The Minnesota Vikings defeated the Oakland Raiders in their preseason opener on Friday night 10-6.
While Teddy Bridgewater got a lot of the attention, it was the early play of Vikings starting quarterback Matt Cassel that made the difference.
Cassel played for just one series, but it was impressive. According to the Pioneer Press, Cassel tightened his grip on beginning the season as the Vikings starting quarterback.
He led the team on a 10-play, 70-yard opening drive touchdown. Matt Asiata capped off the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run.
Cassel was 5 of 6 on the night for 62 yards. He threw for more yards than either Bridgewater or Christian Ponder, who both saw significantly more playing time.
Bridgewater came into the game on the second drive, he led the Vikings on a 10-play, 42-yard drive that ended in a 30-yard field goal from Blair Walsh.
Bridgewater, who came into the game with chants of “Teddy! Teddy!” from the crowd, finished 6 of 13 for 49 yards.
Jerik McKinnon rushed the ball 12 times for 45 yards.
The Vikings defense looked solid early. They held the Raiders to four punts in five first half possessions and Kurt Coleman intercepted rookie Derek Carr on the other drive.
Overall, Vikings coach Mike Zimmer was happy with how the team played.
Zimmer said Vikings for most part played fast and smart
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) August 9, 2014
The Vikings also had two sacks in the first half. Corey Wootton had one of them and Tom Johnson and Anthony Barr combined on the other one.
Gerald Hodges blocked a field goal and finished with a team high five tackles.
The Raiders’ only score came late, when Matt McGloin capped a nine-play drive with a 10-yard touchdown run.
The Vikings (1-0) host the Cardinals on Aug. 16 at TCF Bank Stadium.
