New England Patriots vs Minnesota Vikings

The New England Patriots claimed a 20–12 preseason victory over the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium, demonstrating the depth and versatility of their roster under head coach Mike Vrabel. Both teams leaned on backups and rookies, providing an early glimpse of potential contributors and setting the tone for the upcoming regular season. The game featured tight drives, opportunistic defensive plays, and a few standout individual performances.

Rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson continued his promising start to the preseason, scoring an 8-yard touchdown on a third-down burst. His combination of speed and vision made him a consistent threat against the Vikings’ defense, reinforcing his case for meaningful snaps in the regular season. Wide receiver Efton Chism III also shined, hauling in six passes for 71 yards and a touchdown, showing poise and explosiveness in traffic.

Quarterback play was split between rookies and backups, with Drake Maye going 4-for-7 for 46 yards, showing flashes of accuracy and timing despite the usual preseason jitters. Backup Joshua Dobbs orchestrated an 88-yard scoring drive, finishing with 106 yards and a touchdown, while undrafted rookie Ben Wooldridge provided late-game stability. The quarterback rotation allowed the Patriots to evaluate multiple options and gauge readiness for the regular season.

Defensively, the Patriots made their presence felt, led by linebacker Anfernee Jennings who recorded three sacks. The secondary contributed key stops, with Alex Austin and Jordan Polk breaking up passes and safety Kyle Dugger securing a late-game interception that effectively sealed the win. The Patriots’ defensive performance highlighted their ability to generate pressure, force turnovers, and create scoring opportunities for themselves.

In the end, New England’s combination of rookie talent, depth, and defensive opportunism proved decisive. The Vikings showed flashes of skill but were hampered by missed tackles, penalties, and inconsistent execution. For the Patriots, the win reinforced the progress of their offseason plans and offered optimism that the roster is building the foundation for a competitive 2025 campaign.