Goodmorning from MavBlog and Happy Monday!
What an exciting weekend it was to be a Maverick
and a Minnesota Vikings fan! The Viking downed the visiting Oakland
Raiders, 10-6, at their preseason home opener this weekend at TCF Stadium.
Although it may not be a great predictor just yet for how the team will play
out this year, it’s still a great milestone for Coach Zimmer, and for the
entire Vikings organization. Zimmer is now one of five coaches in history to
win their first NFL preseason game as a new head coach.
The Vikings made an impressive start during first
quarter. The defense started out forcing the Raiders off the field just after
three plays. This was followed by quarterback Matt Cassel leading the offense
to complete a 70-yard drive in 10 plays. Cassel threw a 22-yard pass to Kyle
Rudolph, who dove just short into the corner of the end zone. This set up Matt
Asiata’s one-yard play into the end zone and first touchdown of the game. The defense then again forced the Raiders off the field after three plays, and first-year quarterback Teddy Bridgewater made his debut as a Viking.
As far as the quarterback competition prevails, the
game did not decide who the opening game starter will be, but one thing for
sure is that Cassel proved he is in the lead. Bridgewater played well, with a
couple mistakes, but Coach Zimmer has no concerns on his ability to perform.
Some highlights for Vikings offense during this
game: Kyle Rudolph and his impressive catch from Cassel. Cordarrelle Patterson
had three great catches for 38 yards and was the leading receiver for the
night. Greg Jennings caught one 13-yard pass, and Rodney Smith made some nice
routes. Matt Asiata rushed for 13 yards on three carries and also had the
Vikings first touchdown. Jerick McKinnon had a great debut resulting in 45
yards rushing on 12 carries.
Some highlights for Vikings defense during the
game: Cornerback Captain Munnerlyn, who the Vikings signed in free agency, did
himself well with some excellent tackles. Derek Cox had three tackles as well
as rookie Jabari Price, who also had one pass defense. Defensive lineman had an
excellent game, where Linval Joseph, Sharrif Floyd and Isame Faciane all put on
the pressure. Shamar Stephen had the team’s high of five tackles. Rookie
linebacker, Anthony Barr, had a half sack for his first game, and showed off
his strong athletic ability which will be a great addition for the Vikings this
year.
Now, onto the much anticipated highlight of the
weekend for Minnesota State;
Mr. Adam Thielen, former Maverick-gone-pro.
Did this last game just land him a spot on the
53-man roster?
Thielen made his 2014 debut on the field as a
Vikings player this weekend and boy did he do us proud. Thielen was stood out
on special teams this game with his three punt returns; one for 26 yards, and
another for 23 yards. Toward the end of second quarter he had an amazing tackle
on punt return coverage, and in the third quarter had a 15-yard reception.
Thielen got to see a lot of action this game being one of the Vikings fourth or
fifth receivers. He was noticeable during his time on the field and proved he’s
something to talk about. He showed he has amazing athletic ability and a great
work ethic.
“Coach
told me coming into training camp that punt return would be an option for me,”
said the Detroit Lakes native following the game. “So I just came in ready to
go so we’ll see what happens.”
Thielen had plenty of experience returning punts
during his Minnesota State career and left the Mavericks ranking third all-time
in punts returned and punt return yardage.
“If you’re not a starter in the NFL you have to be
able to play special teams and you have to know your role and do you job,” said
Thielen. “They threw me out there and they expect me to make those plays, and,
like I said, there’s a lot of things I need to improve on to help this team
win.”
After spending the entire 2013 season on the
Vikings’ practice squad, Thielen said he benefited from being around the team
last year. “That experience I’m bringing
in this year from last year and being able to watch those veteran guys in all
positions, watching Sherels with punt return and other receivers at the
receiver position I think it’s just taking that experience with me this year.”
Below are a couple links highlighting Thielen’s
audio recording during the game. It will be exciting to see where he ends up,
and all us Mavericks are rooting for him.
The Vikings play their next
game against the Arizona Cardinals, Saturday, August 12th, at TCF Stadium.
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