Updated Vikings roster prediction after first preseason game

Special Teams

ST: Kai Forbath, Taylor Symmank, Kevin McDermott

Last, but not least, special teams. This season, we have ourselves a couple battles to watch out for at kicker and punter.

Starting with the kicker battle, there weren’t many opportunities for either Kai Forbath or Marshall Koehn in the first preseason game. Forbath made a 36-yard field goal as well as an extra point, while Koehn nailed one extra point. At this point, I assume the Vikings roll with Forbath, as he was perfect on field goals after replacing Blair Walsh last season. But, the rest of the preseason should make that assumption clearer, especially since the kickers looked pretty even in camp.

As for the punting battle, Taylor Symmank got most of the opportunities against the Bills. The young punter averaged 44.4 yards a punt in five attempts resulting in three within Buffalo’s 20-yard line. He had one that went a measly 31 yards, but other than that, he was excellent.

On the other hand, Ryan Quigley was solid in two attempts, one that pinned the Bills within their 20. This battle will carry further into the preseason, but I give the edge to Symmank based on a great first game. He also has a stronger leg, although Quigley is better at directional punting.

Finally, Kevin McDermott is your Vikings long snapper.

Check back next week after the Vikings’ second preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks for another Vikings notebook and roster prediction!

Next: Vikings Notebook: Preseason Game 1

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