Fansided

NFL preseason 2015: Vikings defeat Buccaneers behind Shaun Hill’s big day

By Mike Dyce

Aug 15, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings fullback Zach Line (48) celebrates with offensive lineman Matt Kalil (75) after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter in a preseason NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 15, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings fullback Zach Line (48) celebrates with offensive lineman Matt Kalil (75) after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter in a preseason NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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60. 16. 48. Final. 26

The Minnesota Vikings hosted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in preseason action on Saturday night. The Vikings hosted the game at TCF Stadium, home to the Minnesota Golden Gophers, while they wait for their new stadium to be constructed.

The Vikings looked good early on, particuarly from their quarterbacks. Both Teddy Bridgewater and Shaun Hill were efficient leading the Vikings offense to an early lead and a 26-16 win.

Jameis Winston made his first NFL appearance in the game, and was shaky at best. Winston finished the day 9-of-19 for 131 yards and an interception.

The Vikings receiving corp might have been the stars of the game. Adam Thielen had two catches for 54 yards and a 15-yard touchdown reception. Jarius Wright had two catches for 50 yards and more importantly was ahead of Cordarrelle Patterson in three receiver sets.

3 Stars of the Game:

  1. Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Vikings – Bridgewater was very efficient in his first preseason game, completing seven of eight passes for 86 yards.
  2. Shaun Hill, QB, Vikings – Hill might have had an even better game than Bridgewater, completing eight of nine passes for 104 yards and two touchdowns.
  3. Adam Thielen, WR, Vikings – Thielen had two receptions for 54 yards, including a 39-yard play and a 15-yard touchdown reception.

Injuries:

The biggest storyline from this game might be the injury to Vikings right tackle Phil Loadholt, who reportedly tore his Achilles tendon.

Vikings fourth-round pick T.J. Clemmings is the favorite to replace Loadholt, whose absence will severly impact an already less than sturdy offensive line, particular in the run game. Left tackle Matt Kalil is coming back from an injury and Loadholt’s injury will have to put pressure on him to perform.

The Buccaneers didn’t escape unscathed either, losing right tackle Demar Dotson to a left knee injury. It likely could’ve been avoided but the Buccaneers kept their first-team offense on the field for the entire first half. Now the Buccaneers could be without their best pass protector when the 2015 season starts, adding more pressure to Winston who might need to rely on his legs more than the Buccaneers would like this season.

Dotson will be getting an MRI on his left knee and the report for now is that it is a sprained MCL. The injury on television looked much worse and Dotson was carted off the field.

Odds:

The Vikings came into the game favored 3.5 points and covered with ease.

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