5 biggest winners from the Vikings 2023 preseason opener
By Chris Schad
Winner No. 1
Ty Chandler - RB
The Vikings' depth in the backfield was brought into the spotlight when Alexander Mattison left with an injury last week. While it was a minor situation, it amplifies just how thin Minnesota is in the backfield, with Ty Chandler, Kene Nwangwu, and DeWayne McBride fighting for a roster spot.
Chandler was the back that emerged in the first preseason game as he turned in a strong performance against the Seahawks. With 11 carries for 41 yards on the ground and four receptions on 29 yards through the air, Chandler showed the three-down ability he displayed at Tennesee and North Carolina while also validating the high opinion the coaching staff has coming into the season.
It was a rough night for McBride in comparison, as he lined up in the wrong spot and made a poor choice on a kickoff return in the first half, and was stopped on a 4th-and-1 in the second half. Although some of the blocking may be to blame for the failed conversion, it shows how much McBride has to learn, which gives another advantage to Chandler.
Nwangwu’s return from an injury could make the backup job interesting as we get closer to the season, but at the very least, Chandler may have quieted the thought of adding a veteran and could have the backup job sealed by the regular season.