When you break down preseason games, it's an interesting proposition. During the regular season, the best players will play the most snaps where in the preseason, it's a vessel to give young players reps and opportunities to shine.
With that in mind, it provides a level of intrigue when looking at the snap counts. How did they break down at each position on offense?
The splits here make a lot of sense. They wanted Darnold to get his feet wet with the offense and he did just that. Darnold impressed early on and was removed after just one series.
McCarthy was expected to get the majority of the reps as a part of his development and he took advantage of it to the tune of 188 yards and two touchdowns.
Hall needs the reps to prove that he deserves a roster spot. It wasn't a good start at all. In fact, it was an awful one. He redeemed himself by setting up Reichard for the game-winning field goal in the final seconds.
The running back depth is a contentious position right now. Chandler is still developing but has solidified himself as the RB2 in this offense. The rest of the depth is still up for grabs.
McBride has far and away the most to prove after being a seventh-round pick which explains why he had so many snaps. Unfortunately for him, Nwangwu outshined him with a 48-yard touchdown and some nice pass-blocking reps.
The really interesting part of this group, which is very uncertain after the top two, is that Powell only got eight snaps. He is in contention for WR3 but had the least amount of snaps. Have to wonder if he got banged up and O'Connell decided not to put him back in the game.
Trishton Jackson took advantage of playing 30 snaps and thrived, including running an excellent route on a 45-yard touchdown from McCarthy. He made a case t get into the receiver rotation this season.
Tight end is a balanced group
Nick Muse: 20 N'Keal Harry: 20 Try Knox: 15 Josh Oliver: 12 Johnny Mundt: 12
Robert Tonyan didn't play in the game on Saturday with back spasms and Sammis Reyes didn't get into the game on offense playing in just 12 special teams snaps.
Muse took advantage of his opportunities, including creating separation and snagging a pass from McCarthy. He has taken a major step forward during his third season.
Walter Rouse and Michael Jurgens lead the way
Walter Rouse: 52 Michael Jurgens: 52 Dan Feeney: 30 Henry Byrd: 28 David Quessenberry: 24 Spencer Rolland: 22 Ed Ingram: 19 Garrett Bradbury: 12 Christian Darrisaw: 12 Brian O'Neill: 12 Blake Brandel: 12
The rookie draft picks leading the way here is great to see. The Vikings believe they have a bright future and getting them playing time this early is a great move.
Ingram got one extra series after the rest of the starters were taken out. That seems to be less about Ingram's status on the team and not having Dalton Risner available.
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