Cassel Impresses In Vikings Opener

The Vikings fell to the Houston Texans 27-13 Friday night at the Metrodome in their preseason opener. Matt Cassel threw for 212 yards and a touchdown for the Vikings in the loss.

Christian Ponder started the game at quarterback for Minnesota and played one series. Ponder completed one pass to Jerome Simpson for 15 yards before throwing an interception that went off the hands of Simpson.

Cassel relieved Ponder and earned a large portion of his passing yards on a 61 yard connection with Zach line early in the second quarter.

Minnesota rookie wideout Cordarrelle Patterson made four catches on eight targets for 54 yards, including a 34 yard gain in the second quarter. Patterson also returned the game opening kick 50 yards.

Stephen Burton led all Vikings with three catches for 67 yards.

Texans quarterback Matt Schaub was 5/5 passing for 34 yards while his backup, TJ Yates, was 13/21 for 151 yards.