Vensel: Five key Vikings players from Saturday night

August 30, 2015 at 5:07AM
Oakland Raiders quarterback Christian Ponder (9) talks with Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater after a preseason NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2015, in Minneapolis. The Vikings defeated the Raiders 20-12. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
Oakland Raiders quarterback Christian Ponder (9) talks with Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater after a preseason NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2015, in Minneapolis. The Vikings defeated the Raiders 20-12. (AP Photo/Jim Mone) (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Passing grades

Vikings beat writer Matt Vensel breaks down the play of five Vikings from Saturday night:

Teddy Bridgewater, QB

In likely his last appearance of the preseason, Bridgewater completed all seven of his attempts, including a beautiful deep ball to Mike Wallace. His preseason completion percentage is 82.9.

Gerald Hodges, LB

The third-year player vowed to play like a starter in his first-ever start at middle linebacker, and he delivered on his promise. On the first drive alone, he made a pair of tackles, including one for a loss.

Captain Munnerlyn, CB

Munnerlyn had taken a back seat to rookie Trae Waynes, but he was the third cornerback with the starting group against the Cowboys and passed a pair of tests in coverage on third-down plays.

Cordarrelle Patterson, WR-KR

The electric receiver busted loose for his first kickoff return touchdown since his All-Pro rookie season in 2013, making Cowboys kicker Dan Bailey look silly on his way to the end zone.

Mike Wallace, WR

Wallace entered Saturday night's game with just one catch in the preseason for 2 yards. Against the Cowboys, both of his catches went for first downs, and his 39-yard reception set up a field goal.


Minnesota Vikings Gerald Hodges (50). ] CARLOS GONZALEZ cgonzalez@startribune.com - August 3, 2015, Mankato, MN, NFL, Minnesota Vikings Training Camp, Minnesota State University, Mankato,
Minnesota Vikings Gerald Hodges (50). ] CARLOS GONZALEZ cgonzalez@startribune.com - August 3, 2015, Mankato, MN, NFL, Minnesota Vikings Training Camp, Minnesota State University, Mankato, (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Vikings cornerback Captain Munnerlyn
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Captain Munnerlyn (24) watches from the sidelines in the second half of a preseason NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at TCF Bank Stadium Saturday, Aug. 15, 2015, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt) (Associated Press file/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) talks with a teammate in the second half of a preseason NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at TCF Bank Stadium Saturday, Aug. 15, 2015, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) talks with a teammate in the second half of a preseason NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at TCF Bank Stadium Saturday, Aug. 15, 2015, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt) (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Mike Wallace
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Mike Wallace is seen on the bench during the second half of a preseason NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2015, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Andy King) (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
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