In a preseason finale that saw the Minnesota Vikings fall to the Tennessee Titans 23-13, the scoreboard was a mere footnote. What truly mattered in Nashville were the individual performances—players clawing for a spot on the 53-man roster or a chance to carve out a significant role in the regular season. Friday night’s clash offered a stage for dreams to be made or broken, and no one seized the moment quite like undrafted rookie quarterback Max Brosmer. Here are four key takeaways from the game, plus additional notes that paint the full picture.
Brosmer’s Star Continues to Rise
Max Brosmer didn’t just play well—he dominated. The undrafted rookie quarterback out of Minnesota has been turning heads all through training camp, but his performance against the Titans was a masterclass in poise and precision. Completing 15 of 23 passes for 161 yards and a touchdown, Brosmer showcased why he’s not just fighting for a roster spot but potentially challenging for the No. 2 quarterback role behind J.J. McCarthy.
Facing Tennessee’s first-team defense, anchored by the formidable Jeffery Simmons, Brosmer didn’t flinch. He operated Kevin O’Connell’s offense with the confidence of a veteran, making decisive reads and delivering accurate throws. His highlight reel included a 36-yard laser to Dontae Fleming, threading the needle through tight coverage, and a pinpoint touchdown pass to Bryson Nesbit to cap a drive. But the play that had jaws dropping came on a fourth-down deep ball to Fleming—a perfectly lofted pass that should’ve gone for nearly 40 yards, only undone by a drop as the rookie receiver hit the turf.
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Brosmer’s performance wasn’t just a statement; it was a coronation. The Vikings now face a tantalizing question: is this undrafted gem ready to leapfrog others on the depth chart?
Rypien’s Rough Night Dims His Chances
While Brosmer dazzled, fellow quarterback Brett Rypien struggled to keep pace. Splitting time with Brosmer, Rypien completed 7 of 14 passes for 62 yards, marred by an interception and a near-second pick that was overturned on review. Though the interception wasn’t entirely his fault—former Viking James Lynch disrupted his throw, leading to an easy grab for a Titans defender—Rypien’s overall performance lacked the sharpness needed to solidify his case.
With Brosmer locking up a roster spot and Sam Howell, who sat out the game, likely secure, Rypien’s path to the 53-man roster looks increasingly narrow. At best, he may find himself relegated to the practice squad as the Vikings’ fourth quarterback, his hopes of a bigger role fading fast.
Punter Battle Tilts Toward Wright
The competition for the Vikings’ punter job may have reached its tipping point—not because of a booming punt but due to a critical miscue in the holder role. Rookie Oscar Chapman, who has pushed incumbent Ryan Wright hard throughout the preseason, faltered when it mattered most. A bobbled hold led to kicker Will Reichard missing a 55-yard field goal attempt, a costly error in a game where every detail is magnified.
Contrast that with Wright, whose steady hold set up Reichard for a successful 58-yard field goal later in the game. While Chapman has shown promise as a punter, the holder role is non-negotiable. Wright’s reliability in both facets likely cements his place for a fourth season, with Chapman potentially sticking around on the practice squad via the International Player Pathway program’s bonus spot.
Price’s Return Game Sparks Excitement—With a Catch
Wide receiver Myles Price remains one of the Vikings’ most intriguing preseason stories. His 81-yard kick return in the previous game turned heads, and in Nashville, he added a 28-yard return (nullified by a penalty) that showcased his elusiveness and confidence. Price’s ability to make defenders miss in the open field is undeniable, and his touchdown catch in the preseason opener only adds to his appeal.
Yet, there’s a lingering concern: his hands. Price nearly muffed a punt in this game before securing it, echoing issues seen throughout training camp. For a player vying for a roster spot and a potential role as the primary returner, clean catches are non-negotiable. Price’s electric playmaking keeps him in the conversation, but he’ll need to prove his reliability to lock down a spot.
Other Notes
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Will Reichard’s Leg Strength: The rookie kicker’s 58-yard field goal, aided by Wright’s hold, was a bright spot, reinforcing his case as a dependable weapon for the regular season.
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Dontae Fleming’s Ups and Downs: The rookie receiver flashed potential with his 36-yard grab but let a potential game-changing catch slip through his fingers. He’ll need to polish his consistency to stick.
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Sam Howell’s Absence: The decision to rest Howell suggests the Vikings view him as a lock for the roster, likely as the primary backup to McCarthy.
Friday night’s game was a microcosm of the preseason grind—where one player’s brilliance can close the door on another’s dreams. Max Brosmer didn’t just open the door to opportunity; he kicked it wide open, leaving his competitors scrambling in his wake. As the Vikings finalize their roster by Tuesday, the undrafted rookie has given them plenty to ponder—and a new star to believe in.