7 Takeaways from the Vikings 20-12 Preseason Loss to the Patriots - Copy
The Minnesota Vikings dropped their second preseason game 20-12 to the New England Patriots at U.S. Bank Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Despite the disappointing result, the game provided valuable insights into roster battles and player development as the team prepares for final cuts. Here are seven key takeaways from the loss.
1. Max Brosmer Continues His Impressive Preseason Rise
The Standout Story Rookie quarterback Max Brosmer delivered the most encouraging performance of the night, nearly engineering a miraculous comeback that would have sent the game to overtime. Taking over in the second half, Brosmer connected on his first five passes and showed remarkable poise throughout his extended playing time.
Clutch Gene on Display With three seconds remaining and the Vikings trailing by eight, Brosmer led a methodical drive down the field that had U.S. Bank Stadium buzzing with excitement. His ability to operate under pressure and make quick decisions in crucial moments demonstrated exactly the type of mental toughness that head coach Kevin O'Connell values.
Roster Implications While his final pass was intercepted in the end zone by Patriots safety Kyle Dugger, Brosmer's overall performance likely strengthened his case for a roster spot. The former Gopher has steadily improved throughout training camp and now appears to be a legitimate candidate for the quarterback room.
2. Will Reichard's Perfect Preseason Continues
Automatic from Distance Second-year kicker Will Reichard remained flawless in the preseason, connecting on field goals from 48 and 27 yards to keep the Vikings within striking distance throughout the game. His 48-yard attempt in the second quarter showcased the leg strength that made him valuable as a rookie in 2024.
Building on Success Reichard's continued reliability provides the Vikings with confidence in their special teams unit heading into the regular season. His perfect preseason record builds on his solid rookie campaign and eliminates any concerns about the kicking position.
Late-Game Pressure His 27-yard field goal with 5:23 remaining cut the Patriots' lead to 20-12, setting up the dramatic final drive. Reichard's consistency in pressure situations will be crucial during meaningful games when field position and points are at a premium.
3. Brett Rypien Shows Veteran Poise in Limited Action
Steady Second Quarter Performance Veteran quarterback Brett Rypien provided stability in his one quarter of work, completing 7 of 11 passes for 83 yards and posting an 86.6 quarterback rating. While not spectacular, Rypien's performance demonstrated the type of game management skills that could make him valuable as a backup option.
Experience Shows Rypien's NFL experience was evident in his decision-making and pocket presence. Unlike some of the younger quarterbacks, he showed comfort operating within the system and avoided the type of mistakes that can derail drives in crucial situations.
Roster Battle Implications While Rypien faces an uphill battle to make the final roster with Sam Howell ahead of him and Brosmer's emergence, his veteran presence and reliability could still earn him a spot if the coaching staff values experience over upside.
4. Myles Price Provides Special Teams Spark
Explosive Return Ability Wide receiver Myles Price delivered the longest kick return by the Vikings since Jerick McKinnon took one to the house, showcasing the type of game-changing ability that can earn roster spots in the modern NFL.
Multi-Position Value Price's ability to contribute on special teams while also providing depth at receiver makes him an intriguing roster candidate. His speed and return skills could prove valuable in a league where field position battles often determine outcomes.
Making His Case With roster spots at a premium, Price's special teams production gives him an edge over receivers who can only contribute on offense. His performance Saturday likely moved him up the depth chart and improved his chances of making the final 53-man roster.
5. Defensive Depth Concerns Exposed Against Patriots Rookies
Troubling Trends The Vikings defense struggled significantly against New England's rookie class, allowing TreVeyon Henderson to average 5.0 yards per carry and score an 8-yard touchdown, while Efton Chism III torched the secondary for six catches and 71 yards.
Backup Secondary Issues Chism's 11.8 yards per reception exposed coverage problems in Minnesota's backup secondary that defensive coordinator Brian Flores will need to address. The inability to contain unproven Patriots receivers raises questions about depth at cornerback and safety positions.
Roster Battle Implications Several defensive players who struggled against New England's depth may find their roster spots in jeopardy. The performance highlighted the gap between Minnesota's established starters and their backup options, particularly in coverage situations.
6. Sam Howell's Struggles Raise QB2 Questions
Disappointing Start Starting quarterback Sam Howell had a forgettable first quarter that has Vikings fans questioning whether he's the right choice as the primary backup to J.J. McCarthy. His performance paled in comparison to both Rypien and Brosmer, raising concerns about his readiness.
Pressure Mounting With both backup quarterbacks outperforming him, Howell faces increased pressure to prove his worth in the final preseason game. His experience advantage may not be enough if he continues to struggle while younger players excel.
Trade Speculation Howell's poor showing has reignited trade rumors, with some analysts suggesting the Vikings might be better served developing Brosmer or keeping the more reliable Rypien as their backup option.
7. Special Teams Battle Proves Costly
Field Goal Differential While Will Reichard was perfect on his attempts, the Vikings lost the overall special teams battle to the Patriots. New England kicker Andy Borregales connected on a crucial 51-yard field goal that proved to be the difference, extending the Patriots' lead to 20-9.
Coverage Concerns Beyond the kicking game, the Vikings' coverage units showed some vulnerabilities that could be exploited during the regular season. The Patriots' ability to generate good field position through their return game put additional pressure on Minnesota's offense.
Bright Spots Emerge Despite the overall struggles, Price's return ability and Reichard's continued perfection provide reasons for optimism. The special teams unit has the potential to be a strength if the coverage issues can be resolved through coaching and personnel adjustments.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for the Regular Season
Positive Momentum Despite the disappointing result, the Vikings showed fighting spirit in their dramatic final drive. Brosmer's emergence and Reichard's reliability provide reasons for optimism heading into the final preseason game.
Areas for Improvement The defensive struggles against unproven players and questions at the backup quarterback position must be addressed before the regular season begins. The Vikings cannot afford to have such significant depth concerns if they hope to compete for a playoff spot.
Final Roster Decisions With cuts approaching August 27, Saturday's performances will heavily influence final roster decisions. Players like Brosmer and Price helped their causes significantly, while others may have played themselves into difficult positions.
Final Thoughts
The Vikings' 20-12 loss to the Patriots revealed both encouraging developments and concerning trends. While Max Brosmer's emergence and Will Reichard's continued excellence provide optimism, defensive depth issues and quarterback questions need addressing.
As the team prepares for their final preseason game, the performances from Saturday will play a crucial role in determining the final 53-man roster. The Vikings' ability to learn from this setback and address their depth concerns will be key to their success in 2025.
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