Revisiting TVG’s Vikings Predictions At the Training Camp Midway Point
K. Joudry
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We’re a few weeks into training camp. In a few weeks, we’ll be taking on the Bengals. As a result, I just revisited the three against the grain training camp predictions that I published in late July at The Vikings Gazette. I hope these few words help pass the time until our Vikings get back on track against the Colts tonight.
Just as things were getting started with the offseason competition, I published a piece titled “3 Against the Grain Training Camp Predictions for Our Minnesota Vikings.” My intention was for these Vikings training camp predictions to either be proven right or wrong by the end of the offseason.
That being said, I thought it best to briefly revisit them to see how things are progressing.
First, a refresher. Here is the concise version:
- Harrison Hand – not Cameron Dantzler – is the sophomore corner who shines
- Wyatt Davis doesn’t win the starting RG spot
- The kicking competition ends up going well
So far, I’m feeling pretty good about these three educated guesses.
Hand, at least as far as I can tell, hasn’t set the world on fire through training camp and the opening preseason game. What I do know, in contrast, is that Dantzler struggled against Denver. Patrick Peterson, Bashaud Breeland, and Mackensie Alexander look like they’ll be the top 3 CBs in Week 1. After those three, it appears as though it’s Dantzler, Kris Boyd, and Hand. I don’t think Dantzler’s hold of CB4 is under much threat, but he will need to be better. Don’t be surprised if either Boyd or Hand eat into his snaps at some point this year.
My second training camp prediction for our Vikings is looking pretty good right about now. Admittedly, I didn’t foresee Oli Udoh’s emergence at RG. Given that Udoh didn’t even play against Denver, it appears as though his spot along the line is close to secure. Of course, a dismal performance against the Colts tonight could dramatically impact things, but let’s hope it doesn’t come to that. Anything resembling competent offensive line play is a major win for our friends in purple.
Finally, the kicking competition appears mostly settled, as we discussed earlier this week. Mind you, Greg Joseph isn’t taking anything for granted. He certainly seems to have some legit confidence in himself: “I have huge faith in my ability.” Shortly thereafter, Joseph described himself as a “man of routine” who is completely off of social media. He also clarified that “I’m still in competition, it’s still me vs. me. That’s how I’m always going to view it.” Gotta love that mindset from our kicker. Let’s hope that steady confidence carries him through to a very productive season.
There’s still time, but the three Vikings training camp predictions are looking pretty alright at this point. We’ll see how things progress.
Next up is tonight’s game against Indy.
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