5 most disappointing Vikings from the preseason loss to the Raiders

Dan Chisena – WR

Dan Chisena the receiver actually had himself a decent night. He had one reception for 22 yards which was just fantastic for his confidence, but we aren’t here to talk about Chisena the receiver. We are here to talk about Chisena, the special teamer, and that is where he again came up short.

Chisena was a surprise make for the Vikings a season ago and it was for one reason, his special teams ability. He was seen as a rare type of player who is so good at special teams that he needs to be kept even if it means cutting a more polished player at a different position.

Last season, Chisena routinely was the first man down on punt or kick coverage. His wheels cannot be denied, but his ability to make the tackle was a major issue. He often would miss his man, not even slowing him down by getting a handful of jersey, just a big old whiff.

That inability to make the hit carried over into this season when on the Vikings’ first punt, Chisena was the first man down and again couldn’t make the play. Being that he’s about the ninth receiver on the depth chart and can’t make a tackle on special teams as evidenced again tonight, the Vikings may not find any reason to keep Chisena around.