Garrett Bradbury’s return to the Minnesota Vikings comes with a message for his new team. As the New England Patriots head into joint practices with the Vikings, the veteran center—signed by the Pats in March—knows exactly what to expect from the other sideline and how quickly these sessions can turn competitive.

The Vikings under defensive coordinator Brian Flores are anything but passive. Flores, who rose from scouting assistant to defensive play-caller during his time in New England, has a reputation for dialing pressure and treating every rep like a live test, even in August. That approach can stress protections and expose communication if an offense isn’t ready.

“I’ve seen some offenses come in there for joint practice with not a lot of game-plan and it’s an absolute disaster [for them]. You have to game-plan,” Bradbury warned, according to a piece written by ESPN’s Mike Reiss. The subtext is clear: treat these practices like game day or pay for it.

The Patriots have already taken that advice to heart, spending the early week periods mimicking Minnesota’s front and coverage menu to sharpen rules and reactions before lining up across from Flores’ group. It’s an early chance to measure a reshaped New England offensive line against an aggressive look they won’t see every day.

With sessions set in Minnesota ahead of this weekend’s preseason matchup, the work offers stakes without standings—precisely the environment where Flores’ defense thrives and where Bradbury’s experience can steady the Patriots’ operation. Expect tempo, pressure, and plenty of teachable film before the teams meet under the lights.

Enjoyed this article? Subscribe to our newsletter! (It’s free, and really helps out the page! 🚀)

Follow us @OOSSports across all platforms—subscribe on YouTube, like us on TikTok, and stay up to date on X.