Thursday, August 4, 2022

Observations of early Vikings Training Camp

 


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

 

No comments:

Post a Comment