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3 Risers on the Vikings’ Offense to Focus on in the Giants Preseason Game
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- 3 Risers on the Vikings’ Offense to Focus on in the Giants Preseason Game
Yannick Peterhans / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Vikings ' offense doesn't lack for star power. Truthfully, though, these guys aren't of huge interest for what's to come later today.
Indeed, the focus in Minnesota is likely going to be about who plays the best from among the depth guys. Kevin O'Connell needs his side of the ball to bounce back from a very modest effort in 2025. Getting a solid performance out of the Vikings later today in New York will be a small step toward the needed improvement.
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3 Players to Watch on The Vikings' Offense
Player No. 1 — Tai Felton
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Tai Felton (13) fields the ball and turns upfield during first-quarter action against the Green Bay Packers, Jan. 4, 2026, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Felton accelerates into space as Minnesota looks to generate early momentum in a key division matchup at home. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
Kevin O'Connell has been among the lead cheerleaders for Tai Felton. And why not?
Felton boasts great length and offers elite speed, clocking a faster 40 time than both of Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison . Envision a scenario where Felton starts threatening teams deep. Win a few of those reps and the teams will think twice about crashing down too aggressively on those intermediate crossing routes for Jefferson.
The goal is to put the other side in a tricky spot. Failing to keep a free safety over Felton means risking a kill shot for a long score. Failing to bring that free safety crashing down on Jefferson means getting walloped on those crossing routes 20 yards down the field.
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Can the 2025 3rd-Round selection become that guy ? If so, then the decision to pickup the feisty Maryland player was great work.
Player No. 2 — TE Gavin Bartholomew
Oct 12, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; California Golden Bears defensive back Miles Williams (left) and defensive back Craig Woodson (2) tackle Pittsburgh Panthers tight end Gavin Bartholomew (86) during the fourth quarter against at Acrisure Stadium. Pittsburgh won 17-15. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images – Credit: USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect
Lots of chatter online about the sophomore's effort .
Gavin Bartholomew missed his entire debut season due to a back injury. The 6th-Round pass catcher should seek to emulate Johnny Mundt , somebody who could get asked to do a bit of everything. Be a menace on specials and block like a maniac on offense. Occasionally, catch the ball.
Mirror Mundt and Bartholomew will end up having a long NFL career.
He's still just 23 and offers good size at 6'5″ and roughly 250 pounds. Has a slick mullet, too.
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Player No. 3 — QB J.J. McCarthy
Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) talks with a referee before the game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Hard to exclude the kid.
Mr. McCarthy had a tough week . Kyler Murray has been named the starter , a reality that's going to be a disappointment to the Michigan man. He can begin chipping away at the deficit — if that's at all a possibility — by torching preseason opponents.
Look for him to do the little things well. Make good adjustments at the line of scrimmage while getting his guys in and out of the huddle cleanly. Crisp hand offs, good check downs, and know when to run out of bounds. Within all of that work toward making some "wow" plays with aggression when it's open for the taking.
Even if the Vikings move on soon, the NFL is watching. McCarthy is going to be fine in the end.
