MINNEAPOLIS — Justin Jefferson balanced the role of spectator and commentator on Saturday as the Vikings opened their 2024 preseason by hosting the Raiders.
The All-Pro receiver hopped on the simulcast during the third quarter.
Let's just say he liked what he saw as the Vikings put together a pair of explosive scoring drives led by rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
McCarthy, who had entered the game late in the first quarter, threw a 45-yard touchdown to Trishton Jackson and a 33-yard scoring strike to veteran Trent Sherfield, Sr., on what was the rookie's final pass of the day.
Jefferson exuded enthusiasm at seeing his teammates reach the end zone, as well as other plays that occurred during the quarter.
He also was among the first to mob rookie kicker Will Reichard after the sixth-rounder kicked a 38-yard field goal for a 24-23 Vikings win as time expired.
The throw before the 45-yarder, for instance, was an impressive 15-yard completion to tight end Nick Muse on third-and-9.
The pass to Sherfield, who was left alone by the Raiders secondary, followed a fourth-and-1 conversion by McCarthy's pass to Jackson. Sherfield added an 8-yard reception on second-and-9 earlier in the possession.
Those are examples of "weighty downs," a phrase that Head Coach Kevin O'Connell used to describe several of the plays McCarthy had excelled on in leading Michigan to the CFP National Championship.
McCarthy subbed out near the end of the third quarter, handing the reins to second-year pro Jaren Hall.
The 10th overall pick of 2024 finished 11-of-17 passing for 188 yards with two touchdowns, bouncing back from an early interception and finishing with a passer rating of 116.8.
Sam Darnold started for Minnesota and played one series. He finished 4-of-8 passing with 59 yards and led the offense inside the Las Vegas 5-yard line but an incompletion on third down (Ty Chandler was unable to complete the catch) was followed by an incompletion on fourth-and-2.
During the drive, Darnold completed passes of 19 and 26 yards to Jalen Nailor on his second and third throws as a Viking. The 26-yarder converted a third-and-10. Three plays later, he also picked up a third-and-7 with a 7-yard completion to Jordan Addison.
Hall bounced back from a shaky beginning to his second preseason to lead the game-winning drive. He finished 7-of-16 passing with 63 yards, despite having multiple passes batted at the line of scrimmage.
Here are four more observations presented by Minnesota Eye Consultants, the Proud LASIK Partner of the Minnesota Vikings, followed by a scoring summary:
1. Defensive debuts
Dallas Turner, whom Minnesota selected with the No. 17 overall pick, started at one of the outside linebacker spots opposite Pat Jones II.
Turner recorded a sack to force a field goal by Las Vegas at the end of the Raiders first possession.
He dropped Aidan O'Connell for a loss of 10 on third-and-goal. Turner beat Andrus Peat, a former first-round pick by the Saints, at left tackle. Turner added a quarterback hit earlier in the drive.
Seventh-round pick Levi Drake Rodriguez recorded a sack and a pass defensed, providing a boost on the interior of the defensive line, and undrafted rookie Bo Richter, an outside linebacker, also recorded a sack and a tackle for loss.
2. Receiver depth shows up
It's well-known the Vikings have Jefferson and Addison established at the top of their receivers room, but several players made much of their opportunities.
Jackson finished with four receptions for 100 yards, and Nailor totaled 63 yards on three catches.
Sherfield added 46 yards on three catches, and Thayer Thomas reeled in three receptions for 24 yards, including a big one from Hall to move the ball well within Reichard's range.
3. Run game recap
Kene Nwangwu has shown what he can do on kickoff returns, with three house calls to his credit.
On Saturday, the Vikings were near midfield when he took it the distance on a 48-yard touchdown. Nwangwu found a big opening on the right side of the line and picked up a nice block from Sherfield before hitting the after burners.
Nwangwu finished with 52 yards on five carries. Chandler added 33 yards on seven receptions. He started instead of offseason acquisition Aaron Jones, Sr.
Myles Gaskin added 22 yards on five carries, and DeWayne McBride chipped in 17 yards on three rushes, helping Minnesota finish with 142 yards on the ground, a total that included 18 yards on two scrambles by McCarthy.
4. Approach to the offensive line
The Vikings opened with their projected starting lineup of Christian Darrisaw, Blake Brandel, Garrett Bradbury, Ed Ingram and Brian O'Neill from left to right.
That group played the first drive, helping Darnold guide the offense down the field to start the game.
After the first series, Minnesota subbed in David Quessenberry for Darrisaw, Dan Feeney for Brandel, Michael Jurgens for Bradbury and Walter Rouse. Ingram remained in the game at right guard for the Vikings second possession of the game.
Minnesota drove the ball but McCarthy's pass on third-and-8 was intercepted.
Tyrese Robinson replaced Ingram on Minnesota's third possession.
In the third quarter, the Vikings moved Rouse to left tackle and brought in Henry Byrd at right tackle.
Minnesota native Spencer Rolland later entered the game at left guard.
