Preseason week one, A.K.A. Football Amuse-Bouche, kicked off last night to the tune of a 34-25 Vikings win. The Vikings’ first teams looked strong, scoring an opening drive touchdown and keeping the Saints out of the end zone on their first drive. After that was a lot of intriguing things from young players, a lot more penalties and a few eye-opening sequences to draw from. Here are some players who stood out, for better or worse.
For Better
*This category is reserved for players with some question about their roster spot. So while Adam Thielen, Kirk Cousins and Eric Wilson all looked great, their spots are not really up in the air.
Jalyn Holmes
Holmes played more than any other starter, going well into the second half. Clearly, the coaching staff wanted to get a lot of look at Holmes, and he delivered in all facets. His pressure inside was potent all night, including multiple sacks (one was negated by a holding penalty), he showed excellent chase down speed and he even tipped a pass that resulted in a pick-six. Given his limited playing time a year ago, it was a big step to see Holmes play as well against the Saints’ first team as he did the third team.
Olabisi Johnson
Mike Zimmer was not shy about criticizing the young receivers’ camp performance last week, but apparently, that criticism did not fall on Olabisi Johnson. The rookie seventh-rounder saw the field in the first quarter, working with the second-team offense alongside Chad Beebe and Laquon Treadwell. That in itself was a pleasant surprise, even had he made no in-game impact. But then the ball went his way, and boy, did Johnson deliver. He saw only two targets, but accounted for 35 yards, including a beautiful adjustment on an underthrown ball in the end zone for a touchdown. Johnson also had a nice kick return and looked comfortable fielding punts. Between him and fellow seventh-rounder Dillon Mitchell, Johnson was considered the polished one and Mitchell the high-upside athlete. But last night, Johnson showed both polish and considerable potential.
Hercules Mata’afa
Mata’afa’s name was called a lot in his extensive run last night. He has been the talking point of camp, both for his added weight and his strong performance as an undrafted player in essentially his first NFL season. Those who watched Mata’afa dominate at Washington State should have seen his performance yesterday coming. Still, watching Mata’afa abuse second- and third-team linemen with his quick burst, strong handwork and powerful drive was a sight to behold. He recorded a sack after bull rushing his man into Teddy Bridgewater’s lap, and recorded a couple more hits throughout the night (one was negated when he was called for roughing the passer for going low). The hype was high for Mata’afa’s debut, and he delivered.
Ifeadi Odenigbo
Odenigbo is now a preseason star three years running. His is a name most Vikings fans knows how to pronounce by nature of his consistently strong preseason performance. Last night, Odenigbo added several more pressures, a few nice run stops and a sack that was called back due to a defensive holding. Odenigbo has good size and speed and plays powerfully as a bull rushing end. He has jumped off the screen ever since going in the seventh in 2017, but Odenigbo still has yet to make a Vikings roster. This season will probably be his best shot, as Tashawn Bower’s torn Achilles means Odenigbo is comfortably in as the fourth end.
-
Ep 38: Tyreek Hill Traded To The Dolphins
by Full Press Coverage on March 24, 2022 at 12:10 am
Alexander Mattison
Dalvin Cook did not play, so Mattison took all first-team and most second-team reps. And they fed him early and often to the tune of 10 touches and 31 yards, including the game’s first touchdown on a play action boot pass to him in the flat. While Mattison’s yardage was not lucrative and he did not have the big plays of Mike Boone or Ameer Abdullah, he looked comfortable running against the ones, showed good patience, vision and power and was solid as a pass catcher. As the offensive line gets more comfortable running heavy outside zone, and gets to full health, Mattison should see his numbers pop a little more these next few weeks.
For Worse
Rashod Hill
The first-team offensive line looked solid in its pass protection, though that included only a couple of straight dropbacks. However, Hill was clearly the weak link among them. Starting in place of Brian O’Neill, Hill surrendered some pressure early on, but really hampered the offense with two holding calls. Fortunately for him, Aviante Collins is injured and other tackles behind him need more development time. As such, Hill’s spot is not as in doubt as it probably could be. But his time with the ones yesterday was not promising, should either of the Vikings’ starting tackles go down in-season.
Laquon Treadwell
Intention here is not to pile on a disappointing Vikings career. Treadwell did not play poorly per se. Sure, he made an ill-advised blind side block that Zimmer expressed frustration over at halftime. But he did not drop any passes, made a good cut upfield on his one catch and made a strong block on a return. That said, the mere fact that Treadwell is only standing out as a special teams blocker is jarring. To his credit, that is better than a receiver not willing to get his hands dirty.
Bene Benwikere
Recently signed to improve the Vikings’ corner depth, Benwikere did not exactly lend credence to the signing last night. His lowlights were mostly only twofold: a pass interference penalty that gave the Saints 23 yards and a missed open field tackle that allowed Lil’Jordan Humphrey to score. But those missteps were on back-to-back plays in the fourth. With a good amount of corner talent waiting in the wings, the veteran Benwikere could not afford to be a liability, and that is what he looked like on that drive.
All of the penalties
Preseason is about getting the feet wet, so maybe the officials will swallow the whistle more come the regular season. Or maybe the two teams will shore up the penalties a bit and give fans a smoother game. Because last night’s enjoyment factor was awfully low, as seemingly every other play required a break for a penalty announcement. And those came from both teams in high quantities: the Vikings accounted for 13 for 136 yards while the Saints added eight for 73. There was a fair mix of ticky-tack and blatant calls, so the officials did not seem overtly overzealous. It was more a matter of two teams playing their first football in seven months, and it showing a bit too much.
–Sam Smith is the Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage Vikings and Deputy Editor for Full Press NFL. Like and Follow @samc_smith.
Follow @fpc_vikings and Follow @fpc_nfl
Latest Vikings News
- What Non-Playoff Teams Have Best Chance To Make 2022 NFL Playoffs?
- NFL Rumors: Jimmy Garoppolo, Commanders, Deshaun Watson
- Deshaun Watson Eyeing Buccaneers or Vikings?
- Know the Foe: Packers @ Minnesota Vikings
- Cowboys and Vikings Defenses Are On the Rebound
-
Ep 110: New Playoff Teams In 2022; Best Matchups On NFL Scehduleby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 3:42 am
Clark, Ira, and Ian give their four teams that didn't make the NFL […]
-
Ep 109: Hall of Fame Voter Ed Bouchette Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on May 12, 2022 at 6:28 pm
Long time Steelers writer and current Hall of Fame voter, Ed Bouchette […]
-
Ep 108: Hall of Famer Bryant Young Returns To The Showby Full Press Coverage on May 6, 2022 at 1:45 am
Pro Football Hall of Famer Bryant Young returns to the show to talk with […]
-
Ep 107: Pro Football HOF President Jim Porter Returns To The Showby Full Press Coverage on April 27, 2022 at 6:58 pm
Clark and Ira are once again joined by the Pro Football Hall of Fame's […]
-
Ep 106: Remembering Pat Tillman w/ Former Cardinals Coach Dave McGinnisby Full Press Coverage on April 21, 2022 at 12:43 pm
Former Cardinals head coach Dave McGinnis joins Clark and Ira to remember […]
-
Ep 105: Who Are The Top 5 Quarterbacks of All Time?by Full Press Coverage on April 15, 2022 at 12:46 am
Who is the most underrated quarterback of all time? The most overrated? […]
-
Ep 104: John McClain Joins The Show To Talk Retirement and Houston Sportsby Full Press Coverage on April 8, 2022 at 2:50 am
Former Texans beat reporter for the Houston Chronicle, John McClain, joins […]
-
Ep 103: Discussing The New NFL OT Rules With Upton Bellby Full Press Coverage on March 31, 2022 at 10:11 pm
Former NFL executive Upton Bell joins Clark and Ian to discuss the latest […]
-
Ep 110: New Playoff Teams In 2022; Best Matchups On NFL Scehduleby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 3:42 am
Clark, Ira, and Ian give their four teams that didn't make the NFL […]
-
Ep 109: Hall of Fame Voter Ed Bouchette Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on May 12, 2022 at 6:28 pm
Long time Steelers writer and current Hall of Fame voter, Ed Bouchette […]
-
Ep 108: Hall of Famer Bryant Young Returns To The Showby Full Press Coverage on May 6, 2022 at 1:45 am
Pro Football Hall of Famer Bryant Young returns to the show to talk with […]
-
Ep 107: Pro Football HOF President Jim Porter Returns To The Showby Full Press Coverage on April 27, 2022 at 6:58 pm
Clark and Ira are once again joined by the Pro Football Hall of Fame's […]
-
Ep 106: Remembering Pat Tillman w/ Former Cardinals Coach Dave McGinnisby Full Press Coverage on April 21, 2022 at 12:43 pm
Former Cardinals head coach Dave McGinnis joins Clark and Ira to remember […]
-
Ep 105: Who Are The Top 5 Quarterbacks of All Time?by Full Press Coverage on April 15, 2022 at 12:46 am
Who is the most underrated quarterback of all time? The most overrated? […]
-
Ep 104: John McClain Joins The Show To Talk Retirement and Houston Sportsby Full Press Coverage on April 8, 2022 at 2:50 am
Former Texans beat reporter for the Houston Chronicle, John McClain, joins […]
-
Ep 103: Discussing The New NFL OT Rules With Upton Bellby Full Press Coverage on March 31, 2022 at 10:11 pm
Former NFL executive Upton Bell joins Clark and Ian to discuss the latest […]
-
Ep 231: Sons of Dynasty Draftsby Full Press Coverage on May 19, 2022 at 9:28 pm
-
Ep 230: Early Rookie Draft Seasonby Full Press Coverage on May 10, 2022 at 7:58 pm
-
Ep 229: Fantasy Fallout From the NFL Draftby Full Press Coverage on May 6, 2022 at 10:52 pm
-
Ep 228: Pre-NFL Draft Dynasty Rookie Draftby Full Press Coverage on April 27, 2022 at 2:52 am
-
5/11 - Patriots Depth Chart, Contract Issues, Smoked Meat, and Ernie Adams With Matt Chathamby Full Press Coverage on May 11, 2021 at 7:54 pm
Matt Chatham joins Steve, Murph, and Clare to talk Patriots depth chart, […]
-
5/4 - Good, Bad, and Ugly From NFL Draft With Evan Lazarby Full Press Coverage on May 4, 2021 at 7:39 pm
Evan Lazar of CLNS Media joins Steve, Murph, and Claire to recap the […]
-
Celtics Rebound In Game Two; Series Heads To Bostonby Full Press Coverage on May 21, 2022 at 11:00 am
Ian and John discuss the Celtics big game two win over the Heat as the […]
-
Lightning On Way To A Three-Peat? (5/20)by Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 4:18 pm
Ian and John discuss the Tampa Bay Lightning and their 2-0 series lead […]
-
5/20 - Tampa Bay Lightning; Celtics Blow Out Heatby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 1:41 pm
Ian and John discuss the Tampa Bay Lightning's quest for a third-straight […]
-
5/16 - Celtics Advance; Jayson Tatum; Golden State; NBA Playoffsby Full Press Coverage on May 17, 2022 at 4:35 pm
Ian and John react to the Celtics game seven win over the Bucks and Jayson […]
-
NFL Schedule Release Reaction (5/13)by Full Press Coverage on May 14, 2022 at 10:45 am
Ian and John discuss the release of the NFL schedule.
-
Tom Brady's New Broadcasting Deal (5/13)by Full Press Coverage on May 13, 2022 at 9:45 pm
Ian and John react to Tom Brady's post-retirement contract with Fox to […]
-
Celtics, Bucks Game Six, NBA Playoffs, Joel Embiid and James Harden (5/13)by Full Press Coverage on May 13, 2022 at 3:38 pm
Ian and John discuss the Celtics and Bucks upcoming game six, Joel Embiid […]
-
5/13 - NBA Playoffs, Tom Brady's New Deal, NFL Schedule Releaseby Full Press Coverage on May 13, 2022 at 3:21 pm
Ian and John talk Celtics/Bucks and the NBA Playoffs, Tom Brady's new […]
-
Ep 38: Tyreek Hill Traded To The Dolphinsby Full Press Coverage on March 24, 2022 at 12:10 am
Ian and Braden react to the trade of Tyreek Hill from the Chiefs to the […]
-
Ep 37: Matt Ryan Traded To The Colts; Jameis Returns To NOLA; Mariota to ATLby Full Press Coverage on March 23, 2022 at 6:00 pm
Ian and Braden react to the trade of Matt Ryan to the Indianapolis Colts […]
-
Talkamania Episode 226by Talkamania on May 16, 2022 at 11:23 pm
-
Talkamania Episode 225by Talkamania on April 2, 2022 at 3:03 pm
-
Boot 2 The Face Episode 183 "The Streets Been Waiting"by Boot 2 The Face on May 15, 2022 at 4:59 pm
Sponsored by athleticgreens.com/EMERGING
-
Boot 2 The Face Episode 182 "Mr. Toni Storm"by Boot 2 The Face on May 2, 2022 at 12:30 am
Marty and Rucker here again talking baseball, new action figures and the […]
-
Ep 114: Paul Londonby Full Press Coverage on May 21, 2022 at 2:00 pm
-
Ep 131: Packers Fan Series with LosDeeMixby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 8:49 pm
-
5/20 - Tampa Bay Lightning; Celtics Blow Out Heatby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 1:41 pm
-
The Game talks about Max Scherzer and Jacob deGrom as well as Yankees and ROY Talkby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 1:04 pm
-
Ep 110: New Playoff Teams In 2022; Best Matchups On NFL Scehduleby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 3:42 am
-
Ep 231: Sons of Dynasty Draftsby Full Press Coverage on May 19, 2022 at 9:28 pm
-
Episode 48 Criss Partee Analysis and reaction to Game 1s of the NBA Conference Finalsby Full Press Coverage on May 19, 2022 at 6:50 am
-
Ep. 253: Storm Rolls Into Atlantaby Full Press Coverage on May 19, 2022 at 12:50 am
-
Celtics Rebound In Game Two; Series Heads To Bostonby Full Press Coverage on May 21, 2022 at 11:00 am
-
Lightning On Way To A Three-Peat? (5/20)by Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 4:18 pm
-
5/20 - Tampa Bay Lightning; Celtics Blow Out Heatby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 1:41 pm
-
5/16 - Celtics Advance; Jayson Tatum; Golden State; NBA Playoffsby Full Press Coverage on May 17, 2022 at 4:35 pm
-
NFL Schedule Release Reaction (5/13)by Full Press Coverage on May 14, 2022 at 10:45 am
-
Tom Brady's New Broadcasting Deal (5/13)by Full Press Coverage on May 13, 2022 at 9:45 pm
-
Celtics, Bucks Game Six, NBA Playoffs, Joel Embiid and James Harden (5/13)by Full Press Coverage on May 13, 2022 at 3:38 pm
-
5/13 - NBA Playoffs, Tom Brady's New Deal, NFL Schedule Releaseby Full Press Coverage on May 13, 2022 at 3:21 pm
-
5/9 - NBA Playoffs; Officiating In Professional Sportsby Full Press Coverage on May 9, 2022 at 5:46 pm
-
Celtics Tie The Series Against Bucksby Full Press Coverage on May 6, 2022 at 1:52 am