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The Vikings opened the 2024 preseason Saturday with a 24-23 win over the Raiders that was decided on a 38-yard field goal by rookie Will Reichard as time expired.

It was the first time Minnesota had won an exhibition contest in the tenure of Head Coach Kevin O'Connell (since 2022) — and Minnesota's first victory in a preseason game since Aug. 24, 2019.

And while there are much more important goals that will have a greater impact on the franchise than winning a preseason game, O'Connell did appreciate the opportunity to continue developing the team after a victory.

"We'll figure out what worked and what didn't, give guys some more ops, make sure we're smart about the Cleveland game and the Philly game because we're trying to be competitive, regardless of who plays — just want to keep stacking positive momentum," O'Connell said. "It's a different team this year. It's a younger team. There's a lot of guys that we're trying to fast-track development at different positions, and ultimately, I just like the enthusiasm. I like the juice. I like guys that have a laser focus on that daily progress that we talk about."

Those quotes were part of O'Connell's answer when asked about having three rookies — Dallas Turner, Levi Drake Rodriguez and Bo Richter — record sacks against the Raiders.

There was plenty to be excited about, as well as some things the Vikings will want to improve over the rest of the preseason.

But this contest had just about everything one could want from a preseason game.

• Sam Darnold and J.J. McCarthy took their first snaps as Vikings and made some nice throws.

• Most starters knocked off some rust in a game setting, and the only injury O'Connell mentioned in his postgame press conference was a groin injury for linebacker Jabril Cox.

• The Vikings showed an explosiveness, recording three touchdowns of more than 30 yards (a 48-yard run by Kene Nwangwu, a 45-yard pass from McCarthy to Trishton Jackson and a 33-yarder from McCarthy to Trent Sherfield, Sr.

• Young players were impressive in their pro debuts.

• The Vikings were able to proceed through and execute a game-winning drive.

• The special teams units were able to work through a variety of situations brought by the new kickoff rule.

It's a big week for the team, beginning with tonight's sold-out practice at TCO Stadium and continuing in Cleveland with two days of joint practices before facing the Browns in the second preseason game for both teams.

Let's get to the questions.

Attended the July 29^th practice when it was really hot. Yet there were so many of us, and I felt at home in the sea of purple.

My question is how and why do you think fans clamor for their favorites? Current notable fan favorites would be Duke Shelley — as many of us on social media were happy to hear he re-signed with us. Dalton Risner is another example. Can't forget Case Keenum, as well. Why do you think people develop sentimental favorites in sports? Is it the player's friendly personality? Is it their awesome moments in games? And do you think the Vikings are aware of who the fans love besides Justin Jefferson?

— Cinbrella in Indianapolis

Thanks to you and other fans who traveled from near and far to make it to Vikings Training Camp this year. The atmosphere provided by fans is truly special, and it's always a treat to see players and fans connect in a variety of ways.

I'd agree that the players you mentioned have special connections with fans. When the Vikings did re-sign Shelley, I was able to ask him why his connection with Vikings fans has been so good. He said the following during that interview:

"I feel like I came in at a time of need," Shelley said. "We were on a hot streak at the time, and the big game in Buffalo, you come in and make that play right away, before anybody knows your name and kind of just build off that. I feel like I did that, and they loved it. The energy they came with, I just feed off it. I feed off them more than they know. I don't want to let them down, so that's kind of my thing."

One could draw a dotted line to Shelley, Risner and Keenum coming in and helping at times of need, but they also genuinely appreciate the role that fans play in them getting to do something they love to do so much.

I also think there's been times in the lives of each of those players when they have been counted out by someone else and found a way to further their careers. Keenum was part of a fun season that almost truly magical.

Jefferson sincerely appreciates fans, as well, to a phenomenal level. It's hard to imagine such a superstar was ever discounted in the minds of others, but he was forthcoming about that during his press conference that followed his contract extension. His love for teammates is quite clear and infectious.

We try to do our part to help strengthen the connection between players and fans, passing along the personalities inside the helmets.

There's some really good people to root for across the NFL.

Given our 2023 campaign, can someone ask O'Connell if he's made any changes to camp drills that emphasize holding onto the rock more than we have in previous training camps?

SKOL!

— "ChiVike"

I don't know that there's been a practice that hasn't emphasized ball security — with practice periods and other parts throughout the sessions — this year.

O'Connell increased an already existing emphasis during the 2023 season. Everyone who was with Minnesota last year knows how badly the turnover bug stung the Vikings time and time again.

The Vikings suffered one interception on Saturday, and it was followed by seven Raiders points. McCarthy tossed it, but he rebounded nicely.

Aside from that, there appeared to be good protection of the football by Vikings ball carriers, showing the realization that whoever has the football is potentially carrying the fate of the game.

Longtime, long-suffering Vikings fan looking for hope this season. Is Sam Darnold an upgrade over the three fill-ins we had last season after Kirk Cousins went down? I hope so!

— Rod from Reading, Pennsylvania

Darnold only played 12 snaps on Saturday, but the reps continued a strong showing through the offseason program and training camp.

He showed comfort within the rhythm and timing of the offense in an environment where the defense could rush with full force and was permitted to hit him. He also showed the ability to extend plays with his feet, even though a couple didn't result in receptions.

The upcoming joint practices will provide Darnold with opportunities for great work against what is believed to be a strong Browns defense.

Nick Mullens and Jaren Hall deserve credit for being good teammates in helping Darnold and McCarthy transition to this offense.

How do you think we stand, depth-wise now, compared to just three years ago? I feel that we are in better shape now overall, other than being short in the cornerbacks room from the injuries.

It seems to show up in these preseason games, once the starters come out. Glad to finally get a preseason win.

Skol,

— Steve Jones in Goldsboro, North Carolina

And

Why don't coaches in preseason play the rookies and the usual backup players more against the other team's regulars? Would that not be a better evaluation of your rookies and second stringers?

— Paul P.

I'm combining these thoughts from Steve and Paul because they have connections to the development of the complete roster.

There was a point in the second half of Saturday's game where I told colleague Lindsey Young it seemed like the roster depth was a bit stronger than in past years.

The Vikings have staff members whose duties include continuously looking for ways to improve by adding to the roster, as well as being prepared to offset injuries among position groups.

It seemed like O'Connell and Raiders Head Coach Antonio Pierce were able to communicate before the game and try to help each other with developmental and other goals.

The Vikings played their starting offensive line for 12 snaps, and the Raiders played the likes of Maxx Crosby and Christian Wilkins for the same number of defensive snaps.

There could be a situation where a team would want more reps for backups against a first-team unit, but there's also benefit in maximizing the quality of reps that starters play in preseason games when the number is going to be so much smaller.

Who stood out on the offensive line against the Raiders?

— Gerald Goblirsch

There's quite a bit going on along the offensive line in preseason games. I mentioned Minnesota's first team played 12 snaps, and then there were some different combinations that were utilized.

Despite multiple changes throughout the game, Minnesota did not allow a sack on 41 attempts and netted 310 passing yards. The Vikings also averaged 6.5 yards per carry, which was inflated a bit by Nwangwu's long touchdown. Subtract it, however, and the Vikings averaged 4.48 yards per carry (94 yards on 21 rushes) and had just one negative play (a rush for a 2-yard loss), compared to 10 negative plays for a net loss of 46 yards by the Raiders.

While that's not pinpointing praise toward a certain player, those are all good elements for the group to continue building.

My son went to the Naval Academy when Andre Carter II was at West Point. How has he looked this preseason, and what are his chances of making the team this year?

— Gerry R. in New York

For those a little less familiar with Carter, he joined the team as an undrafted free agent in 2023 and will be an officer in the Army once his playing career ends.

Listed at 6-foot-6 and 256 pounds, Carter joined the Vikings with a frame that coaches were excited to work with. He appeared on a learning curve as one of three undrafted rookies to make the 53-man roster last year.

Carter returned this offseason and looked quicker and more decisive, which is to be expected of a player who has worked on his development.

I'm sure coaches can provide a better assessment, but Carter did record two tackles, including one for loss, on Saturday when he played 33 snaps on defense and 11 more on special teams.

The Vikings have added many players at outside linebacker/edge this offseason, so they'll keep evaluating and developing as the preseason progresses.

The Vikings are scheduled to reduce their current roster to 53 players on Aug. 27.

I am assuming that Jordan Addison is going to have to serve a three-game suspension. I also assume T.J. Hockenson will miss the first part of the season with his injury. Is there any way to appeal Addison's suspension or delay the punishment, so we aren't without both players at the beginning of the season — which is by FAR the toughest part of our schedule this year. We need ONE of those guys out there to take the pressure off Jets (Jefferson)!!

— Steve from Chicago

And

So we've moved N'Keal Harry to TE. He's undersized but has the reach to be very effective, much like Irv Smith, Jr., although Harry may have better hands. Can he block? It won't matter if there is run after catch. I'm excited for his opportunity.

— Nicholas Balkou

We'll close by combining these thoughts.

There's been some speculation about a potential suspension for Addison, whose court date in California is scheduled for October. The timing of potential implementation of the NFL's personal conduct policy is unclear to me. I don't want to join in any speculation, but I'm sure the Vikings are preparing for multiple types of scenarios.

Hockenson has been making progress during his rehab of his torn ACL (suffered Dec. 24), but his exact timeline has not been shared.

Jackson (four catches for 100 yards) and Jalen Nailor (three for 63) were quite productive on nine total targets. Sherfield added three receptions of 46 yards on six targets, and Thayer Thomas caught three passes for 24 yards.

Harry, who made the switch from receiver to tight end this offseason, caught two passes for 22 yards, including an incredible grab for 17 yards that was initially ruled a non-catch but challenged and overturned in the fourth quarter.

The Vikings loaded up on depth at tight end this offseason, adding to returnees Johnny Mundt, who has shown up multiple times during training camp, Josh Oliver and Nick Muse. Robert Tonyan joined Minnesota in May, but he has been sidelined for a bit because of back spasms. Minnesota also has undrafted rookie Trey Knox and International Player Pathway participant Sammis Reyes at the position.

It's a good group of players who are trying to show everything they can offer at a demanding position.