2025 NFL Preseason: Vikings vs. Texans Gives Minnesota Vikings a Victory, But It Comes at a Cost
Minnesota Vikings defeat Houston Texans - 2025 Preseason Week 1
Minnesota Vikings fans anticipating J.J. McCarthy’s debut should be satisfied.
While they weren’t regular-season reps, McCarthy played well enough to earn praise from Head Coach Kevin O’Connell. In just 13 plays on the opening drive, McCarthy threw for 30 yards and four completions on seven attempts. He also converted a 4th & 5 by scrambling for the first down, setting the Vikings up for a field goal. Overall, he performed at a level that O’Connell said “was exactly what I was looking for.”
McCarthy’s positive performance helped the Vikings claim a 20-10 victory on Saturday. Even a victory like this, however, leaves plenty of questions for the Vikings before the 2025 regular season begins. Let’s dive into everything the victory revealed–and kept concealed–for the Vikings.
Did the Vikings WRs play well?
In my preview piece for this game, I highlighted that the wide receiver battle would be worth watching. I was hoping that one receiver would stand out for the Vikings and quiet the calls for a trade to replace Jordan Addison’s production during his three-game suspension.
Unfortunately, the wide receivers didn’t do enough. If anything, this game highlighted Addison’s importance. McCarthy’s first three completions were all to Addison before the starters were pulled. That’s a problem for the Vikings, since Addison can’t play for McCarthy’s first three NFL regular-season games.
Looking past Addison, Lucky Jackson was the most productive receiver. He logged three catches for 30 yards. No one else really shone. Rookie Tai Felton had two catches for just 14 yards. Jailen Nailor had just one catch in limited action.
Worst of all, Rondale Moore suffered a “pretty significant” left knee injury after a tough tackle. He was returning a punt in his first play as a Viking after signing with the team this offseason. He missed the previous season with a torn ACL in his right knee after he was traded to the Atlanta Falcons. Now, he may miss the entire 2025 season, too.
Lucky Jackson looked promising, but he didn’t prove he has WR2 production. This game may only increase calls for a change-up at wide receiver. After this performance, I might cry out for change myself.
More Remains for Vikings CBs
The Vikings’ defense snagged three INTs in a solid showing. None of those interceptions, however, came from any cornerbacks who are candidates for a starting role.
Mekhi Blackmon had the strongest performance, logging five tackles to lead all Vikings defenders. Dwight McGlothern and Jeff Okudah weren’t awful, but they didn’t snatch away the starting spot, either. Blackmon gained an advantage, but there’s still plenty of time to decide who will play in the regular season.
Pleasant Surprises from Undrafted Additions
Two undrafted rookies gave us the most underrated performances of this game.
Quarterback Max Brosmer looked promising. He commanded attention on a 4th-quarter drive that ended in a passing TD on 4th down to extend the Vikings' lead. He went 5-8 for 47 yards on that drive. Brosmer’s not a nobody. He threw for over 2,800 yards and 18 TDs in just 13 games for the University of Minnesota last season. He’s a name to watch throughout the preseason.
Running back Zavier Scott also grabbed attention. He rushed for 40 yards on just seven carries and caught one pass for 11 yards. The Maine product could kick Ty Chandler out of the RB3 role.
With two games left in the preseason, there’s still plenty left to show. Skol nation can enjoy this win, but they’ll want to pay close attention to how the Vikings try to answer their lingering questions.