encouraging.
The Minnesota Vikings and Tennessee Titans traded field goals and stalled drives through most of this game as both teams failed to execute throughout. That could be expected from guys on both squads playing for third-string roles or simply on the roster bubble.
It took a fourth-quarter touchdown pass from quarterback Kyle Sloter to rookie wideout Brandon Zylstra to give the Vikings a 3-1 preseason record and to bring the exhibition schedule to a close.
Vikings’ Offensive MVP vs. Titans
Kyle Sloter, Quarterback
It would be nice to send this recognition to another deserving Viking player, but Sloter edges out the preseason competition again. Sloter didn’t show a ton of skill in inconsistent pass accuracy during his time in the game, but he did show a ton of toughness in diving forward for several short-yardage first-down attempts.
No doubt that impresses head coach Mike Zimmer.
Going 11-15 for 130 yards, Sloter also kept a fourth-quarter drive alive long enough to find a leaping receiver Brandon Zylstra just inside the pylon of the end zone to put the last preseason match-up in the books, 13-3.
For the fourth straight exhibition week, Sloter has played significantly better than his fellow backup quarterback Trevor Siemian, who finished the game 6-11 for 55 yards, no touchdowns, and a fumble.
Honorable Mention:
Mike Boone, running back
Again, rookie running back Mike Boone looked like a starter among scrubs on Thursday, totaling 109 yards from scrimmage on 15 runs for 56 yards and two receptions for 53.
Boone’s total yards as a Viking finishes at 283, which, without a doubt, should clinch the number three running back spot behind Dalvin Cook and Latavius Murray.
Honorable Mention:
Daniel Carlson, Kicker
Carlson put two field goals right down the pipe from 39 and 22 yards, as well as delivering one extra point for Minnesota.
That’s 7 points and 100% accuracy.
In addition, his kickoffs were solid and long.
Thank you, Daniel. We knew you had it in you.
Next. Ups and Downs from Week 4 of the Vikings preseason. dark
The Minnesota Vikings now do their required homework and trim their rosters to 53 men by Saturday. After that, they begin the NFL regular season a week from Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers.