That was not a game that many people expected after the week the Vikings had, but it will serve as a good learning experience.
The New England Patriots were thoroughly outplayed this week in joint practices with the Minnesota Vikings. Now, they will be getting on a plane heading back to Foxborough with a win and momentum, while the Vikings regroup before facing off against the Titans. In a performance like this, we have to go over it with a fine-tooth comb, and that is what we are about to dive into.
Our new series, which looks at the good, the bad, and the ugly, continues with the Patriots game.
The Good: Former Maine Black Bears
The Minnesota Vikings boasted playmaking moments on Saturday from two former Maine Black Bears in Max Brosmer and Zavier Scott. For Brosmer, he got to control the entire second half as the team’s quarterback. He played well, made some critical passes on big downs for the Vikings, and kept the offense moving when the first half saw it be stagnant with Brett Rypien and Sam Howell.
As for Zavier Scott, he continues to shine as a playmaker on the rise for the Vikings. He is competing for the RB3 spot behind Jordan Mason and Aaron Jones, with Ty Chandler, and he has created some space there. If he has one more impressive game against the Titans, he should have that job locked up.
The Bad: Vikings’ Pass Rush
After dominating the Patriots’ offensive line all week in practice, they fell flat in the game. Of course, most of their defensive starters sat out the game, but this is a defensive unit that prides itself on its depth, and they didn’t showcase themselves on Saturday. Gabriel Murphy was quiet, Bo Richter was subdued, and the group just couldn’t get the quarterback down or apply much pressure.
The Ugly: Secondary Depth
Much like the pass rush, the secondary was not able to make plays despite going against the backups of the Patriots’ passing attack. Rookie Eftom Chism had a career day early in his career, and as a result, he made the veterans on the offense look like they didn’t belong. Brian Flores will rally his group, but this was not an encouraging performance.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: The Vikings Good, bad, and ugly from their preseason loss to the Patriots
Reporting by Andrew Harbaugh, Buccaneers Wire / Bucs Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
