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

Vikings and Patriots joint practice leads to numerous catch-ups and beneficial tests, devoid of skirmishes