MN Vikings Backup Puts on a Show to End Preseason

By    |  
Updated:
Follow Us
Max Brosmer, Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The final NFL preseason game is usually a bunch of practice squad players looking to make an impact on film, prior to roster cut down day. Starters like J.J. McCarthy, for example, were never going to play for the Minnesota Vikings on Friday against the Tennessee Titans.

But that doesn’t mean it wasn’t important. Ask the 40ish players at camp who are fighting for their NFL futures. Most will not make the team. Many will be working day jobs by September.

As a team, the Vikings were still trying to figure out a few things, before the start of the regular season. But for most of camp — beyond the punter competition and high-profile WR + CB depth issues — all eyes have been on the Minnesota’s backup QB competition.

Max Brosmer stakes claim for Minnesota Vikings backup job

General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah traded for Sam Howell during the draft, assuming the 25-year-old who came into camp with 17 starts under his belt, would run away with the job. Instead, he’s struggled to consume KOC’s offense, oftentimes looking lost at practice and even during his last preseason game.

Then, there’s former Minnesota Gopher, Max Brosmer, who signed with the MN Vikings as an undrafted free agent. He came into camp just hoping to make the practice squad. Instead, he’s stolen the preseason show… and that takeover continued Friday in Nashville.

It was Brosmer’s first exhibition start of his extremely young NFL career. He and Brett Rypien rotated every other quarter, from there. Sam Howell did not play. What stands out with Brosmer is his brain and work ethic. He’s only been in O’Connell’s offense for four months, yet he appears in complete control.

Related: NFL Insiders Pour Gas on MN Vikings + Adam Thielen Rumors

And if last night was his final tryout for Vikings QB2, Max Brosmer took full advantage — tossing darts all over the field like he’s been completing passes in the NFL for years — proving once again that he can make every throw necessary. Brosmer finished 15/23 for 161 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT and a 100.1 rating.

We know Kevin O’Connell can get the most out of just about any quarterbacks. That’s one reason why hope is so high for J.J. McCarthy. But backup QB is one of the most important positions in all of sports. As Vikings fans, we have seen some of our best seasons in team history come from the arm of a QB2.

Not only does Brosmer look better than most UDFA quarterbacks preparing to be cut across the league this week, but he looks better than a lot of quarterbacks who already have 53-man roster spots locked in, as well.

How do Vikings handle backup quarterbacks?

Typically, teams roster only one backup quarterback, these days. But that may not be the case in Minnesota… at least not this season. At this point, it would be shocking if Brosmer doesn’t make the Minnesota Vikings 53-man roster. The only question remaining is, at what capacity? Is he QB2 or QB3?

For a couple years now, we have been told that the Vikings love 28-year-old Brett Rypien. He has proven them right this preseason, for the most part, often looking in-control and accurate as a passer. But Max Brosmer is just better. Against Tennessee, Rypien went 7-of-14 for 62 yards and a 4th quarter interception.

Brosmer won’t pass through waivers so a practice squad spot isn’t a possibility. That means Minnesota either must be comfortable with the undrafted free agent being the first line of defense for McCarthy, or they’ll roster three quarterbacks.

With roster cutdowns looming, we’ll soon have an answer. Brosmer has exceeded well-beyond even the greatest aspirations from the Vikings thus far. Now, how much do they really believe in him?

Mentioned in this article:

More About:

0What do you think?Post a comment.