Two days against Baltimore gave the Minnesota Vikings a better preview of their 2026 identity than most preseason games will. The defense dictated play, the offense had to adjust, and several roster battles became easier to read.
Brian Flores’ unit repeatedly pressured Lamar Jackson while Kevin O’Connell’s offense recovered from a rough Wednesday with cleaner situational work Thursday. As expected, Baltimore’s starting defenders supplied the closest available test to regular-season speed.
Saturday’s 12 p.m. CST game at U.S. Bank Stadium will feature mostly reserves because the starters already received two long days of competitive work. J.J. McCarthy will get the nod under center as Kyler Murray isn’t expected to play.
What the Minnesota Vikings learned from joint practices with the Baltimore Ravens
1. Kyler Murray and Justin Jefferson connection should be something special
Murray’s first six 11-on-11 periods Wednesday produced six completions in 15 attempts as Baltimore’s secondary disrupted timing and pressure leaked through.
He answered with a late 30-yard touchdown to Justin Jefferson, and the two connected again on Thursday for a 20-yard gain. If these two keep it up as the regular season gets underway, their connection should be something special.
2. Dallas Turner looks ready for a larger job
Dallas Turner pressured Jackson across both practices and held the edge against Ronnie Stanley. Minnesota traded Jonathan Greenard because it believed Turner could become an every-down starter, and preseason practices have proven that.
His work against Baltimore’s heavy personnel showed Flores can keep him on the field without protecting him from early-down run assignments.
3. Linebacker room may be a big Minnesota strength
Eric Wilson blitzed effectively on Thursday, while Ivan Pace Jr. added pressure during the two-day session. Wilson, Pace, and Blake Cashman can rush, cover, and chase the run.
Flores should enter Week 1 with his deepest and most flexible position group. That versatility will be especially useful against NFC North rushing attacks.
4. Safety depth remains a large concern
Bring Me the Sports' Will Ragatz observed safety Theo Jackson landing awkwardly on Thursday, forcing him to exit with trainers. This comes after Jamal Adams suffered a season-ending quadriceps tear last weekend and rookie Jakobe Thomas has been battling a back issue throughout camp.
Jay Ward and undrafted rookie Jacob Thomas (no relation to Jakobe) handled first-team work well, but another injury could force Minnesota to sign a veteran (Harrison Smith?) before Week 1.
5. Final roster spots are becoming clearer
J.J. McCarthy’s two winning two-minute drives strengthened what some have perceived as a shaky hold on the backup quarterback job.
Myles Price caught a touchdown pass from McCarthy during the closing two-minute drill on Thursday and is projected to make the 53-man roster thanks to his special teams value.
Charles Demmings continued earning cornerback reps and saw some work with the first team. However, A to Z Sports’ Tyler Forness reported that the rookie’s physicality drew some flags.
Demmings is still adjusting to the speed of the pro level, but the penalties will need to be cleaned up when games start to matter.
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