It’s not hyperbole to say everything the Vikings have done throughout training camp has been with this week’s joint practices against the New England Patriots in mind. That’s how much head coach Kevin O’Connell values the work that will get done at TCO Performance Center on Wednesday and Thursday.
Whether it’s staying local and hosting the Tennessee Titans, or hopping on a plane to practice against the Cleveland Browns, joint practices have been a constant for the Vikings ever since O’Connell took over, as it allows high intensity in a controlled environment.
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The Vikings and Patriots will then play an exhibition game Saturday at U.S. Bank Stadium. Kickoff is set for noon.
Here are five storylines to keep an eye on during this week’s joint practices:
McCarthy vs. Maye
Although the Vikings are wholly invested in quarterback J.J. McCarthy and making sure he reaches his full potential, there was widespread speculation during the 2024 draft that they were interested in trading up to select quarterback Drake Maye.
That never materialized. Even if the Patriots were intrigued by any potential offers, they decided Maye was too promising to pass on. Now, both players will be on the field together starting Wednesday.
How will McCarthy and Maye perform for their respective teams? The answer to that question will play a major role in how the Vikings and the Patriots define success in their two joint practices.
Flores vs. McDaniels
There will probably be some extra motivation from defensive coordinator Brian Flores in joint practices this week.
As the Patriots embarked on their search last winter to find a new head coach, Flores never got a call to interview despite his deep roots within the organization. Instead, the Patriots hired veteran head coach Mike Vrabel to lead the franchise.
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This week will be a chance for Flores to make a statement.
It also will be interesting to see what Flores cooks up against offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels on the other end. They were longtime colleagues under legendary head coach Bill Belichick in New England, and their units regularly went up against each other in practices.
Diggs’ return
The co-author of the Minneapolis Miracle will get a highly anticipated homecoming.
The reception for former Vikings receiver Stefon Diggs during joint practices will more than likely depend on how he carries himself. To say he was a polarizing figure during his time in Minnesota would be an understatement.
On a much lesser note, it will also be a homecoming of sorts for former Vikings quarterback Josh Dobbs, who had a magical run a couple of seasons ago. Even if it only lasted for about a month, Dobbs should get some love from his former teammates and a nice ovation from fans in attendance.
Battle in trenches
The beauty of joint practices is in the competitiveness. Nothing shows that more than one-on-one drills between offensive and defensive linemen.
Will left tackle Christian Darrisaw participate in any capacity as he works his way back to full strength? Will rookie left guard Donovan Jackson be able to hold his own? Will former Vikings center Garrett Bradbury get knocked on his butt in his return to Minnesota?
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All of those questions and many more will be answered long before each starting unit goes up against each other fully in 11-on-11 drills.
Punches thrown?
It’s no secret that O’Connell has no patience for fighting in practice. Just ask defensive tackle Jalen Redmond, who got kicked out of practice last summer for throwing a punch after the whistle.
The temperature often reaches a boiling point in joint practices, however, so both sides will need to keep their emotions in check.
In a move that made headlines last week, Vrabel jumped into a scrum during joint practices with the Washington Commanders, emerging from the pile with a bloodied face. Will he have to do something like that again? Not if O’Connell has anything to say about it.
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