3 winners (and 2 losers) for Vikings in preseason win over Raiders

For the first time during Kevin O'Connell's tenure as the team's new head coach, the Minnesota Vikings were able to win a preseason game on Saturday in their first exhibition matchup of the year against the Las Vegas Raiders.

In typical preseason fashion, there were plenty of ups and downs throughout the contest for the Vikings. But in the end, Minnesota did enough to earn O'Connell his first preseason victory in seven attempts.

A number of Vikings players stood out in Saturday's win over the Raiders for both good and bad reasons. So, which current members of Minnesota's 2024 roster should be regarded as the biggest winners and losers following the team's exhibition victory over Las Vegas?

Winners and losers from the Minnesota Vikings preseason win over the Las Vegas Raiders

Winner No. 1

J.J. McCarthy - QB

After throwing an interception on his third pass attempt of the game, Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy was able to settle down and put together one of the best preseason debuts by a first-year Minnesota signal-caller in team history.

McCarthy was on the field longer than any other Vikings quarterback on Saturday, and he made the most of his opportunities. In the win over the Raiders, Minnesota's 2024 first-round draft pick completed 64.7 percent of his throws for 188 yards, two touchdowns, one interception, and a 116.8 passer rating.

Winner No. 2

Dallas Turner - Edge

While McCarthy might start the 2024 campaign on the bench, the Vikings' other first-round selection in this year's NFL Draft, Dallas Turner, proved why he has the potential to make an immediate impact for the team during the upcoming regular season.

Turner was only on the field for a few defensive series, but he didn't need much time to show everyone inside U.S. Bank Stadium what he's capable of. His best play of the day took place when he came up with a big third-down sack in the first quarter to help prevent Las Vegas from scoring a touchdown.

Winner No. 3

Kene Nwangwu - RB

Will this be the season where Minnesota finally figures out a way to utilize Kene Nwangwu as more than just a kickoff returner? Well, Nwangwu stated his case on Saturday when he burst through the Vikings offensive line and scored a touchdown on an impressive 48-yard run.

Loser No. 1

Jaren Hall - QB

In his second year with Minnesota, it doesn't seem like Jaren Hall has made much progress in his development. On Saturday, Hall wound up attempting a total of 16 passes. However, he only completed seven of his throws for 63 yards.

It was already going to be difficult for Hall to make the Vikings' final 2024 roster before training camp and the preseason even began. But he didn't do himself any favors with his underwhelming performance on Saturday.

Loser No. 2

Lewis Cine - S

After missing some practice time in this year's training camp due to a leg injury, Lewis Cine was on the field for Minnesota on Saturday, hoping to prove that he deserves a spot on the team's final 53-man roster.

Unfortunately, it was just more of the same for Cine during the Vikings' preseason win over Las Vegas, as he finished with just one tackle. His chances of remaining with Minnesota for the 2024 regular season remain low.

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