5 Vikings to Watch: Preseason Week 1 vs. the Saints
By Nik Edlund
Jake Browning – QB
Jake Browning is a guy to keep an eye on in the first exhibition game because it’s possible it’s the only playing time he gets all preseason. Kirk Cousins likely won’t see much time on Friday and Sean Mannion will probably get most of the snaps in the second quarter. Browning’s time to shine will be likely in the fourth quarter after Kyle Sloter gets some action.
Browning has to take advantage of this opportunity. He is currently fourth on the depth chart, but he has closed the gap between him and Sloter with some solid practices. Browning has even earned the praises of Minnesota general manager Rick Spielman and that is nothing but a good sign for him.
The former Washington Huskies quarterback has seemed to pick up the Vikings’ offense fairly quickly and he is making good decisions with the football and then putting the ball where it needs to be.
Browning should be on the field with the guys he’s been taking reps with every day in practice and that rapport will benefit him. He will also be facing the back end of the Saints’ defensive depth chart and he should be able to move the ball effectively against them.
If Browning can control his nerves and put together a solid performance, there is a chance he gets some more action in Minnesota’s other preseason games this year. This will put him one more step closer to upsetting Sloter and becoming the third quarterback for the Vikings in 2019.