It’s the final week of the preseason in the NFL and that brings us an interconference clash on the gridiron in the Mile-High City. The Minnesota Vikings are on the road as they travel to face the Denver Broncos Saturday night. Minnesota was shut down 17-7 at home in their previous preseason contest by San Francisco last Saturday. Denver was rolled 42-15 on the road by Buffalo in their most recent preseason tilt last Saturday. In the most recent preseason tilt between these teams, the Broncos cruised to an easy 33-6 victory on the road back on August 14, 2021. Which team finishes preseason on a positive note?
Minnesota struggled in preseason action as they were unable to get anything going offensively in the loss to the 49ers at home. The Vikings hope to shake off back-to-back losses to open the preseason as they finish things on the road. Against San Francisco, Minnesota was without Kirk Cousins, who tested positive for COVID-19, and their backup QBs failed to inspire confidence with their performances. The Vikings led 7-6 at the half and after three quarters before getting outscored 11-0 in the fourth to take the loss. Minnesota was outgained 344-195 in total offense, gave up 21 first downs while picking up 13 and were dominated 37:45 to 22:15 in time of possession. For good measure, the Vikings turned the ball over three times while forcing only one takeaway. The team was so unmoved by their QB play that they traded for Nick Mullens from the Raiders.
Kirk Cousins has yet to throw a pass in preseason a nd it’s unclear if he’ll take the field in this contest. Expect to see Mullens get some work to try and supplant the other guys on the QB depth chart. Kellen Mond (19 of 34, 201 yards, two TD, two INT) and Sean Mannion (18 of 27, 144 yards) have yet to do anything to prove that they should be the #2 man on the depth chart. Ty Chandler leads the ground game with 10 carries for 69 yards plus a score. Kene Nwangnu (nine carries, 45 yards), Bryant Koback (seven carries, 26 yards) and Alexander Mattison (six carries, 25 yards) are all trying to solidify their spot on the roster behind Dalvin Cook. In the passing game, Ihmir Smith-Marsette leads the team with seven receptions for 58 yards in the preseason. Trishton Jackson (three grabs, 43 yards), Myron Mitchell (two catches, 37 yards) and Jalen Nailor (four grabs, 33 yards) are trying to earn spots on the depth chart behind Adam Thielen, Justin Jefferson and K.J. Osborn. Greg Joseph has hit all three extra point attempts an d two field goal attempts with a long of 23 in the preseason.