A sloppy preseason loss exposes depth questions for the Vikings, but it also highlights a few players who could emerge as genuine differences-makers in the long run. The game emphasized rosters-bubble realities: starters sat, backups played, and the real testing ground became how quickly the depth players can contribute, especially on the defensive line, in the return game, and at backup quarterback. The Patriots’ ones moved the ball with ease on some drives, while the Vikings’ twos and rotational pieces faced a real NFL starting group, raising the stakes for next week’s prep in Tennessee. Miles Price stood out in the return game, a spark in a unit with several contenders, including Ty Felton and Rond Delmore (Delmore’s status looms large given the fumbles and drops in camp).

Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins delivered a memorable moment early, laying a punchy hit that rattled Bradberry and pressured the resulting play, signaling his potential as an interior disruptor. Kobe King showed tight coverage against a wheel route, flashing cornerback instincts on a high-velocity sequence. Levi Drake Rodriguez is the obvious front-runner for the next rotation shot on the defensive line if health cooperates, while Elijah Williams and Tak Taiani aren’t out of the fight yet, each leaving a trace in a game that felt more about process than final score. The backup quarterback picture remained unsettled, with Brosmer showing poise in the second half and Samp Howell’s rough day underscoring the need for a steady option behind Sam Howell, including the potential for an outside-the-organization addition if the club moves on with three. The episode closed with a tease of the punt return job’s future and a reminder that next week’s tilt will be decisive for several spots on the 53.