The game vs the Ravens was less than inspiring. It was tough to watch the offense not be able to do anything. The Ravens look like the found a decent young QB in Joe Fagnano He went 15-of-20 for 123 passing yards and a touchdown, with no turnovers and a passer rating of 106.9. Their DE/OLB Ethan Burke was making plays all over the field. I liked him the draft and mocked him a few times in the 7th round I think but I mock everyone.
For the Vikings, I liked what I have been seeing from Gavin Bartholomew
who is making up for his lost season last year. I liked Banks and Orange getting as many reps as possible. Golday made some plays as well. Yeah, I would have liked to see the backup be more productive but what can you do.
I am not certain there was much to learn from this game.
Looking towards the final 53, I can only give my guess as to the most likely cuts right now.
Name : POS : Age : HT : WT : Exp
Delby Lemieux : C : 22 : 6′ 5″ : 305 lbs : R
*Gavin Gerhardt : C : 24 : 6′ 4″ : 310 lbs : R
..
Bryce Phillips : CB : 23 : 6′ 0″ : 195 lbs : R
*Da’Veawn Armstead : CB : 23 : 6′ 1″ : 183 lbs : R
*Dwight McGlothern Jr. : CB : 24 : 6′ 2″ : 185 lbs : 3
Jarod Washington : CB : 23 : 6′ 2″ : 188 lbs : R
Marcus Allen : CB : 22 : 6′ 1″ : 197 lbs : R
Tyreek Chappell : CB : 23 : 5′ 11″ : 180 lbs : R
*Zemaiah Vaughn : CB : 24 : 6′ 3″ : 180 lbs : 1
..
Jahvaree Ritzie : DE : 23 : 6′ 4″ : 290 lbs : 1
Smith Vilbert : DE : 25 : 6′ 6″ : 282 lbs : R
..
*Henry Byrd : G : 27 : 6′ 5″ : 314 lbs : 1
Joshua Gray : G : 26 : 6′ 5″ : 299 lbs : 1
Tomas Rimac : G : 23 : 6′ 6″ : 317 lbs : R
*Vershon Lee : G : 24 : 6′ 4″ : 318 lbs : 1
..
Bangally Kamara : LB : 24 : 6′ 2″ : 235 lbs : R
*Cam’Ron Stewart : LB : 23 : 6′ 5″ : 250 lbs : R
*Josh Ross : LB : 26 : 6′ 0″ : 229 lbs : 3
Kenny Dyson Jr. : LB : 25 : 6′ 3″ : 235 lbs : 1
..
*Tristan Leigh : OT : 23 : 6′ 4″ : 312 lbs : R
..
Jermar Jefferson : RB : 26 : 5′ 10″ : 215 lbs : 5
..
*Ben Yurosek : TE : 24 : 6′ 4″ : 251 lbs : 2
Bryson Nesbit : TE : 23 : 6′ 5″ : 228 lbs : 1
Marshall Lang : TE : 24 : 6′ 4″ : 246 lbs : 1
..
Marcus Sanders Jr. : WR : 22 : 6′ 1″ : 190 lbs : R
Michael Briscoe : WR : 24 : 6′ 2″ : 209 lbs : R
Terrill Davis : WR : 23 : 6′ 0″ : 195 lbs : R
Trayvon Rudolph : WR : 24 : 5′ 10″ : 187 lbs : R
..
Jamal Adams : LB : 30 : 6′ 1″ : 213 lbs : 10
There are still 10 more to go on based on this list.
I prefer to do a different kind of list to get to the final 53 as it is going to take more contemplating and I do not have much bandwidth today.
Minnesota Vikings News and Links
J.J. McCarthy plays 18 snaps, gets ‘banged up’ in Vikings’ loss
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/49695231/mccarthy-plays-18-snaps-gets-banged-vikings-loss
McCarthy played 18 snaps over four series in the first quarter, but O’Connell said he had hoped to send him out for at least one more possession. McCarthy had struggled with his accuracy while absorbing three hits and one sack. On his final play, he rose slowly from the ground after four Ravens defenders converged on him in the pocket.
“Maybe one more drive would have been great to get him based upon where he was at snap-count-wise. But once he was a little hobbled there … I’m sure I’ll have an update for you, but he seemed to be fine,” O’Connell said.
O’Connell did not reveal a specific injury, but the revelation was notable given McCarthy’s long history of injuries since the Vikings selected him with the No. 10 pick of the 2024 draft. He missed his rookie season because of a torn meniscus in his right knee and was out for seven games last season because of a high right ankle sprain and a concussion. He was also limited by a hairline fracture in his right hand.
McCarthy’s first pass Saturday flew over the head of wide receiver Myles Price, who was open on the sideline. Later, McCarthy’s 50-yard pass to wide receiver Tai Felton gave the Vikings a first down at the Ravens’ 10-yard line, but McCarthy then overthrew Felton and Price in the end zone on second and fourth downs, respectively, as Minnesota failed to score.
“Those are just throws I’ve got to make,” said McCarthy, who completed 5 of 10 passes for 81 yards. “[Coaches] called great plays, but at the end of the day, know I can make those throws. And it’s great to have that experience logged in and that data logged in to be able to make that throw next time.”
Asked if he felt sped up before the overthrows, McCarthy said: “I wouldn’t say I felt sped up. It’s just sometimes you hit them, sometimes you miss. And it’s … what preseason’s all about. You get it out now and log that feeling, like I said, and make sure you hit it the next time.”
Duality of J.J. McCarthy Takes Turn Heads After Vikings’ 13-3 Preseason Loss
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/duality-j-j-mccarthy-takes-110004758.html
Anne Erickson of The Sporting News contends that McCarthy deserves more respect for his showing, sharing the following sentiment.
“During Saturday’s preseason game against the Ravens, McCarthy made a spectacular play, connecting with wide receiver Tai Felton for a 50-yard gain. It was impressive and certainly got the attention of the crowd. …
Sadly, the Vikings couldn’t finish the drive with a touchdown. But that play was an incredible moment for both McCarthy and Felton and shows what both these players can do when given time on the field.”
Another analyst starkly contrasted Erickson’s opinion. Dave Campbell of the Associated Press shared that McCarthy’s inaccuracy was noteworthy.
“McCarthy played four series with the second-team offense before yielding to 11-year veteran Carson Wentz, leaving the picture unclear about who will be the No. 2 quarterback behind Kyler Murray.
The 10th overall pick in the 2024 draft, who missed his rookie year while recovering from knee surgery and was limited by 10 starts last season because of multiple injuries, misfired to open receivers multiple times. After deftly moving up in the pocket for a 50-yard completion to Tai Felton midway through the first quarter, McCarthy threw too hard into the end zone twice for incompletions — resulting in a turnover on downs.”
Kevin O’Connell couldn’t hide harsh truth about J.J. McCarthy after Ravens loss
https://thevikingage.com/minnesota-vikings-kevin-oconnell-couldnt-hide-truth-jj-mccarthy-baltimore-ravens
“Yeah, I thought he, you know, like I said, I mean, if he, if we can put that ball in the end zone there on one of those two kind of final plays there.
Once we hit the big play to Ty, I thought that was a really nice job climbing and, and giving Ty a chance. Thought it was a really nice job by Ty climbing that half-field safety and going up, going up and getting the football.
And then, early on in the game like that, the difference [is huge] between the momentum of putting the ball in there [and not].
We’ve got a lot of confidence in our defense to go for a fourth down right there, knowing that we’re going to keep them backed up and maybe keep the field position on our side and keep the pressure on in more ways than one.
But you’d love to capitalize on an explosive. The percentages say you get an explosive like that, your chances of scoring go way up. And if we could have finished that one, maybe the day looks different, maybe it doesn’t.”
Vikings’ Kevin O’Connell Offers High Praise for Undrafted Rookie After Preseason Loss
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/minnesota-vikings/kevin-oconnell-jacob-thomas-nfl-rookies-preseason-news/
There weren’t a ton of positives for the Minnesota Vikings during their Week 2 preseason matchup Saturday. But in his postgame press conference, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell offered one positive from the game — safety Jacob Thomas.
The defensive back is an undrafted rookie with the Vikings this preseason. Thomas led Minnesota with six combined tackles and one pass defense Saturday.
“Really smart. He’s really instinctive. He’s a great communicator, he’s been really good in the deep part of the field,” O’Connell told reporters. “Played a little bit more maybe in the boundary today just with some of the guys we sat.
“He’s just been a guy, every single day, it feels like he makes a play at practice, as you guys saw throughout camp. He’s really been a good fit. Great find and a guy that’s taking advantage of his opportunities for sure.”
Vikings Training Camp Recap: Top Mr. Mankato candidates highlight excellent young players on Minnesota’s roster
https://atozsports.com/nfl/minnesota-vikings-news/vikings-training-camp-recap-top-mr-mankato-candidates-elijah-williams-jacob-thomas-tai-felton-charles-demmings-myles-price/
- WR Myles Price
It should be no surprise that Myles Price is the top contender for Mr. Mankato. He came out of relative nowhere to prove he was a good receiver. We talked during the beginning of training camp about how Felton might be the next K.J. Osborn, coming out of relative obscurity. Nobody expected Price to be much of anything in terms of actually contributing as a wide receiver, and now he’s doing exactly that.
It’s been an impressive journey for Price. He is winning with separation. He’s winning at the catch point. He’s not letting cornerbacks bully him with physicality. Price is doing everything at 5-foot-8.5, 180 pounds. The fact that he’s able to showcase all of this in a role not specifically built for him (he is probably a slot receiver at the NFL level) shows how much he’s grown and what he could potentially be. He’s probably still a wide receiver four and punt and kick returner long-term. But this leap has been glorious to watch, and he has shown that you can’t overlook him.
Vikings Rookies Caleb Banks & Domonique Orange Refine Impact vs. Ravens
https://www.vikings.com/news/rookies-caleb-banks-domonique-orange-impact-vs-ravens
On still adjusting to the NFL, Banks said, “I’m just taking it one play at a time, just enjoying it, just kind of just living the dream that the younger me is really excited and kind of just dancing around on the inside about, so just taking it one game at a time, one play at a time, and enjoying it.”
Banks noted that his preparation throughout the week, primarily two solid days of joint practices, helped set him up for a positive performance. He also admitted he’s not in shape, yet, and quipped and looked over at Orange when he said, “I definitely need to go out there and run — me and Dom.”
Orange stabbed him back with a brotherly eye dagger.
Minutes before Banks addressed media, Orange did so in front of their side-by-side lockers and spoke highly of his rookie partner: “It’s been great. We play like we’ve been playing, like, forever. It seemed like we went to college together. But no, it’s been great playing with him, playing alongside him. He’s a dog, man. I mean, I can’t ask for a better teammate. But he’s one of the best for sure.”
“It’s been cool just having somebody there with you. Just being able to kind of vent or decompress to a little bit,” Banks added about growing with Orange. “And then picking each other up when something goes wrong or even when something’s going right. You know what I mean? Just making sure we stay focused, locked in, and making sure we’re doing the right thing on and off the field.”
…
The big man told reporters he couldn’t remember a time sinking into coverage since high school and pivoted to commending Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores’ defensive schemes for putting his versatility on display.
“The stuff that coach Flo’ allows us d-linemen to do is incredible, and that’s the reason why he’s arguably one of the best defensive coordinators in the league,” Orange said, doubling down on the latter take. “Of course, it’s a little hard [to pick the system up]. Like I said, I’m going to say it again, best defensive coordinator in the league, and I’m not even trying to be biased.”
“The older I get, the more mature I get, I’m going to start learning the [responsibilities of other positions] of the defense, not only what my job is,” Orange expressed. “That’s what I’m getting into right now, understanding what the back end is doing, what the linebackers are doing, how the linebackers are flowing, how my certain step might affect their play, stuff like that. So that’s kind of, you know, the hardship I’m dealing with right now — but it’s definitely coming along.”
Head Coach Kevin O’Connell referred to Orange as “a heck of a moving screen” in pass coverage. O’Connell spoke more in length about Banks and his progression from Preseason 1 to Preseason 2.
“I think he just continues to [understand] it’s all about pad level. It’s all about understanding there’s a way you have to play in the NFL that the consistency of it for him will just give him more opportunities to make some plays,” O’Connell commented. “And I thought he really showed up early on and he’s starting to really get his football legs back underneath him. And days like this are great for it. Stack as many reps as we can. We want to be smart with him. But today was another really good step in the right direction to get him where we want to have him” before the season opener on Sept. 13.
Baltimore’s offense had 4 net yards on its three possessions in the first quarter, then opened the second with a 23-yard catch-and-run. The Ravens notched another chunk pass for 17 yards during a double cornerback blitz but eventually had to settle for a Tyler Loop 49-yard field goal after linebacker Jacob Roberts shot through a gap and dropped Ravens runner Dontae McMillan for no gain.
When Banks and Orange, and other players who have taken first- or second-team reps throughout camp rotated out of the game in the seventh series, the Ravens marched 63 yards for a touchdown.
During the third quarter, General Manager Nolan Teasley participated in the game broadcast with Vikings play-by-play announcer Paul Allen and color analysts Pete Bercich and Ben Leber, and he offered his thoughts on the tandem first-year defensive linemen and Top 100 2026 Draft selections.
“Well, there’s only so many people on the planet that look and can move and have the ability of Caleb Banks,” Teasley stated, before adding, “He’s going to be a two-phase player in this league.”
Teasley called Orange’s pass coverage impressive, and he loved the impromptu celebration.
“He started really fast for us,” Teasley said of the 6-foot-2, 322-pound Orange, who was the 82nd overall pick, “and he’s going to be really important as we get underway here [in the regular season].”
J.J. McCarthy Has Become Minnesota’s Rorschach Test
https://zonecoverage.com/2026/minnesota-vikings-news/j-j-mccarthy-has-become-minnesotas-rorschach-test/
Young MN Vikings QBs Exposed vs Ravens
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/young-mn-vikings-qbs-exposed-202732442.html
What Happened To the J.J. McCarthy Who Flashed 2 Years Ago?
https://zonecoverage.com/2026/minnesota-vikings-news/what-happened-to-the-j-j-mccarthy-who-flashed-2-years-ago/
Vikings 53-Man Roster Projection Post Ravens Game: One UDFA’s leap propels him to make the team
https://atozsports.com/nfl/minnesota-vikings-news/vikings-53-man-roster-projection-post-ravens-game-jj-mccarthy-jacob-thomas-daveawn-armstead/
One Trade the Vikings Should Make to Address Center Concerns Before Preseason Ends
https://www.si.com/nfl/vikings/onsi/one-trade-vikings-should-make-address-center-concerns-before-preseason-ends-01m0kfn0943t
Vikings should call Seahawks about a trade for Olu Oluwatimi
One potential trade candidate hails from Vikings general manager Nolan Teasley’s old stomping grounds with the Seahawks, and could provide the experience at the position they desperately lack.
Veteran offensive lineman Olu Oluwatimi could be available for a modest price after falling out of favor in Seattle, and might be the steady hand to fix Minnesota’s concerns. The Seahawks drafted him 154th overall in 2023, which coincided with Teasley’s first year as the team’s assistant GM.
Oluwatimi has started 13 of his 36 career games at center for the Seahawks after winning the Rimington Trophy at Michigan, given to the best center in college football. Now, though, Jalen Sundell has a firm grasp on the starting role in Seattle, leaving Oluwatimi as potentially dispensable for the Super Bowl champs.
His 55.9 Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade in 2025 ranks him as the 35th-best center, and Oluwatimi might benefit from a change in scenery. He also played decently in Week 1 of the 2026 preseason, playing to 79.9 pass block and 51.5 run block grades without allowing any pressure, per PFF.
Yore Mock
Trades
Trade with New York Jets Sent: #15 Received: #18, #103
Trade with Carolina Panthers Sent: #47, #103 Received: #38
Trade with Miami Dolphins Sent: #79, ’27 Rd4 Received: #66
Trade with Seattle Seahawks Sent: #88 Received: #94, #176
Draft
RD 1 #18 Jamari Johnson TE — Oregon | 6’5″, 257 lbs
RD 2 #38 Yhonzae Pierre EDGE — Alabama | 6’3″, 251 lbs
RD 3 #66 Iapani Laloulu IOL — Oregon | 6’2″, 325 lbs
RD 3 #94 Peyton Bowen S — Oklahoma | 6’0″, 200 lbs
RD 5 #146 Ben Roberts LB — Texas Tech | 6’3″, 245 lbs
RD 5 #155 Zach Lutmer CB — Iowa | 6’1″, 203 lbs
RD 5 #176 Luke Montgomery IOL — Ohio State | 6’5″, 312 lbs
RD 6 #184 Rueben Owens II RB — Texas A&M | 5’11”, 215 lbs
RD 6 #214 Amare Thomas WR — Houston | 6’0″, 205 lbs
RD 7 #235 Williams Nwaneri EDGE — Nebraska | 6’7″, 270 lbs
RD 7 #244 Kevin Jennings QB — SMU | 6’0″, 192 lbs
Again, we all know the rules, but in case someone is new:
While navigating the open thread, just assume it’s sarcasm
No discussion of politics or religion
No feeding of the trolls
Leave the gender hatred at the door
Keep the bad language to a minimum (using the spoiler tags, if you must)
Speaking of which, if discussing a newer show or movie, please use spoiler tags
No pictures that could get someone fired or in serious trouble with their employer
If you can’t disagree in a civil manner, feel free to go away
