The Minnesota Vikings defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 30-12 Saturday night at Arrowhead Stadium to go 3-0 so far in the preseason. Vikings quarterback Matt Cassel, who made his first appearance in Kansas City since leaving the Chiefs in 2012, completed 9 of 17 passes for 152 yards and one touchdown, the Associated Press reports.
Cassel led the Vikings on a 97-yard touchdown drive on their first series of the game. He threw a 53-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson for the early 7-0 lead. Patterson had three catches for 71 yards in the game.
Cassel cooled off a bit after that first drive. He was stripped of the ball by the Chiefs’ Jaye Howard for a safety, Kansas City’s first score, later in the first quarter. He also threw an interception, and completed just seven of 15 pass attempts after the opening drive. But he is still considered the heavy favorite to be the Vikings’ starter when the regular season opens, according to the Associated Press.
HIGHLIGHT- Chad Greenway picks off Alex Smith: http://t.co/NqeR4AMxNQ pic.twitter.com/Nng1pG0f0y
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 24, 2014
Rookie Teddy Bridgewater took over midway through the third quarter, and threw two touchdown passes to tight end Allen Reisner less than 2 minutes apart to nail down the victory. He completed four of seven pass attempts for 40 yards and the two scores.
Running back Adrian Peterson, who was excused from practice this week, did not play. Matt Asiata, who started in his place, gained 48 yards on 11 carries.
On the defensive side, the Vikings forced three turnovers — all interceptions — and sacked the Kansas City quarterbacks five times. Despite allowing the Chiefs to get into the red zone three times in the first half, Minnesota only gave up three points on those possessions, the Star Tribune reports.
There’s still some jockeying going on for starting jobs particularly on defense, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.
Jasper Brinkley continues to battle Audie Cole for the starting middle linebacker job. Brinkley got his third straight start.
Chris Crocker is trying to solidify his position at strong safety. He started, and Robert Blanton saw his first preseason action after having a hamstring strain. Jamarca Sanford, Kurt Coleman and Andrew Sendejo are also in the picture, according to the Pioneer Press.
Cornerback Josh Robinson also played in his first game after a hamstring strain. He was called for a 42-yard pass interference penalty in the first half. Captain Munnerlyn, who had an interception, is likely to start at corner when the season opens Sept. 7.
NFL teams must make their first round of roster cuts by Tuesday.
