Minnesota Vikings Preseason Preview: Cincinnati Bengals

The Minnesota Vikings will begin their quest to repeat as NFC North champions Friday. Although the game against the Bengals does not count, the work the young Vikings’ receive will be invaluable towards preparing them for the regular season grind.

Cincinnati will host the Minnesota Vikings for two joint practices leading up to Friday’s battle. Fan’s will finally get their first look at players like Mackensie Alexander, David Morgan, Jayron Kearse, and Laquon Treadwell.

There will be no QB’s wearing red jerseys, or coaches telling players to hold back their aggression. It’s time to start hitting at full speed.

5 things Sporting Sota will be watching-

1. The Minnesota Vikings’ pass rush

https://twitter.com/JimOwczarski/status/763463131360141312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

It seems a lot of people are taking notice of the Vikings defensive front. Matt Kalil has struggled trying to block Everson Griffen throughout camp. Fortunately for Kalil, it appears he won’t be the only tackle that will have his hand’s full.

Griffen dominated Bengals backup Jake Fisher. Everson would have recorded two sacks had he been allowed to punish the Bengals QB. Anthony Barr gave a telling quote about how the Vikings offensive line has helped the defense improve.

"“We have a great o-line ourselves and go against that in practice,so anytime we face an opponent, I’m not saying it’s a drop off, but we’re used to going against high competition.”"

Well said Mr. Barr. Anthony and company will be on full display Friday night. Although the starter’s playing time might be limited, it will be awesome to see their dominance early.

2. Teddy’s control of the offense

SI’s Peter King liked what he saw out of Bridgewater Wednesday. Minnesota Vikings fans will get their first look at Bridgewater’s progress. Let’s see if Teddy Two Gloves passing academy paid off for the third year starter.

I’m trying to stay positive about Teddy going into this season. Bridgewater will need to get his team off to a solid start. I’m not looking for 300 yards and 3 TD’s. Just being able to move the ball consistently, scoring TD’s in the red zone, and the ability to push the football downfield. (Yes, the infamous deep-ball)

3. Laquon Treadwell

Talk about a competitor. No Viking has worked harder than Laquon this summer. After Wednesday’s joint practice in the sultry late summer heat, Treadwell was one of the few guys who stayed after practice to work on his craft, hitting the Jugs machine for almost an hour.

4. Vikings offensive line

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Tony Sparano has had some setbacks trying to find the right combination up-front. Injuries and player retirement have made his job more complicated, but Sparano seems to have this group playing with a chip on their shoulder. Will we see the new “nasty” demeanor Mike Zimmer has been preaching?

5. The young fellas

We have a good idea going into the season who are studs are going to be. Preseason is the time to see what the young Vikings’ can do. Kentrell Brothers, Willie Beavers, David Morgan, Mackensie Alexander, and countless others will be fighting for a roster spot. Free agents and undrafted first year players will get their chance to shine.

Next: Minnesota Twins interest in Tim Tebow

Although it is only about alignment and assignment early, it will be fun to see this squads progress as the Vikings look to push even further into the post-season.