Things We’re Learning From Vikings Training Camp, Ver. 52.0
Joe Oberle
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No two Vikings training camps are the same. The franchise is currently on number 52 in Mankato, and this one is already distinguishing itself from the others—and that isn’t just because it is the last one in that great southern Minnesota town. The 2017 version has new faces and different story lines and all kinds of things to be learned about the next Vikings team. Here are a few things I am learning from training camp so far.
New Cook in the Kitchen
Running back Dalvin Cook is going to make the transition from the Adrian Peterson Era in Minnesota to the post-AP period a bit easier to take. Standing on the sidelines at training camp in years past, we always knew that AP sightings in full-team drills were often scarce and seeing him perform in preseason games was downright non-existent. But now with Peterson gone, running back Latavius Murray rehabbing and running back Jerick McKinnon hurt, it is the Dalvin Cook show and a lot of fun to watch.
Cook will crash into the line and show his power, dance into the open field and show his wiggle and then race to the endzone in flash to show his speed. We always knew what to expect from AP, but the anticipation over the as-yet unknown of DC is tantalizing. The first preseason game in Buffalo, where Cook will most certainly get the start, can’t come soon enough.
Welcome, Rodney
Wide receiver Rodney Adams got his “welcome to the NFL” moment the other day in practice—well kind of, anyway. Adams caught a pass across the middle and was stood up by a backup linebacker with a stout hit. The linebacker (whose number I didn’t get) did not take Adams to the ground, rather kind of steadied Adams as he wobbled to gain his balance. I guess it was a welcome-to-the-NFL hit modified for the current CBA rules. Such is life in today’s NFL.
In this Corner . . .
On the day veterans reported to Mankato, Terence Newman said he wanted to see some fights in camp to demonstrate that the team was engaged and competing. Earlier this week, Newman said it was coming, “anytime soon.” Then on Monday it happened. Wide receiver Laquon Treadwell and safety Antone Exum, Jr., were jawing back and forth, Treadwell scored a touchdown on him and all heck broke loose.
Exum went after Treadwell, flailing at the air and hitting him in the helmet. Receiver Adam Thielen stepped in to break things up and caught the wrath of Exum (more flailing). Treadwell re-engaged and tried to tell Exum to “chill”—but to no avail, as Exum tackled Treadwell to the ground (hitting him close to the receiver’s knees). Just like a hockey fight, when they hit the ground “the officials” (teammates) stepped in to break it up.
After practice, heads were cooler and Exum said how it was over and wanted to move on. “He’s my friend,” he said of Treadwell. “These things happen.” Exum, and Newman are right; they do. And the battles tend to clear the air of a heated and very hot (weather-wise) training camp. As roster cuts near, we could see more.
Man vs. Wideout
The fight described above came out of a very physically contested one-on-one man coverage drill in the end zone between all the wideouts and defensive backs. Before the aforementioned main event, the undercard was fascinating. Anyone who doesn’t think these players compete need only witness one of these drills at camp. There was barking back-and-forth, plenty of calls for flags or complaints about the ones thrown (one coached yell, “Hey stop cryin.’ When’s the baby coming?”) and great one-on-one action. It demonstrated the talent of players on both sides of the ball, and showed just how tough this portion of any game is for the offense, defense and, most certainly, the referees. Let’s see some more of that drill! (Oh, wait, the CBA doesn’t’ allow much.)
Stating the Obvious
It is much more fun to watch wide receiver drills than offensive linemen drills. Heck, the linemen don’t even use a football, as they pound though all the stationary sleds and dummies. Happy to confirm that for you.
RB Bishop Sankey is getting plenty of run in the absence of McKinnon and Murray, and he is making the most of it. McKinnon is running out of time to establish himself for a starting role, and there could be others passing him by if he doesn’t return from his undisclosed injury.
Making the Case for Kee . . . er Heinicke
Despite him tearing a ligament in his ankle last offseason, quarterback Taylor Heinicke might be the fastest QB on the squad right now. He has got a gun for an arm, also. That natural ability is keeping him around. He needs to make a move to show the coaches he should be kept pass Case Keenum as backup, however.
Wrighting a Wrong
Receiver Jarius Wright, complete with chip installed firmly on his shoulder after being an afterthought last season, is making up for lost time. He is determined to make himself a valued contributor to the offense and looks very good down in Mankato. He caught a long diving touchdown pass in the back of the endzone late on Monday that excited the throng, and he has just been determined to make plays throughout camp. I said he was on the bubble in my preseason analysis, but he is firmly in play and in the coaches’ mind after a season of being spent mostly on the sidelines. The unit can use his play on the field and his experience to help the younger receivers.
Pretty Boy Floyd
Speaking of experienced receivers, six-year vet Michael Floyd is turning heads, primarily those of the defenders he is running by. Floyd has looked great in Mankato, particularly when he is running on the second and third string (as he is suspended for the first four games of the season). But even against defenders such as the $70 million man Xavier Rhodes (we have to keep calling him that until some surpasses him with a new contract), Floyd is making plays. I was underwhelmed by the signing, offering cautious optimism, and had my fears realized during “tea time,” but now I am climbing on board the Floyd Ferry.
I will constantly worry about the other shoe dropping, particularly during the downtime of a four-game suspension, but Floyd can most definitely help this team. He carries himself like a seasoned pro and can show players such as Treadwell how to use his body to be more effective in getting separation. He has something to offer players such as Thielen and Stefon Diggs, as well. Here is hoping the Floyd experiment works and he is able to revitalize his career while taking the Vikings passing game to the next level.
I Mean No Offense
I’ve spent too much time watching the offense (see above) in camp thus far. I promise to do better going forward. I make no guarantees on that promise, however. It’s all about the offense in 2017 (granted that the defense continues to play like it can). So far, they are looking better than in 2016.