The final preseason game is always expected to be a tough watch. However, the Minnesota Vikings left Empower Field at Mile High against the Denver Broncos with little to celebrate, getting crushed 34-6.
Coverage busts led to two wide-open touchdowns for the Broncos in the final period, leaving many to wonder how much depth this defense does or doesn't have. The Vikings' offense didn't score a touchdown for the second straight week, with Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer splitting the quarterback reps.
Many were hoping to see J.J. McCarthy play extensively, but a mild ankle sprain sidelined him, raising questions about his long-term future in Minnesota. It felt as if the news, which broke a little over two hours before the game, set the stage for the preseason
stinker.
No one should overreact to the loss. Kevin O'Connell and the offensive staff deployed a vanilla version of their offense this preseason, and the Vikings haven't had overwhelming success in the exhibition games in their five years with him as head coach. They were winless in 2022 and 2023 in the preseason slate, going 13-4 in O'Connell's first regular season.
So it's safe to say this coaching staff doesn't prioritize the outcome of these games too heavily.
Here are the studs and duds from the Vikings' loss to the Broncos.
Studs and duds from the Vikings' preseason game against the Broncos
Stud: Charles Demmings
No one stood out more early on than Charles "Chuck" Demmings. He allowed only one completion in three targets, making one phenomenal pass break-up along the left sideline on the Broncos' first drive. Later, he blanketed his receiver on a deep crossing route, helping force an off-target pass. Demmings finished with a 67.8 PFF grade on 30 snaps.
Dud: Max Brosmer
The Vikings had two opportunities to score touchdowns through the air. Unfortunately, Max Brosmer overthrew Dillon Bell on what would have been a five-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter. In the fourth quarter, Brosmer's pass down the right sideline was just out of reach of Marcus Sanders Jr. on a potential 33-yard touchdown pass. Brosmer finished the night 20/35 for 165 yards.
Stud: Joe Huber
It was hard to see on my local channel in Des Moines, IA, where I didn't have the luxury of high-definition viewing. But second-year guard Joe Huber actually got the start at center for the Vikings, playing 30 snaps. His 78.3 PFF grade ranked second among all Vikings offensive players, and he wasn't credited with allowing any pressures or hits on the quarterback. There have been concerns surrounding Blake Brandel's shotgun snaps and who could potentially replace him if needed. Is Huber a dark horse for center depth?
Dud: Demond Claiborne
Let me preface this by saying I don't want to bury a rookie this early on. But because of the conservative nature of the preseason, I figured we would see sixth-round rookie Demond Claiborne take advantage of all the run plays he could see. He ran eight times for only 21 yards on Friday, a disappointing number when fellow running back Jermar Jefferson ran six times for 59 yards. It's still early, and Claiborne was playing with backup linemen and a conservative game plan. But we didn't see much that would suggest he is a lock to make the final roster.
Stud: Dontae Fleming
If the Vikings choose to carry six receivers on the active roster, it would be to secure Fleming. He's had an impressive preseason and capped it off with a four-catch, 55-yard performance on Friday. Minnesota could always look to add him to the practice squad, although I wonder if he'd get snatched up after displaying his route-running and hands this month.
Dud: J.J. McCarthy
This is more of a lifetime achievement award. McCarthy's future with the Vikings is murky at best. The ankle injury that kept him out of Friday's game is just another example of his inability to stay healthy. Conspiracy theorists may question the legitimacy of the injury, but that would be further proof that McCarthy's time in Minnesota is coming to an end. If the Vikings want to trade him, playing him on Friday and risking injury could sink any remaining trade value.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Studs and duds from the Vikings preseason finale against the Broncos
