The buzz was palpable on Saturday afternoon at U.S. Bank Stadium as everybody was eager to see new franchise quarterback J.J. McCarthy live in action.
Would everything that McCarthy has learned in training camp translate? That was the biggest question that needed to be answered in the preseason game between the Vikings and the Houston Texans.
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Most of it did as McCarthy looked confident in limited action before handing the reins over to his teammates. They did the rest to lead the Vikings to a 20-10 win over the Texans.
Here are some takeaways from the preseason game:
McCarthy had some ups and downs
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Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) pass the ball against the Houston Texans in the first quarter of a NFL preseason football game at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Aug. 9, 2025.
John Autey / Pioneer Press
The highly anticipated appearance for McCarthy didn’t last very long. After leading a 13-play, 58-yard drive that ended with a 48-yard field goal from kicker Will Reichard, McCarthy traded his helmet for a baseball cap.
Fittingly, McCarthy had some ups and down in the preseason game, which has been a theme for him in training camp.
The best throw from McCarthy came when he hung in the pocket with pressure in his face and delivered a rope to receiver Jordan Addison on the sideline for 18 yards. There was another good sequence from McCarthy when he scrambled out of the pocket with conviction and picked up a first down with his legs.
It wasn’t perfect, however, as McCarthy sailed receiver Lucky Jackson on a pass over the middle. That is probably the rep he’s going to want back the most when going back and watching the film.
The most important part for McCarthy was the fact that he walked away healthy. Onward to joint practices against the New England Patriots next week.
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Sam Howell moved the ball effectively
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Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Howell (8), center, is congratulated on his touchdown by guard Michael Jurgens (65) in the second quarter of a NFL preseason football game at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Aug. 9, 2025.
John Autey / Pioneer Press
It was a very good showing from backup quarterback Sam Howell in the preseason game as he looked more comfortable than he has at any point in training camp. He completed 11 of 13 passes for 105 yards and added a rushing touchdown on a quarterback sneak near the goal line.
Not only did the operation look crisp with Howell running the show, he also showed off his arm talent with a few impressive throws.
It’s a promising development that Howell was able to lead the offense without any issues. There needs to be even more of that from him moving forward if he wants to secure his spot on the roster.
Zavier Scott made a name for himself
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Minnesota Vikings running back Zavier Scott (36) rushes for a first down as Houston Texans defensive tackle Tommy Togiai (72) gives chase in the second quarter of a NFL preseason football game at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Aug. 9, 2025.
John Autey / Pioneer Press
Whether it was Howell or reserve quarterback Brett Rypien, everybody benefitted from being able to hand the ball off to running back Zavier Scott. Though he’s not a household name by any means, Scott looked like he belonged, finishing with seven carries for 40 yards.
There’s a nastiness to Scott when he has the ball in his hands. He runs hard and doesn’t go down easy at the point of attack.
There’s a legitimate position battle brewing between Scott and fellow running back Ty Chandler. The advantage might actually go to Scott right now based on how he’s looked in training camp and in the preseason game.
Gabe Murphy dominated on defense
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Minnesota Vikings linebacker Gabriel Murphy (59) celebrates his sack of Houston Texans quarterback Kedon Slovis (16) in the second quarter of a NFL preseason football game at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Aug. 9, 2025.
John Autey / Pioneer Press
Never mind that defensive coordinator Brian Flores kept everything very vanilla so not to show too many of his cards. That didn’t stop edge rusher Gabe Murphy from dominating en route to recording 1 1/2 sacks.
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The common thread on both plays was Murphy’s relentlessness. He defeated a block in the trenches, then kept his motor running until reserve quarterback Kedon Slovis was on the ground.
It wouldn’t be surprising if Murphy carved out a niche for himself as a rotational pass rusher on defense. He’s been very good in training camp and this was another step in the right direction for him.
Rondale Moore suffered a serious injury
There was a heartbreaking moment early on as receiver Rondale Moore suffered a serious injury.
After trying to get to the edge on a punt return, Moore’s lower half appeared to get caught underneath him while he was being dragged down from behind. He immediately ripped off his helmet in frustration as he waited for the trainers.
As the gravity of the situation started to set in, many teammates walked over from the sideline to provide words of encouragement. Eventually, Moore got onto the cart, slamming his hands so hard that the noise could be heard from up in the press box.
In the absence of Moore, receiver Silas Bolden served as the punt returner, which suddenly puts him in position to make the team.