Preseason football is less about raw stats and more about getting reps in in anticipation of the coming season and looking good while doing it. That said, it’s always nice when those two things coincide. That is the case for several Minnesota Vikings players this year, as the team has several preseason stats leaders.
The plan and hope is that Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold can start all 17 games and play well in doing so. However, Jaren Hall showed during the preseason that he has developed since his brief starting stint last season. In limited action, Hall was among the preseason leaders in passer rating, finishing third overall at 112.5, just behind Jaguars backup Mac Jones and Broncos starter Bo Nix, who led the league at 116.7.
Though he may not have won the battle for WR3 against Jalen Nailor, Vikings wide receiver Trishton Jackson showed he deserves a role in the offense this preseason. A favorite target of anyone taking the snap, Jackson tied for third in receiving yards. But Jackson wasn’t just wracking up yards, he was also putting the ball in the end zone. Jackson led all receivers and tight ends this preseason with three scores.
The final statistical leader for the Vikings was new kicker Will Reichard. The sixth-round pick from Alabama finished his college career as the NCAA’s FBS all-time leading scorer. He picked up right where he left off, coming in second this preseason with 29 points, just two behind leader Cairo Santos. Reichard also booted a 57-yard field goal this preseason to show off his range.