The Minnesota Vikings will be hosting the Tennessee Titans for two joint practices on Wednesday, August 16th and Thursday, August 17th before their preseason game on Saturday, August 19th.
Columnist Judd Zulgad wrote about how previous joint practices were and how they have changed over the last few years. We won’t be seeing massive brawls like we did in yesteryear with Brock Lesnar, but these practices are much more like a preseason game.
As we look forward, here is one thing to watch for from each offensive position at joint practices.
Quarterback: Does Jaren Hall show progress?
There will be a lot of intrigue to see what both Malik Willis and Will Levis look like for Tennessee, as the Vikings were connected to both players during the last two NFL drafts. However, the real intrigue lies with Vikings quarterback Jaren Hall.
Hall had an up-and-down performance against the Seattle Seahawks that received more criticism than it should have. He played with the third team and there were plenty of struggles surrounding him. How he performs in these joint practices will help show his growth, which is the most important thing.
Running back: Can Ty Chandler perform in practice like he did in the Seahawks game?
With Kene Nwangwu having been out with an injury for the better part of two weeks, Ty Chandler had a chance to step up in a big way against the Seahawks and he did just that.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell spoke about Chandler’s performance and wanting to see it consistently.
“I thought Ty Chandler jumped out,” Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell told reporters after the game. “Just any time he had the ball in his hands, very rarely tackled by the first defender that was in space. Catching the ball. And then picked up really where he left off as far as his ability when the lights come on to sometimes turn into a different guy. Now I want to see it every single day and really see him be consistent, because he’s proven when it goes live and it’s real football, he’s a tough guy to bring to the ground.”
With Derrick Henry on the other side, this is a huge opportunity for Chandler to make some noise.
Wide receiver: Can Brandon Powell and Jalen Reagor keep up their momentum?
Both Jalen Reagor and Brandon Powell have had excellent training camps with both having a spot on my 53-man roster projections. They both have excelled as route runners and created constant separation in training camp while also having that translate against the Seahawks.
The biggest thing for both players will be consistency. Can they continue to do that over the course of these joint practices against players that aren’t teammates and will be really physical with you? Doing so could ensure a roster spot for both players.
Tight end: Can Nick Muse overtake Johnny Mundt?
Nick Muse is facing an uphill climb to earn the third tight end spot over Johnny Mundt, especially after Kevin O’Connell spoke so highly of Mundt last week.
“Yeah, I don’t want to cause any major headlines, but I believe Johnny Mundt is the best third tight end in the national football league. If there was a category for that, Johnny would certainly get that in my opinion. So reliable. So trusted by not only myself, but everybody in that huddle with him. The variety of jobs he can do on all three downs. Doesn’t get enough credit for how well he runs or blocks for that matter, physicality.”
His excellent touchdown catch against the Seahawks was a great start
Offensive line: Can Ed Ingram handle Jeffrey Simmons?
Against the Seahawks, Ed Ingram was inconsistent at times, but he wasn’t bad. His play style leaves him open to counter moves and getting beat because of how aggressive he plays. With Jeffrey Simmons coming to town, how will that impact things? Will Ingram be able to handle one of the best and most physical defensive tackles in the league? That will be a big test to see how much he has improved over last season.
