Training Camp 2022 has begun and with it has begun a new
attitude with new leadership and it’s apparent when I am seeing players
seemingly happier and the energy early on is so fun to take in.
The camp itself sees 2 practices with a walk through from
about 12:15-12:45 then back out about 2:20 and they have been going to anywhere
from 4:15-4:45.
The weather early on has been awesome with a little on the
hot side but at least for now Tuesday and Wednesday every fan is given a water
and there are plenty of refill stations. You are allowed to bring your own
water bottle but it must be empty before you enter camp. The gates open at
11:45 and close around 5:15pm.
The players themselves I really want to watch extra
especially with a new coaching staff. I really enjoy watching Coach O’Connell
interact with the offensive side of the ball. I notice he carries a little walky
talky to call the plays in. He stands back and watches the plays develops then
approaches different players. I am noticing he will go to receivers after a
route and point the way he would like to see the routes run. He is very good at
communication from where I sit. He spends so much time with quarterbacks and
his offense as they are designing a new system.
The offensive line has been a concern for so long so coming
into the season a chance to get five guys to work together. It was last season
left tackle, Christian Darrisaw dealt with post-surgery getting back into the
swing of it. I was excited to see him out there working the line and getting
everyday reps. I am seeing thus far from left to right: Darrisaw (71),
Cleveland (72) Bradbury (56), Jesse Davis (73) and O’Neil (75) to complete the
line. Jesse Davis is the newcomer and looks solid from what I have seen thus
far.
The concern last season of center, Garrett Bradbury being
beat at times by bigger guys is still a concern so time will tell. He is
undersized and that is a fact, but can he be quicker than the big men he faces.
The defensive side of the ball is so intriguing with the
potential of using both the 3-4 and the traditional 4-3.
The Vikings have added some great veteran defensive players
with Harrison Phillips (DT), Jordan Hicks (LB) and Z’Darius Smith (DE).
It’s so exciting to see these new ads inserted into the
lineup for now. I am seeing Danielle Hunter, Harrison Phillips, Dalvin
Tomlinson, and Z’Darius Smith on the defensive line.
Eric Kendricks is looking solid as ever and now as the
Vikings let Anthony Barr go we now see Veteran Jordan Hicks next to Kendricks. It’s
strange to not see Barr (55) next to Kendricks (54) but as they say life goes
on. The new 55 belongs to Z’Darius Smith.
In speaking about (55) Smith it was awesome to see him come
out of the locker room along with Patrick Peterson as they came to the fans in
the stands to leads the SKOL chant. What a great start for Smith coming over
from the Packers.
I see Hunter and Smith together much of practice and it
reminds me of the Williams Wall with Pat and Kevin always being together. Yes I
know Smith and Hunter are both Defensive Linemen but its’s just something I
see.
I wish I understood football just a little more as I watch
the defense lineup I see Smith and Hunter standing as if linebackers but then
the next play I see Hunter and Smith play the tackle spot. One player to keep
an eye on in preseason is (91) Patrick Jones II as he is as quick as it gets
especially standing up as a defensive lineman.
I watch practice, read twitter and always listen to KFAN as
I watch but can’t watch everything. If I reads or hear about a player I like to
play especial attention to that player and I truly enjoy people’s opinions.
The secondary is going to be one of the best in recent
history with Patrick Peterson, left corner and across from him is Cam Dantzler
who changed his jersey to # 3, The safeties are All Pro, Harrison Smith and his
partner for now is Cam Bynum who really looks the part early on.
There are two guys who really are looking hungry and both
2022 draft choices with Andrew Booth Jr (23) and Akayleb Evans (21). These two
have no fear of anyone and are so physical.
It is right now Evans, Booth Jr and rookie safety, Lewis
Cine are getting a majority reps with the 2nd group of defense. It’s
going to be an exciting preseason to watch the battles.
The quarterbacks as we know Kirk Cousins is the starter but
for backup I am pulling hard for Kellen Mond to be the backup. I really think he
really got treated unfairly by Coach Zimmer. I loved Mond in college and he may
or not make the stride to the NFL but I believe he deserves a chance. I have
seen Mond look so good and is getting more reps with the 2nd offense
then Shawn Mannion for now.
The receiving corp looks as they took no time off from last
season and are catching everything. I speak specifically of Justin Jefferson,
Adam Thielen and KJ Osborne. There is a ton of youth battling but no one sticks
above the other one in my opinion. They are all catching a majority of balls
which is a great problem to figure who stays.
The running backs lead by Davin Cook and Alexander Maddison
but then the fight begins as Kene Nwangu who looked sharp last season is currently sitting out so who will take the
advantage? I really like # 32 Ty Chandler rookie draft choice who looks like a
real deal catching balls out of the backfield and his quickness after a
handoff.
The tight ends with Irv Smith having thumb surgetry after
missing all of last year who will step up. I am liking many but two who stick
out is veteran wearing # 86 Johnny Mundt and came from the Rams system. I am
also intrigued by #40 Zach Davison a 2021 draft choice is having a very nice
camp. He is 6’6” and catches everything especially down the middle.
This camp also has seen the return of the player’s
autographs after practice with different position groups taking turns. It is
for kids 17 and under so I am happy these kids get the chance after a 2 year
wait.
That’s all for now as I return to Eagan Friday.
SKOL
Purplestick
