Vikings beat Texans 20-10 in preseason opener

A thoughtful analysis of Minnesota’s 20-10 win that highlights early offense, defense depth, and lingering injury concerns.

Vikings beat Texans 20-10 in preseason opener

The Minnesota Vikings opened their U.S. Bank Stadium preseason slate with a solid showing on both sides of the ball. After a first drive that ended in a 48-yard Will Reichard field goal, J. J. McCarthy completed four of seven passes for 30 yards and added an eight-yard scramble on a critical fourth down. The Texans answered with a Davis Mills to Braxton Berrios touchdown to take a 7-3 lead, and Reichard added a 38-yard field goal to trim the margin to one. Minnesota finally found the end zone on a 94-yard drive featuring timely completions and a goal-line sneak by Sam Howell, giving the Vikings a 13-7 halftime edge.

The game offered a glimpse of how Minnesota plans to approach the depth chart this season. McCarthy showed poise on his first test in nearly a year, while the defense tightened in the fourth quarter, forcing multiple turnovers that swung momentum in a close game. The late sequence with Max Brosmer at quarterback, capped by a Price reception, suggested the backup unit has potential to contribute when called upon. Off the field, Rondale Moore's leg injury casts a shadow over the team’s wide receiver depth, a factor coaches will monitor as joint practices with the Patriots approach. Overall, the scoreline reflects practical gains more than headline-grabbing feats, with lessons likely to shape Week 2 prep and beyond.

Highlights

August football is about building a foundation, not chasing perfect outcomes.