Vikings Message Board.Com

Just some light reading that I gathered. Like always grades are all over the board. Felton made a ST tackle and caught his 2 targets for first downs which is a good thing.
NFL.com - C-
Jackson is expected to add physicality up front for the Vikings, but he looked green in pass protection during his first pro start at left guard. Unsurprisingly, he got some push in the run game in his single series of action and also found his way to linebackers. Jackson was slow to see a run blitz on the game's first play, though, but the defender slipped in the backfield. The rookie stood his ground against veteran Tim Settle early but was pushed backwards on other snaps, tripping on his fellow lineman's foot on one play. He also went to the ground trying to stop a twist on third down, forcing quarterback J.J. McCarthy to leave the pocket.

CBS Sports - B
There was one ugly pass-blocking loss for Jackson that amounted to a hurry of J.J. McCarthy. Other than that, he looked the part of the highly touted blocker he was both coming out of high school and Ohio State. I was a little surprised as to how effectively he pushed people around in the run game. Solid debut.

PFF - 55.9
Wasserman writes, "Jackson got 12 reps as the starting left guard in his NFL debut. He struggled to pick up a stunt in pass protection, which led to a hurry on quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Jackson also recorded one negative grade and one positive grade across just four reps as a run blocker."
Jackson's exact numbers included a PFF grade of 55.9, so he has room to improve. This week, he will be facing off against a Patriots defensive front that has some less-than-ideal competitors, which could allow him to bounce back.

Viking Age - C
It wasn't a bad day necessarily for Jackson, but not the most memorable debut either. Everyone points to him tripping over Ryan Kelly as a sign of his day, but he allowed just one pressure on his only drive. Jackson needs more reps to get comfortable with playing in the NFL.

Tai Felton, WR (Grade: B)
Felton only had two targets in the game, but caught both passes for 14 yards, with both going for first downs. He made an impact on special teams as well with a tackle on punt return coverage. It was a solid day for the third-round receiver who should get more playing time with Rondale Moore's injury.
I read that Nailor had the case of drops during camp which has hurt him in the past and probably why they selected Felton. Nailor is only here until the rookie contract runs out.

I kept on eye on Jackson (and really the entire offensive line) and I think they did pretty well. I'd say Jackson held his own. He did have one pass block play where he ended up on the ground (that might have been the one where he tripped over Kelly), but he had some decent blocks. Overall, an encouraging first couple of downs. I do wonder if KOC is making a mistake by not giving him more preseason reps, but he must be satisfied with what he's seeing in practice.

Tai Felton looked fantastic on that punt coverage hit that jarred the ball loose. He flashed down the field and timed the hit perfectly. I can't say I noticed him much in the receiving game, but I think he'll push Nailor for playing time at some point this season.

VikingLord wrote: ↑Thu Aug 14, 2025 11:39 pm I kept on eye on Jackson (and really the entire offensive line) and I think they did pretty well. I'd say Jackson held his own. He did have one pass block play where he ended up on the ground (that might have been the one where he tripped over Kelly), but he had some decent blocks. Overall, an encouraging first couple of downs. I do wonder if KOC is making a mistake by not giving him more preseason reps, but he must be satisfied with what he's seeing in practice.

Tai Felton looked fantastic on that punt coverage hit that jarred the ball loose. He flashed down the field and timed the hit perfectly. I can't say I noticed him much in the receiving game, but I think he'll push Nailor for playing time at some point this season.

I wonder the same thing. I saw a replay from behind on the Jackson trip and yes he was pushed backward but was holding his own. It's not like the guy ran over him or spun for a clean shot at the QB. On that play he was one on one while the C and RG had a double team on the other tackle. Seems strange because you would think the rookie would get the help but maybe that's just how the play unfolded because of what the DL did. The end was a completed pass with no hit. I will take that any day.