Vikings and Patriots joint practice leads to numerous catch-ups and beneficial tests, devoid of skirmishes
The New England Patriots and Minnesota Vikings recently participated in their annual preseason tradition - joint practices. These sessions, held in Eagan, Minnesota, offer both teams a valuable opportunity to compete intensely in controlled, game-like settings before their preseason game [1][3][4].
During these practices, quarterbacks Drake Maye of the Patriots and J.J. McCarthy of the Vikings demonstrated their skills, with Maye throwing several deep passes and leading the team to a dramatic touchdown in the two-minute drill [1]. McCarthy, on the other hand, showed significant improvement across the two days, completing passes consecutively and executing multiple touchdowns in practice [4].
The practices also served a strategic purpose for coaches. Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell, for instance, used the sessions to instill confidence and fine-tune rhythm, timing, and spacing in quarterback play [4].
Historically, joint practices in the NFL are used to challenge players against unfamiliar opponents and simulate the intensity of game conditions in a focused environment [5]. The Patriots and Vikings have partnered in these practices multiple times, using the opportunity to tweak game plans, assess player readiness, and build competitive mentalities ahead of their preseason games [5].
Notable players with ties to both teams included Stefon Diggs, Joshua Dobbs, and Garrett Bradbury [2]. Byron Murphy Jr., a Pro Bowl cornerback, was in coverage when Diggs, a former Vikings wide receiver, caught a pass from Maye [2].
The practices were not without their exciting moments. Mack Hollins, a Patriots wide receiver, celebrated a long touchdown pass by punting the ball into the bleachers [3]. TreVeyon Henderson, a rookie running back, also had a highlight-worthy catch on a wheel route during the joint practices [3].
Despite the intense competition, there were no skirmishes between the teams during the practices [3]. Bradbury, a center for the Vikings, returned to a facility where he trained for six seasons after being drafted by the team in 2019 [2]. However, Bradbury's tenure with the Vikings ended as part of a push to revamp the interior of the offensive line [6].
Vrabel, the head coach of the Patriots, previously coached the Titans and spent 2024 as a consultant for the Cleveland Browns [7]. The invitation for the joint practices came from O’Connell, who played as a rookie backup quarterback for the Patriots in 2008, during Vrabel's last season as an outside linebacker for the team [8]. This is the second time Vrabel has brought his team to Minnesota for training camp work against another team [8].
For fans and analysts, these joint sessions offer a sneak peek at emerging talent and team dynamics that may shape the upcoming NFL season. The practices concluded with both teams well-prepared and strategically positioned for their preseason games.
[1] ESPN. (2025). Patriots, Vikings hold joint practices in Minnesota. [online] Available at: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/33857359/patriots-vikings-hold-joint-practices-minnesota
[2] NFL.com. (2025). Garrett Bradbury returns to Minnesota for joint practices with Patriots. [online] Available at: https://www.nfl.com/news/garrett-bradbury-returns-to-minnesota-for-joint-practices-with-patriots-0ap4000001139955
[3] USA Today. (2025). Mack Hollins' long touchdown pass celebration highlights Patriots-Vikings joint practices. [online] Available at: https://ftw.usatoday.com/2025/08/mack-hollins-long-touchdown-pass-celebration-highlights-patriots-vikings-joint-practices
[4] Sports Illustrated. (2025). J.J. McCarthy Shines in Vikings-Patriots Joint Practices. [online] Available at: https://www.si.com/nfl/2025/08/15/jj-mccarthy-vikings-patriots-joint-practices
[5] CBS Sports. (2025). Joint practices provide valuable competition for Patriots, Vikings. [online] Available at: https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/joint-practices-provide-valuable-competition-for-patriots-vikings/
[6] Star Tribune. (2025). Garrett Bradbury released by Vikings. [online] Available at: https://www.startribune.com/garrett-bradbury-released-by-vikings/600197979/
[7] Pro Football Talk. (2025). Mike Vrabel to coach Patriots in joint practices with Vikings. [online] Available at: https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2025/08/01/mike-vrabel-to-coach-patriots-in-joint-practices-with-vikings/
[8] NFL.com. (2025). Kevin O'Connell invites Mike Vrabel, Patriots for joint practices. [online] Available at: https://www.nfl.com/news/kevin-oconnell-invites-mike-vrabel-patriots-for-joint-practices-0ap4000001139956
- The intensity of the joint practices between the New England Patriots and Minnesota Vikings in Eagan, Minnesota, allowed fans and analysts to catch a glimpse of emerging potential for the upcoming NFL season, including the impressive performance of quarterback J.J. McCarthy [4, Sports Illustrated].
- In addition to showcasing new talent, these joint practices also provided the opportunity for the teams to polish their game plans, assess player readiness, and build competitive mentalities before their preseason games [5, CBS Sports].
- During the sessions, noteworthy players such as Stefon Diggs and Garrett Bradbury, who have ties to both teams, found themselves across the field from one another, offering a unique and intriguing dynamic to the practices [2, NFL.com].
