This past weekend was one of first with one not so fun and the second was a memory made never to forget.
Let’s get the not so fun over first and it was bound to happen because weather is out of all our control. Friday I headed up to TCO Performance Center for another day of camp. As I was heading north I noticed lightning yet nothing in Eagan until I got near camp and the rain began. I got to the parking lot and the guys running the lot said camp was closed until further notice so we were offered the chance to turn around. If camp does get cancelled your 10.00 fee will be refunded. I opted to stay and did if ever rain and even hailed. I sat for 45 minutes and saw clearing coming so sure enough we were allowed to come in the lot but not before our phone was scanned.
I finally parked and was eager to get into camp. I got out of my car and saw a line already formed I would guess 3-4 blocks long and growing. I waited almost an hour in line but before I finally got to the gate where you go through security and get your ticket scanned.
I was so excited until I looked up and saw massive amounts of people waiting again. I have never seen this much confusion and of course heard a few choice words. We were brought through so they could fit more people in. We waited there almost 30 minutes before getting in Training Camp.
It’s funny because as much bad talk I heard of unorganization and Mankato would never be like this I saw a ton of smiling faces as I walked around camp waiting for practice.
The autograph line has been run the same as Mankato except on Friday fans that got in before the storm stated were cleared out of camp as they closed for a while. Fans that were in line were given wrist bands so when camp would re-open these fans would be guaranteed their spot.
My question to myself was yes fans were given wrist bands but would they be the same number when they re-entered? I never could find an answer.
I came upon another difference from Mankato on Friday and that was if rain occurs and the team opts to practice inside no fans would be allowed to come in and watch unless you had a pass from the Vikes. In years past in Mankato fans were allowed to come in the building where the indoor track and other track use used to watch. The one thing though was no flash photography or talking had to be held to a minimal as the team had the right to ask fans to leave who were not following the rules.
The afternoon practice was in better weather with a little on the hot side but I did get to watch practice.
It seems the same report about Kirk Cousins and his arm strength along with the connection with the recievers.
I am concerned about the Offensive line still especially with the injury bug hitting as Nick Easton, Mike Remmers and Pat Elflein all on the sideline with various issues so O Line will be hard to be judged with so many different combos.
The defense is unbelievable to watch as I have loved watching Linval Joseph and Sheldon Richardson work the middle.
The big story in camp is Anthony Barr and will he or won’t he be part of the 3 man roster. No one knows so I will leave that one alone.
The man who every day thus far who has shown me the most is Marcus Sherels. It is a true pleasure to watch his hustle and determination.
Saturday night I was so eagerly awaiting as it was the inaugural night pasing scrimmage starting at 7.
Last year in Mankato was about 12,000 the crowd was decent size but looking around a lot of empty seasts. I read later that night they felt crowd size was down a little with the weather threat of rain.
It was so exciting to be there and one of my first questions was where would the players enter the field? Answer came quickly as in the northwest corner of the steps was players coming into the stadium by way of the steps. This field is lower so all camp seems to be the same height except for this stadium. My concern as a fan was what if they fell down the steps.
The srimmage really is a lot of position group work and special teams as well as each kicker, Kai Forbath and Daniel Carlson were perfect from 23,35,45 and 53. My gut and only feeling as it is tough watching practice from kickers is Carlson seemingly to have the stronger leg of the 2 and of cousrse I could be wrong in my feeling.
Kirk Cousins continues to impress me with his arm strength and hitting the receivers. One of my favorite batttles in Xavier Rhodes vs Stefon Diggs in one on ones. Sefton has won quite a few but Rhodes is making his share of plays.
My stand out defensive players of the night was Eric Wilson jumping a pass at the line of scrimmage and taking it for 6. The other one is a repeat of all week and that is Marcus Sherels. Ths guy is playing beast mode every practice I have seen abd I pray he makes the 53 man squad because he earns everything he gets by his work ethic.
The scriammge ended at 9 and with that came the Voice of The Vikings and introduced each player in camp. These player each thew up 2-3 autographed balls into the frenzied crowd. Itr is quiet a site to see this in person.
The player intros ended and with ttan came an announcemrnt that a fireworks show wouls start soon and so it did with 20-25 minutes of an awesome display.
It was a historial weekend and one I will never forget.
Thanks for reading
Purplestick
