We are finally in week one of the NFL regular season as the Minnesota Vikings are set to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at U.S. Bank Stadium.
The first game of the season is filled with storylines, including new coordinators for both teams in Brian Flores and Dave Canales.
Buy Vikings TicketsAs we look at the first regular season game, seeing how each team comes out of the gate is going to set the tone for the rest of the year.
As a staff, we at Vikings Wire are going to bring you in-depth preview content from every angle. In this piece, we each identified one player to watch.
Managing Editor Tyler Forness: RG Ed Ingram
After being selected in the second round in 2022, Ed Ingram started all 17 games and logged 1,225 snaps. It wasn’t the best season for Ingram, as he led the NFL in pressures allowed with 63. Yes, a second-round rookie struggling on the offensive line is normal, but the amount he struggled was rough. Allowing him to work through that is a part of his development, as ne can learn from experience and improve that way rather than bench him at the first sign of struggle. Showing improvement is massively important for Ingram, as 63 pressures will not be tolerated again.
Columnists Judd Zulgad: WR Jordan Addison
The Vikings’ first-round pick will make his NFL debut with the anticipation that his presence will free up Justin Jefferson. Addison impressed with his hands and route running in training camp, but what remains to be seen is if he can stay healthy. Addison, who is listed at 5-foot-11, 175 pounds, missed time during the offseason workouts because of an undisclosed injury and then was sidelined briefly in training camp while in concussion protocol.
Columnist Kevin Fielder: RB Alexander Mattison
Alexander Mattison didn’t play much in the preseason but he’s the starting running back with a lot to prove. For a Vikings team that struggled to run the ball last year (26th in yards per carry), that places additional pressure on Mattison, who will need to find ways to make plays. He won’t be alone — Ty Chandler is next in line — but the responsibility will mostly fall on Mattison, who has the opportunity to cement himself as a starting running back in this league.
Columnist Saivion Mixson: CB Byron Murphy Jr.
Last season, the Minnesota Vikings ranked 31st in passing yards allowed and 30th in net yards per attempt. They desperately needed an upgrade. Brian Flores is known for putting his playmakers in advantageous positions on his defense. Murphy had a great offseason and looks comfortable as a versatile chess piece for Flores to use inside and outside. That versatility will be necessary as Murphy will be responsible for leading a young group of cornerbacks against the likes of Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.
