Minnesota Vikings Best and Worst: Preseason Week 1 vs. Saints
By Adam Carlson
More bad things
One of the biggest disappointments came when the first pass Kirk Cousins threw on the day was caught for a first down by Stefon Diggs but then got nullified on a holding call. Penalties may have been the worst thing in the game, but this sinking feeling set the tone for the game.
The defense allowed a little too much from New Orleans quarterbacks in this game, which is tough to swallow because future Pro Football Hall of Fame passer Drew Brees didn’t even play in the game. Bridgewater and Hill both did a number through the air and on the ground, accounting for 241 yards of offense between the two of them. Those missed tackles are going to be a topic of conversation in the next team meeting.
Everything was looking good for running back Ameer Abdullah, as he broke a big 42-yard run as part of his four carries for 63 yards…and then he fumbled. The turnover immediately shifted the momentum of the game when New Orleans took it the length of the field for a score.
Players who had a disappointing game:
- Laquon Treadwell did little to raise his stock. It was nice to see Treadwell on special teams, but he was outshined by nearly every other pass catcher on the field…and even more so when considering he was a first-round pick. With one catch for 12 yards, he might be part of the Vikings cuts leading up to the 53-man roster.
- Bené Benwikere didn’t look like the veteran he should be. This was a bit of an embarrassing outing for the sixth-year cornerback. Highlighted by a tackle where it looked like he was made of feathers. In his defense, he did defend a pass in the game…but someone who has started 22 games at the NFL should be running circles around third-team players.
Must Read. 6 surprises from the Vikings first depth chart. light
What do you think were the best and worst things from the Week 1 preseason game between the Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!