The Vikings should play their starters some this preseason
It is almost time for the games to begin! What more can you ask for besides MOAR BEER?
I still think the Vikings should play their starters more than a couple of quarters in the preseason especially with two new QBs and new defenders. I am old school though.
I do not know if the team is going to add any other player of significance unless it is via trade and they really do not have much draft capital to even be serious. Plus, who is available?
Minnesota Vikings News and Links
Jordan Addison Formally Charged With DU
Trainings Camp Tales: Vikings Rookies Rising
Vikes Views: Can You Be Too Excited for JJ McCarthy?
Justin Jefferson describes difference between Vikings QBs Sam Darnold, J.J. McCarthy
“They’re both different types of quarterbacks,” he said. “Sam is more of a vet quarterback, he likes to put touch on the ball here and there, he knows what speed he needs to throw the ball and how he needs to throw the ball. J.J.’s still young and just wants to rip it all the time. (He) has that strong arm and wants to get it there.”
Although Jefferson gets most of his work with Darnold, he’s also spent significant time catching passes from McCarthy after practices and answering whatever questions he might have.
“I’m always getting work with him,” Jefferson said. “If it’s not on the field, it’s after practice, he’s asking me different questions on what reads I’m looking at or how to better read (things) on plays we have throughout practices. He’s always asking me questions and always trying to learn any way he can.”
Could the Vikings turn to the pistol formation to spur an offensive evolution?
Note: Pay Site
McVay recently explained the uptick with Robert Mays on “The Athletic Football Show,” saying, “(The pistol) gave us the ability to activate different parts of our offense that maybe we would typically only run out of our shotgun. And I thought there were some things about the run game, the phasing and spacing, that was similar to being (under center).”
So it should come as no surprise that the Vikings have again been dabbling with the formation this summer.
Vikings training camp recap, Day 9: Chemistry growing between Darnold, Jefferson
The growing chemistry between Sam Darnold and Justin Jefferson was on full display on Saturday afternoon. The Vikings’ QB1 and WR1 were on fire all practice, connecting time and time again.
The highlight of the day was an incredible leaping catch from Jefferson along the right sideline. Theo Jackson was right there in coverage, but Darnold put the ball in a perfect spot where only his receiver could get it. As he so often does, Jefferson made a very difficult catch look rather simple. Later on, Darnold rifled a ball over the middle of the field for a touchdown to No. 18, hitting him in stride on a post route. Those were two of at least six connections between Darnold and Jefferson during 11-on-11 action over the course of this practice.
One day after taking his first-ever reps with the starters, McCarthy got to work with the 1s again in a 7-on-7 period. He completed four consecutive passes in that setting, hitting Jefferson, Josh Oliver, and Addison (twice). They were all of the short or intermediate variety, but they were all good decisions and accurate balls.
Other observations
* N’Keal Harry also went into the building after getting banged up. Lewis Cine remains out with an injury, which is rough for his chances of making the roster.
* Will Reichard went 6 for 6 on field goals to end practice in impressive fashion. His last one, from 58 yards out, would’ve been good from at least 65.
3 Minnesota Vikings on offense who have impressed during training camp practices
Minnesota Vikings training camp standouts on offense
WR Jalen Nailor
WR3 is firmly up for grabs and Nailor now has the inside track on Brandon Powell. The key for Nailor is going to be staying healthy, something that he hasn’t done in his first two seasons.
WR Jeshaun Jones
The Vikings made a major investment into Jones this offseason when they gave him $225k as an undrafted free agent, the same amount they gave Gabriel Murphy.
Jones has excelled no matter the situation or the quarterback. He has found ways to get open and bring down passes thrown to him in traffic.
TE Nick Muse
What Muse has shown during the offseason is a propensity to get open and do so with route running and twitch. McCarthy has found Muse on several occasions up the seam and they have developed a nice connection. If this continues, he could get some serious playing time before T.J. Hockenson returns.
4 Minnesota Vikings on defense who have impressed during training camp practices
Minnesota Vikings training camp standouts on defense
EDGE Jonathan Greenard
Over the course of training camp, Greenard has shown that he can win in multiple ways, including against left tackle Christian Darrisaw. The move is poised to be a great one for the Vikings.
DT Levi Drake Rodriguez
The one surprise was seeing Rodriguez getting an opportunity with the first team. Getting a chance this early is a good sign for the seventh-round pick dubbed Prospect X by Kalyn Kahler.
ILB Brian Asamoah II
Asamoah has been everywhere making plays in the backfield, in space and in coverage. He’s also been physical with everyone and nearly started a fight with Johnny Mundt.
S Theo Jackson
Jackson has arguably been the best player in the Vikings’ training camp. He’s been flying around on the back end consistently breaking up passes and intercepting the ball. Theo proved he should be a starter for the Vikings sooner rather than later.
Less than two months after handing Cousins an eye-popping four-year, $180 million deal, the Falcons selected Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick in the draft. It was a move that left many in the NFL stunned, including Cousins himself, who was reportedly left “shocked” and “disappointed” by the move.
A new report from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and Marc Raimondi says Cousins would have given “more consideration” to a one-year deal to return to Minnesota if he had known the Falcons were going to select a quarterback. The report states that a source close to Cousins said the veteran QB “did not feel misled by Atlanta” but that if both options were on the table, with full knowledge both teams were selecting a QB in the first round, a return to Minnesota would have been given more consideration.
Minnesota Vikings bring 3 wide receivers in for workouts on players’ day off
According to KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson, the Vikings brought in three wide receivers for workouts: Deon Cain, Justin Hall and Dax Milne.
Monday Morning Mailbag: New Turf, Ham’s Impact, Developing Vikings Roster
https://www.vikings.com/news/c-j-ham-impact-roster-developing-new-turf-training-camp
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