A look at the Patriots players we'll be keeping a close eye on during Saturday's preseason tilt against the Vikings.

After a fun week of joint practices, the Patriots will take on the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday afternoon. Here are 5 things to watch in the matchup:

J.J. McCarthy connected with tight end T.J. Hockenson over the middle. Then he dumped off a screen to running back Aaron Jones. A few negative plays placed the Vikings offense in a third-and-long situation. McCarthy evaded the pass rush and escaped through the pocket, galloping up the right sideline for a scramble.