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The offensive line
Unlike Week 1 of the preseason, the Vikings’ offensive line was very good. They kept Sam Bradford from getting sacked and gave him time to throw down the field on multiple occasions. The Vikings’ run blocking was also solid, opening holes for Dalvin Cook in the first quarter.
Minnesota was missing two starters on the left side and filled in with Rashod Hill at tackle and Nick Easton at guard. Rookie Pat Elflein got the start at center, which might indicate that he’s ahead in the competition for the starting gig in the middle. Elflein, Easton and Rashod Hill stayed in for the entire first half. In the second quarter, Joe Berger and Mike Remmers gave way to Danny Isidora and Willie Beavers took played on the right side. TJ Clemmings did not play, making the likelihood of him getting cut very high.
Sam Bradford
The Vikings’ quarterback averaged 8.6 Yards Per Attempt by pushing the ball down the field with accuracy. While his performance was solid overall, Bradford still failed to get his team into the end zone and the Vikings punted on two of three drives.
Dalvin Cook
After rushing for 13 yards on five carries against Buffalo, the Vikings’ second-round running back flashed some explosiveness, picking up a 15-yard run and back-to-back 9-yard carries on the team’s third series of the game. Not only did he break several big plays, it was also notable that Cook took most of the starting reps and Jerick McKinnon came in later in the half. Cook finished with seven runs for 40 yards.
His usage sets up for the third preseason game to be intriguing if Latavius Murray is ready to play. Will Cook still play with the first team? All indicators are that the team is extremely happy with the former Florida State runner’s performance during camp, so all the signs are leaning toward him being RB1 this year.
Stefon Diggs
The Vikings’ top wide receiver has been the most impressive player during training camp thus far. On Friday night, that carried over onto the field in Seattle. Diggs finished with four catches for 65 yards, including a 39-yard reception. Luckily he wasn’t injured after taking a hard hit from Earl Thomas. Diggs is ready to start the season – there’s no more reason to play him.
The secondary
Russell Wilson had no problem throwing the ball all over the Vikings’ secondary, picking up 206 yards and tossing two touchdowns. Without Trae Waynes and Andrew Sendejo in the game, Antone Exum and Terence Newman started. When Newman left the game after getting hurt, Marcus Shreles came in and gave up a touchdown pass.
More here:
http://www.1500espn.com/vikings-2/2017/0...on-game-2/
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