Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins showed real potential for Minnesota in Saturday’s 20-12 preseason loss to New England, getting 36 snaps with the first unit and flashing a frame that screams NFL-ready as a rotational interior defender who can also rush from a variety of angles. Flores’ scheme is leaning into his length and interior versatility, keeping him in the mix alongside established pieces while he continues to refine his hand placement and burst.

The Georgia product openly acknowledged a well-documented flaw—getting locked in early contact with blockers—and called the critique truthful, signaling an uncommon level of accountability for a rookie in a high-stakes locker room. The Vikings have leaned into opportunities for him, pushing him into base-3-4 looks last week with players like Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, signaling belief in his ability to contribute sooner than later.

Three plays illustrated why Flores is intrigued: a power rush that put Garrett Bradbury on his backside, a patient play holding off Michael Onwenu long enough to shed for a 1-yard loss, and a red-zone rush that disrupted Josh Dobbs’ throw. NFL.com once ranked him 31st in production for DTs at the combine but second in athleticism, a combo he’s already validating with a rare blend of length and power. Ingram-Dawkins calls himself still scratching the surface, underscoring a high ceiling if he keeps grinding and staying in his gaps.

From a fantasy perspective, he’s a name to monitor in deeper formats. If Flores continues to unlock his multipositional utility, he could carve out a meaningful rotational bite in run defense and red-zone packages, with upside as a long-term interior disruptor if his technique catches up to his size.

The Vikings face a meaningful WR depth question after Saturday’s 20-12 loss to New England, with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison sidelined and Jalen Nailor inactive. Myles Price, an undrafted rookie, flashed speed on returns but battled drops and a confusing line call penalty that wiped an 18-yard grab. Minnesota is evaluating several receivers—Lucky Jackson, Tim Jones, Jeshaun Jones—as potential roster contenders while Price works to lock down a role. With Addison suspended three games and Jefferson dealing with a hamstring issue, depth behind the top two is imperative for Week 1.

Price supplied a jolt on special teams, including an 81-yard kickoff return, but the coaching staff remains unsure who steps into the Week 1 target share. The Vikings also rotated through returners as coach Kevin O’Connell praised Reichard’s kicking and noted Felton’s upside with experience. Meanwhile, Patriots veterans with Minnesota ties—Stefon Diggs’ return to U.S. Bank Stadium, and ex-Vikings linemen Bradbury, Lowe, Tonga making returns—added context to a game that underscored depth questions for Minnesota and the ongoing evaluation ahead of the Aug. 26 cutdown.

Minnesota's offseason overhaul shifts the center of its offensive line, sending Garrett Bradbury to New England while keeping Blake Brandel in the mix and inserting upstart Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins into the fold. Drake Maye looms in New England as a future centerpiece, with Bradbury’s pass protection questions underscoring the Patriots’ need for stability up front. Minnesota leans into youth and versatility as Brian Flores’ defense piles depth behind a reshaped DL rotation that could power smarter, more disruptive lines this season.

In preseason play, Bradel’s survivability as a filler piece is tested against a New England unit that’s trying to protect Maye’s future. Ingram-Dawkins shines early, suggesting a developing Vikings rotation on defense while Flores’ pockets grow deeper. The cross-coast dynamics set up a compelling fantasy storyline: a youthful OL rebuild in Minnesota paired with a Patriots push toward a more cohesive, defense-led attack built around Maye’s maturation.

J.J. McCarthy handled his first extended look against a top first-team defense with a blend of pace, poise and moments of pressure. He opened with a rough patch in one-on-ones but settled into seven-on-seven rhythm, finishing a two-minute drive with a throw to Addison and a scramble that kept the Vikings’ march alive. Coach Kevin O’Connell praised McCarthy’s composure and leadership as a checkpoint in camp, signaling elevated expectations for his development and fantasy upside.

Drake Maye flashed the touch and accuracy that made him a high pick, threading quick-hitting passes and keeping plays alive against the Viking rush. He connected repeatedly with Stefon Diggs and TreVeyon Henderson, illustrating a capable Patriots attack that benefited from Garrett Bradbury’s presence at center and the guidance of Josh McDaniels. The day also highlighted veteran defenses’ adjustments and how rookie and veteran weapons might shape Week 1 expectations for both sides.

Addison and Maye linked on multiple angles, while Maye’s pocket mobility and quick decision-making underscored the Patriots’ upside this season. For fantasy managers, the mix of McCarthy’s development plus Maye’s flair and the surrounding supporting cast provides a clearer read on target distribution, offense cadence, and potential two-quarterback stack opportunities with a condensed early slate.

Garrett Bradbury returns to Minnesota for joint practices with the Vikings, bringing insider insight from six years in the Vikings' locker room as he anchors the Patriots' interior line. Bradbury warns that joint-session reps won’t be vanilla, emphasizing that Flores will push for real competition to test and expose opposing schemes. New England spent Monday simulating Minnesota’s defense, a signal that the Patriots will treat these sessions as prep for Week 1 rather than a mere routine workout. Flores, a Patriots stalwart for years, is expected to leverage aggressive, game-planned tactics to disrupt the Pats’ former club, underscoring a chess-match atmosphere in these practices. Follow Patriots Wire for updates as the sessions unfold.