Cardinals @ Vikings
Final Score: Cardinals 18, Vikings 17
Senior Writer: Benjamin Haller (@benjaminhaller1)
With the score 14-0 to the Vikings near the end of the first quarter against what looked like a hapless Cardinals outfit, it looked as if Minnesota would win their first preseason game in four years. However, they only scored 3 points the rest of the way and stuttered to a narrow one point defeat. But, at least it was the backups-to-the-backups that messed it up, not the actual guys they wanted to do well. They did!
For the Cardinals, I don’t know what we can say or learn from this performance except that Jonathan Gannon has a huge job ahead of him as their Head Coach. This team has a multitude of issues that this group of players don’t seem like being able to address.
Three Up
- Ty Chandler– Chandler sat out this contest which presumably means he has done enough to earn the backup running back job behind Mattison. Well deserved too. A sneaky sleeper pick in fantasy.
- DeWayne McBride – The rookie has improved in every contest for the Vikings and with injuries and uncertainties around veterans Nwangwu and Reagor, McBride could nab the final roster spot as back and special teams contributor.
- Jaren Hall – It has been Jekyll and Hyde for sure but Hall looks a worthy add as a fifth round selection with room to grow through the air and on the ground. Vikings could have found a future “best backup in the league” kind of guy.
Three Down
- Clayton Tune – The rookie thought he might make this team after an unspectacular but steady preseason effort to date but the trade for Joshua Dobbs and an opening sack and fumble costing a touchdown probably means he reverts to the practice squad.
- David Blough – David Bleugh.
- Nick Muse – after the Vikings featured Muse in the first two games as a go to guy in the red zone, he disappeared from relevance altogether in this game. Maybe he has already made the team but nonetheless he didn’t get a chance to contribute here and maybe he needed to.
Arizona Cardinals
| Preseason Week 1 | Preseason Week 2 |
Quarterback
Clayton Tune: 9/12, 85 Yards, Sack, 1 Fumble (Lost)
After a disastrous start to the game, in which Tune was totally unaware of a blitzing Jay Ward, who forced a sack fumble that was recovered by the Vikings defense before the offense turned it into six points. Tune did settle somewhat thereafter, leading three more drives with accomplishment. However, in his post-match press conference Head Coach Jonathan Gannon refused to commit to Tune, or Dobbs or McCoy for that matter as the season’s backup to injured starter Kyler Murray. So, this quarterback room is still a messy dumpster fire.
.@JWARD_4 bringing the BOOM 💥💥💥
📺: @FOX9 pic.twitter.com/lPZ5BXRL8P
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 26, 2023
David Blough: 11/22, 93 Yards, TD, Sack | 3 Carries, 3 Yards, TD
Running Back
Corey Clement: 14 Carries, 79 Yards | 3 Targets, 2 Reception, 5 Yards
Corey Clement saw his role on this team slip to fourth in the depth chart after he entered the game in the second half behind Ingram and Demercado. Despite a nice long run, Clement is unlikely to be a factor in this team unless an injury keeps him around.
what a run from @CoreyClement_6 💪 pic.twitter.com/G1fAayDUbl
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) August 26, 2023
Emeri Demercado: 8 Carries, 32 Yards | 3 Targets, 1 Reception, 5 Yards
Keaontay Ingram: 4 Carries, 20 Yards | 1 Target, 1 Reception, 3 Yards
Ingram started this game a ripped off a nice couple of runs on the Cardinals second drive of the game before he was pulled for rookie Emeri Demercado and veteran Corey Clement. Arguably a lone bright spot for the Cardinals towards the end of the last campaign, Ingram should be the backup with upside to James Connor.
Stevie Scott: 4 Carries, 5 Yards
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Davion Davis: 7 Targets, 3 Receptions, 43 Yards, TD
After a standout season with the Birmingham Stallions of the USFL, Davion Davis has given his all for this Cardinals team and could be rewarded with the final roster spot in the receiving room after this catch from a Blough blind heave to haul in a touchdown. Coaches want to see desire and big play ability and that is exactly what Davis showed here.
A Cardinal HEAVE
📱: Stream #AZvsMIN on #NFLPlus https://t.co/624TrfDUF6 pic.twitter.com/purm83OpdZ
— NFL (@NFL) August 26, 2023
Greg Dortch: 3 Targets, 2 Receptions, 29 Yards
The veteran may be the No.3 receiver in the offense if things track well for him. Dortch has always looked like he has more in the tank after flashing at times out of the slot. And with Rondale Moore likely to move around the formation, Dortch could improve upon his minimal usage in the NFL so far. A fantastic route and catch here was one of the better moments for this Cardinals offense in what was otherwise a dismal showing.
who else but dortch 🔥 pic.twitter.com/XYR1C71XA3
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) August 26, 2023
Kaden Davis: 5 Targets, 4 Receptions, 28 Yards
Noah Togiai: 4 Targets, 4 Receptions, 27 Yards
Blake Whiteheart: 2 Targets, 1 Reception, 23 Yards
Bernhard Seikovits:1 Target, 1 Reception, 9 Yards
Brandon Smith: 1 Target, 1 Reception, 6 Yards
Daniel Arias: 1 Target
Brian Cobb: 2 Targets
Minnesota Vikings
| Preseason Week 1 | Preseason Week 2 |
Quarterback
Jaren Hall: 16/27, 178 Yards, TD, INT, 6 Sacks | 6 Carries, 21 Yards
If there was ever the poster of a developmental quarterback, Jaren Hall would adorn it. There have been flashes of brilliance throughout the preseason, and in equal measure there have been moments that make you wonder if he will ever start a game in the NFL. Hall’s performance against the Cardinals encapsulated all of the above. Which is fine for a first year player. Kellen Mond was still that player after three seasons.
Hall had a promising first half, in which he completed 63% of his passes for 127 yards and a score. He also showed off his legs on a nice scramble for a first down. After the half, less impressive. He threw a pick and took a number of bad sacks, bringing up his game tally to six. But the Vikings know what they have – Hall is worth keeping around this year as a developmental option who could be the backup in 2024. This was his play of the day, a beautifully flighted intermediate ball to the outside after some nifty work in the pocket.
Hasn't been a great second half for Jaren Hall, but this was a dart into a tiny window. pic.twitter.com/IfdWbhhrgc
— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) August 26, 2023
Running Back
DeWayne McBride: 8 Carries, 37 Yards, TD | 1 Target
After acting as the backup to Ty Chandler in the first two games, seventh round pick DeWayne McBride put in a solid outing as the starter to improve his chances of making the roster. He was efficient and showed some toughness by rushing the ball eight times for 37 yards and a score on a third and short near the goal line. With speedster Kene Nwangwu struggling with injury and Chandler locked in as the backup to Alexander Mattison, McBride did enough to show he could be a useful roster addition.
Got it done on the ground! @Debo323232
📺: @FOX9 pic.twitter.com/9IcXjvJlpY
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 26, 2023
Abram Smith: 5 Carries, 29 Yards | 1 Target, 1 Reception, 5 Yards, TD
The fullback has seen plenty of opportunity in the preseason, and if it wasn’t for the presence of C.J. Ham on the roster the Vikings may have seriously looked at Smith for a roster spot. He is more likely to have a place on the practice squad with a view to 2024 if Ham is considered too expensive at that stage. Smith showed his ability as a pass-catcher with a nice grab for a score.
Made 'em pay@jarenhall3 @abramsmith_28
📺: @FOX9 pic.twitter.com/BfYv14lUvJ
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 26, 2023
Aaron Dykes: 8 Carries, 18 Yards | 2 Targets, 1 Reception, 7 Yards
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Blake Proehl: 5 Targets, 5 Receptions, 45 Yards
The practice squad standout from a year ago made a splash in this one by catching all five of his passes, however Proehl is likely to find himself back on the outside looking in after Jalen Reagor showed immediate rapport with Hall before departing as his job as the final receiver on this team looked certain, especially as he could handle punt and kick returns too. However, Proehl ran a terrific crossing route here and finished the catch with aplomb to setup the Vikings in the red zone just before the half.
Jaren Hall shows off some pocket movement and accuracy on this strike to Blake Proehl pic.twitter.com/YdQHohtHjL
— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) August 26, 2023
Jalen Reagor: 2 Targets, 2 Receptions, 28 Yards
Lucky Jackson: 3 Targets, 2 Receptions, 23 Yards
Trishton Jackson: 2 Targets, 1 Receptions, 19 Yards
Jacob Copeland: 4 Targets, 1 Reception, 18 Yards
Nick Muse: 2 Targets, 1 Reception, 16 Yards
Ben Sims: 3 Targets, 1 Reception, 15 Yards
Colin Thompson: 1 Target, 1 Reception, 2 Yards