Studs and duds from the Minnesota Vikings preseason win over the Patriots
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.
These are our choices for studs and duds from the game.
Stud: Myles Price
The kick return that Myles Price returned on Saturday was the longest by the team since Jerick McKinnon took one all the way in 2017. Price has been having good weeks of practice, and to make a play like he did against the Patriots in a game where not much was positive was something he can hang on to. The Vikings need to be more explosive in the return game in 2025 after the changes were made to it. Price looks like he could be part of that solution they need.
Dud: Sam Howell
Sam Howell did not look good in the limited action he had against the Patriots. While J.J. McCarthy carved up the Patriots' secondary all week, Howell struggled. He had one completion for 15 yards and threw one very bad interception on a play where he should've thrown the ball away. Brett Rypien and Max Brosmer came in to relieve him and looked much better, so we still have a very live backup quarterback situation on our hands.
Stud: Zavier Scott
Last week, Zavier Scott made some plays. He followed that up by having a strong week of practice against the Patriots that turned into a good game for the Vikings' skill player. He had a combined 76 yards of offense and was the second leading receiver on the day. He continues to have the potential to be the third running back in the offense and push out another 2022 NFL Draft pick in Ty Chandler.
Dud: Pass Rush
Despite facing intense pressure last week against the Patriots' offensive line, they struggled on gameday. They recorded no sacks and just seven QB hits against the Patriots' offensive line. Brian Flores had a rare miss in terms of his scheming. The team will have to regroup and will have the opportunity to face another quarterback group, led by Cam Ward, next week.
Stud: Will Reichard
A couple of weeks after writing that the Vikings may have had an issue with their kicker, Will Reichard has become money. Last week, the former Alabama Crimson Tide specialist was 2-for-2, and he followed that up with a perfect 4-for-4 on Saturday, with one going through from 54 yards.
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