The Vikings opened their preseason with a 13-10 victory over the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Here are five takeaways:
A SUCCESSFUL DEBUT
Kyler Murray and the first-team offense played only one series (nine plays), but the Vikings’ new quarterback looked comfortable running the show.
Murray completed two of three passes for 10 yards in leading the Vikings on a drive that ended with a 35-yard field goal from Will Reichard. Murray, who spent much of his first seven seasons working out of the shotgun and pistol formations with the Arizona Cardinals, ran six plays from under center (five runs) and three plays from shotgun (one run).
Coach Kevin O’Connell has favored having his quarterback under center during his four seasons with the Vikings, but there is expected to be a compromise between what O’Connell wants and what Murray wants this season.
The Vikings’ revamped run game also looked good behind all of the regular starters on the offensive line. Aaron Jones’ first carry went for 18 yards, and he rushed for 27 yards on three carries. Jordan Mason added 17 yards on three carries, including a long of 15.
The Vikings are incorporating more outside zone runs, and O’Connell has said he is committed to making sure the run game works. Saturday was a positive step.
UNEVEN DAY FOR J.J.
O’Connell announced Tuesday that Murray would be the Vikings’ starter and J.J. McCarthy would be his backup. But that doesn’t mean things couldn’t change before the Vikings’ opener on Sept. 13 against Green Bay at U.S. Bank Stadium.
McCarthy replaced Murray on Saturday and led three drives that ended in punts. He completed four of seven passes for 34 yards, but the operation didn’t run as smoothly as it did with Murray or Wentz in the game.
McCarthy’s first pass sailed over Jeshaun Jones’ head. McCarthy also didn’t get help from some of his teammates. Rookie right tackle Caleb Tiernan was called for a hold and false start on back-to-back plays on McCarthy’s second series with the ball in Giants territory. McCarthy was sacked on his third series after protection broke down.
He did complete a 17-yard pass to wide receiver Myles Price, despite the throw coming from his back foot. McCarthy made a nice back-shoulder throw to Tai Felton on second-and-20, but the wide receiver was unable to hang onto the ball.
A CHALLENGE FROM WENTZ?
Wentz, who signed with the Vikings last summer after training camp ended, looked very comfortable in O’Connell’s system. He went 9-for-14 for 81 yards with a touchdown, playing more than expected because fourth-string quarterback Max Brosmer appeared to injure his hand after replacing Wentz in the third quarter.
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