The second week of the preseason is arguably an important.

Very like week three was earlier than the seventeenth recreation was added final yr, week two is handled like a costume rehearsal. This recreation has some recreation planning concerned and offers gamers and groups a real recreation week expertise.

Normally, the starters will play a major period of time. Per ESPN’s Kevin Seifert, that may not be the case for the Vikings having spent two days going through the 49ers in joint practices.

In the event that they don’t play a lot on Saturday, will probably be nice for the younger gamers to get some additional reps in. With the sport not that means something from a report standpoint, the rating is much less vital than the efficiency of gamers and items.

Listed below are 4 issues that you could be watching out for throughout Saturday’s recreation.

The Working Backs

Aug 14, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Minnesota Vikings operating again Ty Chandler (32) carries the ball towards the Las Vegas Raiders throughout a preseason recreation at Allegiant Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports activities

After final week’s efficiency from Ty Chandler and Kene Nwangwu, Alexander Mattison must be apprehensive about his job.

When you’re a fourth-year participant with no assured cash left and two day three gamers are coming to your spot, it’s not a fantastic place to be in particularly whenever you aren’t the starter.

Mattison has been a profitable operating again when referred to as upon in damage conditions and in a backup position. He has 1,387 yards and 6 touchdowns on 4.2 yards per carry. His largest subject has been seeing the sphere. Too typically Mattison misses the opening and leaves yards on the desk, most notably within the 2020 recreation towards Seattle that price the Vikings a victory.

On Sunday, Nwangwu and Chandler confirmed the one factor that Mattison doesn’t have: nice imaginative and prescient. They noticed the opening and exploded via it utilizing their glorious burst and velocity. Seeing these two proceed that success may very well be the catalyst to Mattison doubtlessly being on the outs for the Vikings.

Large Receiver Battle

Aug 14, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Minnesota Vikings large receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette (15) features yardage towards the Las Vegas Raiders throughout a preseason recreation at Allegiant Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports activities

The highest three receivers are locked in place with Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen and KJ Osborn. Afther that, there’s a whole lot of expertise.

Ihmir Smith-Marsette has seemingly secured the fourth large receiver spot, however the group behind him is battling for 2-3 spots.

Sixth-round draft choose Jalen Nailor had a strong recreation towards the Raiders showcasing his quickness and velocity. Three different receivers had even higher days.

Trishton Jackson, Myron Mitchell and Albert Wilson (who had two TDs on Sunday) have been standouts for the Vikings with the previous two having proven out in camp. Getting misplaced within the shuffle is Olabisi Johnson and particular groups standout Dan Chisena is lurking within the background as nicely.

With the Vikings transferring to a 3 large receiver-focused offense, it’s nice to see the again finish of the place group be this aggressive.

Cross Rush

Dec 9, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive deal with Armon Watts (96) celebrates a sack with defensive finish Patrick Jones II (93) through the second quarter towards the Pittsburgh Steelers at U.S. Financial institution Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports activities

The move rush for the Vikings this yr goes to be actually enjoyable.

With Danielle Hunter and Za’Darius Smith prone to be on ice till week one, the depth of the move rush will probably be on full show.

The most important takeaway from Sunday’s recreation towards the Raiders is that Patrick Jones II is EDGE three on this crew. Main the best way with 5 pressures, Jones II confirmed actual progress over final season, utilizing improved method and explosiveness.

On the opposite facet of the second unit, D.J. Wonnum struggled. He nonetheless doesn’t have a cohesive move rush plan and will get his pressures primarily based on each the quarterback being within the pocket too lengthy and if he’s not being blocked. For individuals who have reported that Wonnum has appeared good in camp, he hasn’t proven that progress through the recreation but.

Luigi Vilian and Zach McCloud have additionally proven some explosiveness on the sting. Whereas they possible received’t make the roster, they’re possible destined for the observe squad and may very well be contributors down the road.

On the inside, look ahead to Jaylen Twyman. A sixth-round choose final yr, Twyman fell resulting from a disastrous NFL mix. I had a second-round grade on him earlier than the testing and thought he may very well be a extremely good rotational move rusher.

Twyman missed the 2021 season after being shot through the offseason final season and he has proven out in a giant method thus far this summer season.

Rookies within the Secondary

Jun 8, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings security Lewis Cine (6) seems to be on throughout obligatory mini camp at TCO Efficiency Heart. Necessary Credit score: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports activities

The younger secondary will probably be getting a future on Saturday to maintain getting reps.

Fourth-round choice Camryn Bynum flashed in a significant method final yr. He had the highest PFF grade final season towards the Baltimore Ravens. He was primed to get the beginning security job reverse Harrison Smith and play within the field/slot.

The number of Lewis Cine sophisticated that scenario however Donatell will probably be using three security seems to be constantly. Each gamers will probably be given loads of time to play this weekend, particularly Cine who wants time to acclimate.

The cornerback place may have a whole lot of younger gamers. Andrew Sales space Jr. wants some work within the secondary. As we noticed in his time at Clemson, Sales space Jr. was grabby. He bought flagged for move interference within the first quarter of Sunday’s recreation. Give him a while to develop and he has the prospect to be lights out.

Akayleb Evans is one which additionally must have time. Enjoying in 31 snaps, he obtained a protection grade of 51.7 in 14 protection snaps. It’s noteworthy that he didn’t get focused as soon as. Specializing in staying in part, Evans has to get higher with the ball within the air. That can include extra snaps.