Vikings after 13-3 preseason loss to Ravens: ‘We want to keep giving guys opportunities’
Kevin O'Connell after Vikings preseason loss: 'We want to keep giving guys opportunities'
Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell speaks with reporters after Saturday's 13-3 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in preseason play. He spoke about J.J. McCarthy, Myles Price, Tai Felton, Dominique Orange, Caleb Banks, Jacob Thomas and the punter battle.
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - The Minnesota Vikings lost 13-3 to the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday in their only preseason game at U.S. Bank Stadium.
J.J. McCarthy had an up-and-down first quarter, the offense committed six penalties and the defense made a few splash plays. Here are a few takeaways from the game.
‘Those are just plays I gotta make’
The backstory:
McCarthy was playing his first game at U.S. Bank Stadium since injuring his throwing hand at the end of last season as the starting quarterback. He got the preseason start Saturday, and went 5-of-10 for 81 yards. But he didn’t lead the offense to any points.
McCarthy completed a 50-yard pass in the first quarter to Tai Felton. The drive ended with McCarthy missing Myles Price in the end zone, sailing a pass on 4th-and-goal from the 1-yard line. Price was wide open near the sideline, but the throw was over his head.
Vikings locker room reacts after 13-3 preseason loss to Ravens
Vikings players Myles Price, Levi Drake Rodriguez, Dominique Orange, Jacob Thomas, Bo Richter, Caleb Banks and J.J. McCarthy speak from the locker room after Saturday's 13-3 preseason loss to the Baltimore Ravens at U.S. Bank Stadium.
"If we can put that ball in the end zone on one of the two final plays there, early on in a game like that, the difference between the momentum of putting the ball in there and we’ve got confidence in our defense. You’d love to capitalize on an explosive," Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said. "If we could’ve finished that one, maybe the day looks different, maybe it doesn’t."
"Those are just plays I gotta make. They called great plays, at the end of the day I know I can make those throws," McCarthy said. "Sometimes you hit them, sometimes you miss. It’s what preseason is all about, get it out now."
McCarthy left the game "a little banged up," but said after he’s fine. In the battle for the No. 2 quarterback behind Kyler Murray, Carson Wentz was 9-of-11 for 92 yards.
Dominique Orange drops into coverage?
Why you should care:
Dominique "Big Citrus" Orange will get to do a lot of different things in a Brian Flores-led defense, but even he was caught a little by surprise Saturday. He made one tackle, but the rookie also dropped into coverage on a play that resulted in a Ravens’ incomplete pass.
Orange is 6-2, and 322 pounds, yet still has the athleticism to go into coverage. When was the last time he did that?
"Whew… Listen, high school? The stuff that Coach Flo allows us D-linemen to do is incredible," Orange said. "There’s a reason why he’s arguably one of the best defensive coordinators in the league."
Where was Josh Metellus pregame?
Vikings pregame huddle:
Myles Price went viral last week for gushing about getting at advice at wide receiver from Vikings’ legend Randy Moss, one of the best to ever do it. Saturday, Price had to step into the leadership role.
Josh Metellus typically leads the pregame on-field huddle after warm-ups, as players head back into the locker room before kickoff. Saturday, Price had to step in.
"I was looking for 44, he was nowhere to be found. They’re calling my name, I’m like alright I guess," Price joked. "I believe I said something like when we look to our left and our right, make sure we can look each other in the eyes and know we gave everything we had."
What's next:
The Vikings conclude preseason play at the Denver Broncos Friday night. Then, roster cuts follow as they go to 53 players and a practice squad before Week 1 against the Green Bay Packers.