The Vikings called corner blitzes throughout the day, with Akayleb Evans pressuring Kenny Pickett unblocked in the second quarter and Fabian Moreau registering his own second-quarter pressure of Pickett.
4. Vikings run game impresses again
The regular season will tell the story, but the Vikings seem committed to the idea of building a more productive run game through more frequent use of heavy personnel and downhill runs. We saw it again on Saturday, with Myles Gaskin carrying 13 times for 61 yards in the first half and the Vikings running 33 times for 119 yards overall. N’Keal Harry, who’s moved from wide receiver to tight end, could make the roster with T.J. Hockenson recovering from his torn ACL and Robert Tonyan still battling back spasms. He had catches of 24 and 14 yards on Saturday, but he’s also given the Vikings another physical presence on the edge of the line of scrimmage. Trent Sherfield, another stout run blocker at receiver, could make the team, and the Vikings figure to use fullback C.J. Ham more. Again, things could change, but the team’s preseason approach seemed to signal its intent.
(Matt Rourke/The Associated Press)
5. Reichard’s leg strength shines
Rookie kicker Will Reichard has shown through training camp he can hit from just about anywhere, and on Saturday, the Vikings sent him out for a 57-yard attempt. Even though his kick was a bit of a line drive, it cleared the crossbar with room to spare.
“For him to go out there and kick a 57-yarder like it’s nothing, I’m trying to remember the last time I saw him miss a kick,” O’Connell said. “He’s been ultra-consistent.”
Have the Vikings found their answer at kicker? That answer will come through more consequential kicks, but Reichard couldn’t have started much better.
Daniel Miller is a sports fanatic who lives and breathes athletics. His coverage spans from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis for sports enthusiasts.
