Vikings Rumors: Quirky Cam, a New Center in Minnesota, & Disruptive Davenport
Though we’re now into the portion of the year when Vikings rumors aren’t as abundant, we’ll still be highlighting some of the purple rumblings.
The “Vikings Rumor Wrangle” is a series that keeps readers informed on what’s being whispered about in Vikings Land. In this iteration, we discuss the quirky habit from the new running back, a new center option for the Vikings, and a certain pass rusher being very disruptive.
The Vikings Rumors — 10.04.2023
Rumor #1 — The Vikings are Celebrating their Quirky Running Back
Indeed, they certainly are.
Kirk Cousins spoke about how Cam Akers had a bit of an unusual way of keeping himself motivated for game action. Per the QB, Akers would talk to himself, using the third person to find encouragement about his abilities to get the job done on Sunday.
Cousins offers the explanation: “He was great, he was hilarious. He’s in the locker room, like talking to himself: ‘Come on Cam, you got this.'” The QB then praises the new addition for lifting “morale” and that Akers’ willingness to pump himself up extended to the field itself; the RB relied on the same tactic while in the huddle. Cousins notes that Akers offers an “energy” that made him think, “I can roll with this.”
In 14 snaps, Akers touched the ball 7 times. His 5 carries went for 40 yards and his pair of catches went for 11 yards. Not a bad opening act for the former Ram.
Rumor #2 — The Vikings Have a New Option When it Comes to Snapping the Football
Yes, that’s the word from head coach Kevin O’Connell.
Prior to playing the Panthers, O’Connell discussed his offensive line and the desire to put the best players on the field. Blake Brandel’s name came up, someone whom Vikings fans should know since he’s been a key depth player for several years. He joined the Vikings as a 6th-round selection back in 2020.
“Blake had a great training camp,” O’Connell explains, “He has been available and really working the three interior spots as well. He is part of that discussion each and every week of making sure we are putting the best five guys out there with the chance to move the ball.”
Seeing Brandel get work at left guard and right guard isn’t much of a surprise. After all, Brandel has been listed as the RG2 for a little while. What’s more notable is that he’s been practising at all three iOL spots. In other words, the college left tackle has been snapping the ball a bit. If something happens to both Garrett Bradbury (who is currently recovering from a back ailment) and Austin Schlottmann, Brandel may be the next man up.
Rumor #3 — Marcus Davenport Proved to Be Supremely Disruptive in his Vikings Debut
He certainly was. Anyone who watched the game can confirm as much.
The team’s social media was sure to promote a clip from Kevin O’Connell’s Monday presser where he describes Davenport’s impact. The key word, according to the head coach, is “disruptive” since it’s the term that best applies to Marcus Davenport.
Critically, O’Connell notes that Davenport’s success also interacts with success amongst the other pass rushers. D.J. Wonnum had his best game of the season and so too did Patrick Jones. Danielle Hunter’s output was fairly modest, but that didn’t matter too much since the other three edge rushers were doing damage (which is to say nothing of Harrison Smith’s effort).
To topple Kansas City, Davenport will need to be even better on Sunday. Vikings fans will thus be hoping for some continued Davenport disruptions.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference helped with this piece.
K. Joudry is the Senior Editor for Vikings Territory and PurplePTSD. He has been covering the Vikings full time since the summer of 2021. He can be found on Twitter and as a co-host for Notes from the North, a humble Vikings podcast.
