The Minnesota Vikings’ quest to solidify their quarterback depth chart took a dramatic turn in their preseason clash against the New England Patriots, as Sam Howell’s bid to lock down the No. 2 quarterback role behind starter J.J. McCarthy unraveled in spectacular fashion. Just one week after a promising performance in the preseason opener against the Houston Texans, Howell’s abysmal showing on Saturday left Vikings fans and coaches questioning whether he’s the right man to back up their prized rookie.
Howell, taking the helm for Minnesota’s first three offensive drives, delivered a performance that was equal parts shocking and disheartening. The 24-year-old completed just 1 of 5 passes for a paltry 13 yards, while throwing a costly interception to Patriots cornerback Alex Austin that underscored his struggles. In a twist of irony, Howell’s passes found Patriots defenders as often as his own teammates, raising red flags about his reliability in the QB2 role.
While Howell faltered, fellow quarterbacks Brett Rypien and Max Brosmer seized the opportunity to shine, albeit against a low bar. Their performances, while not flawless, highlighted the wide-open nature of Minnesota’s backup quarterback competition. With only one preseason game remaining, the Vikings’ coaching staff faces a critical decision as the August 26th deadline to finalize their 53-man roster looms.
Coming off a strong showing against Houston, Howell had a golden opportunity to cement his status as the Vikings’ primary backup. Instead, his lackluster outing against New England has thrown the QB2 battle into chaos. The interception to Austin was particularly glaring—a poorly judged throw that exposed Howell’s decision-making under pressure. With the preseason finale against the Tennessee Titans on August 22nd fast approaching, Howell may need to deliver a standout performance to salvage his case.
While the quarterback situation stole headlines for all the wrong reasons, several Vikings players made compelling cases for roster spots in the loss to New England. Running back Zavier Scott, vying for the No. 3 running back role behind Ty Chandler, showcased his versatility with 28 yards on 10 carries and three receptions for 44 yards. His dual-threat ability could give him an edge as the roster cutdown nears.
Rookie wide receiver Myles Price turned heads with an electrifying 81-yard kickoff return, potentially securing his place as Minnesota’s new punt and kick returner. Meanwhile, the punting battle intensified, with Oscar Chapman continuing to challenge incumbent Ryan Wright for the starting job. Chapman’s consistency and power have made the competition too close to call, adding another layer of intrigue to the Vikings’ roster decisions.
With their final preseason test against the Tennessee Titans on Friday, August 22nd, the Vikings have little time to resolve their backup quarterback conundrum. Howell’s meltdown has reopened the door for Rypien and Brosmer, and the coaching staff will be watching closely to see who can step up under pressure. By Tuesday, August 26th, at 3 p.m. CT, Minnesota must finalize its 53-man roster for the 2025 regular season, making every snap in the upcoming game critical.