It wasn't a particularly entertaining ordeal, but the Minnesota Vikings came away from their first preseason game with several positives. On a sunny day at MetLife Stadium, the Vikings set the tone early in a 13-10 win, offering optimism that their offseason goal of improving the run game could translate into on-field production.
Of course, improving the run game is only one factor in returning Minnesota's offense to prominence. Kevin O'Connell wanted improved quarterback play, and while Kyler Murray only threw three passes, Carson Wentz showed command of the offense that could lead one to believe that although one quarterback competition is settled, another could quietly be brewing.
Below are three instant takeaways from the Vikings' victory in their preseason opener.
Instant Takeaways from the Vikings preseason game against the GiantsThe running game looked goodEven O'Connell's most loyal defenders can't hide his team's deficiencies in the run game. Since taking over in 2022, Minnesota has ranked in the bottom 10 in rushing yards three times, never higher than 19th in 2024. The Vikings hired former Dolphins offensive coordinator Frank Smith to emphasize a wide-zone running scheme, hoping it would make teams think twice about doubling Justin Jefferson.
Minnesota's first drive gave us a glimpse of what could be coming. Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason combined for six runs for 44 yards, each breaking off a run of 15-plus yards on the drive. On top of the offensive line providing good rushing lanes, rookie fullback Max Bredeson helped Jones pop off for an 18-yard gain on the Vikings' first play from scrimmage.
Vikings' first play of the preseason is a 17-yard Aaron Jones run with Max Bredeson out front. That'll work! pic.twitter.com/bckauBpuTN
— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) August 15, 2026Overall, Minnesota ran 26 times for 112 yards (omitting Wentz's clock-killing kneel-down). That balanced the 27 dropbacks the Vikings called, aligning with their run-first approach used in last season's five-game winning streak at the end of the year. This doesn't mean O'Connell has magically fixed his pass-happy tendencies, but it is a step in the right direction: he is practicing what the team emphasized throughout the offseason.
Wentz had command of the offenseLost in Minnesota's QB1 controversy was how effective Wentz was in limited reps. When I attended training camp on Aug. 1, Wentz took advantage of his limited reps, working through his progressions and putting the ball in tight spots for his receivers to make a play.
That was the case on Saturday, too. Wentz went 9/14 for 81 yards, with one going for a beautiful one-yard touchdown pass to Myles Price, where only he could get the ball. Earlier in the game, Wentz again rifled a pass to Price, providing the receiver an opportunity to shield the defender and pick up 28 yards on the play.
.@Vikings WR Myles Price with the gorgeous one-hander in the end zone 🔥
Stream on @NFLPluspic.twitter.com/eJNwJzB8Vm
Wentz clinched the game with a six-yard strike on 3rd-and-3 to receiver Dante Fleming to seal the win. Contrasted with J.J. McCarthy's up-and-down day (4/7 for 34 yards, including a botched jet sweep that resulted in a one-yard run by McCarthy), Wentz appeared to be in total control of the offense.
He replaced Max Brosmer after the second-year quarterback left with a wrist injury. Instead of failing with inferior teammates around him, Wentz gave off a sense of security under center. It makes me wonder if it will be him, not McCarthy, as the first quarterback off the bench in the event of injury or poor play from Murray.
The defense is still greatThe Vikings' first-team defense played one series, giving Jaxson Dart flashbacks to his Week 16 meeting with Brian Flores last year. New York picked up one first down against the first-team unit, but ended up punting after six plays when Dallas Turner cleaned up a blitz by Blake Cashman. The Giants netted only five yards on the drive.
Minnesota's backups were effective as well, intercepting two passes. Linebacker Jacob Roberts and rookie safety Jacob Thomas each picked off passes, showcasing that the defense can fluster opposing quarterbacks even when guys further down the depth chart see the field.
Safety Jay Ward, EDGE rusher Bo Richter, and defensive tackle Elijah Williams each added sacks, too. These are three players who have opportunities not only to make the roster but also to contribute meaningful snaps. Ward is currently listed as a first-team safety, but the position group is crowded. He briefly knocked Dart out of the game with his sack, maybe putting a stamp on his path to the starting role.
A big hit from Jay Ward to get the sack on Jaxson Dart 😳
(Via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/3jw4uaoLt3
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Instant Takeaways from the Vikings preseason game against the Giants
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