Kickoff: The Patriots take on the Minnesota Vikings in preseason game number two today. After two joint practices with Minnesota, we will see the Patriots apply what they practiced in game action.

Here are four things to look for in today’s second preseason game.

1st Down: How long will the starters play? One would think the starters will play at least a quarter, maybe even a half. After a rough practice on Thursday in which Minnesota dominated them, the starters should play at least a quarter if not more. They need the reps badly. The Patriots have to be more competitive than they were on Thursday.

2nd Down: Offensive line needs to be better: The offensive line gave up 13 sacks in team periods on Thursday. That is awful! They need to be better. WAAAAY BETTER! All eyes will be on Josh McDaniels and Doug Marrone as they try to find the right starting combination. Minnesota’s pass rush was exactly what the Patriots offensive staff needed to further evaluate this group. The offensive line has a long way to go. The goal today is simple. Play better.

3rd Down: Get more pressure on J.J McCarthy: The Patriots barely breathed on the second year quarterback on Thursday. Minnesota’s offensive line is average at best. It was a favorable match up for the Patriots going into the joint practices but you would not know it on Thursday. Getting consistent pressure on McCarthy will be key today. They must get to him.

4th Down: Finish strong: Today’s game is an opportunity for the Patriots to finish a good work week strong. If they can compete and show improvement today, that is all that matters. That is all the coaches want to see ultimately.

Extra Point: The Patriots and Vikings are meeting in the preseason for the sixth time overall and for the first time since the 1998 season when the Vikings earned a 28-0 victory at Foxboro Stadium. The Patriots will travel to Minnesota for a preseason game for the third time overall and for the first time since a 38-27 win on Aug. 29, 1987. The Patriots own a 3-2 record against Minnesota in the preseason.

Final Drive: Thursday’s joint practice was an abomination. The Patriots are better than that and they need to play better today. If they struggle in this game, it will stunt any of the positive development that has taken place in training camp.