5 takeaways from Minnesota Vikings’ preseason win over Browns

The Minnesota Vikings moved to 2-0 this preseason with a 27-12 win over the Cleveland Browns on Saturday.

While hardly any starters played, several guys fighting for roster spots and key roles had nice days.

Here are five takeaways from Saturday’s game.

Splash plays helping guys separate from pack

Even though a handful of Vikings seem to be near-locks to make the roster, there is still jockeying for positioning at several spots, so splash plays can help guys differentiate themselves.

Wideouts Jalen Nailor, Trent Sherfield Jr., Trishton Jackson and Jeshuan Jones all had explosive plays; defensive backs Dwight McGlothern, Lewis Cine and Jacobi Francis had interceptions — nearly a pick-six for the former; and Bo Richter and Brian Asamoah each collected sacks.

Jackson, in particular, is starting to look like he could grab the WR4 job with his preseason play, as he racked up three catches for 39 yards and another touchdown.

Seemingly Minnesota’s thinnest position just a month ago suddenly has several guys looking more than capable of contributing.

Guys in the trenches show up

Yes, it’s the preseason, but the Browns are known for their elite defense and smash-mouth run game on offense, but Minnesota’s big guys showed up.

The defense held the Browns to just 53 yards rushing on 22 carries on Saturday while the Vikings racked up 117 yards on 23 carries.

It’s easy to brush it off as nothing in a preseason game that lacked starters, but that’s a good sign for the Vikings’ depth.

Lewis Cine made sure he was seen

It’s been a difficult and disappointing first couple of seasons for the former first-round pick but he had a heck of a day on Saturday.

Even though he’s nearly two years removed from surgery on his broken leg, Cine still seems to be getting back into the swing of things and hasn’t flashed much over the past year.

He got his name called a lot on Saturday, flying around the field, racking up 11 tackles, a sack, a pass deflection and an interception.

With at least four safeties seemingly ahead of him on the depth chart, it may be tough for Cine to even make the roster but he’s trying to make it tough on the Vikings.

Hopefully Saturday’s performance can spark a late charge from him here this preseason. Even if not, it was great to see him ball out after all he’s been through.

Kicking game looking solid

It’s always a stressful experience for Vikings fans when their kickers come onto the field but things seem good so far this preseason.

Rookie kicker Will Reichard made both of his field goal attempts — from 41 and 38 yards — and all three of his extra points.

On the punting front, Ryan Wright seemingly continues to pull away from challenger Seth Vernon.

Wright punted three times, pinning two inside the Browns’ 20-yard line with kicks of 58 and 40 yards in his first two opportunities. His final punt was not so good, going for just 35 yards to Cleveland’s 34, and that inconsistency is part of the reason he’s even in a competition.

However, Vernon’s lone punt — a 43-yarder — was solid but if not spectacular. However, his lack of opportunity compared to Wright seems to tell the story here.

Future play-callers on staff?

Preseason is always a great chance for teams to experiment and try things out, and the Vikings on Saturday gave a few of their assistants a chance to call plays.

According to Paul Allen and the Vikings broadcast team, offensive coordinator Wes Phillips called plays on offense for the entire game against the Browns while inside linebackers coach Mike Siravo and defensive backs coach/passing game coordinator Daronte Jones split play-calling duties for the defense.

While they won’t be the primary play-callers this season, it’s a great opportunity for them and could help them take those reins in the future, whether in Minnesota or elsewhere. Very cool of the Vikings to do that.

With the preseason now two-thirds of the way complete, the Vikings will finish the exhibition slate next Saturday against the Eagles in Philadelphia. Kickoff is set for noon in that one.