At 2:45 p.m., with about half of the team on the field, and no fans to be seen, the Minnesota Vikings ended their 45th training camp at Minnesota State.
This is Chad Courrier, rubbing my tired feet and stretching a sore back, the effects of standing on the sidelines for the past two weeks.
Thursday's final practice was limited to special teams, meaning there wasn't much of note. Darius Reynaud had trouble fielding punts. Jaymar Johnson, Greg Lewis and Ray Small handled kick returns.
Since this it the last post of training camp, here are some of my highs and lows of the last two weeks.
The highs: Attendance seemed to be up, though it's always tough to tell by looking at the grandstands and autograph lines.
Adrian Battles, the former Minnesota State lineman, made it through camp, living out a dream that may or may not die in a couple of weeks.
Two weeks is about the right amount of time for the Vikings to be here. Remember when the team was here for six weeks? I do.
It's unfortunate that the best, and only, fight of camp came on the last day, when defensive end Ray Edwards was ready to scrap with rookie Toby Gerhart, mammoth Phil Loadholt, coach Eric Bienemy and defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier.
The lows: the misreporting of the Brett Favre story last week. Something must have happened to cause the reports of retirement texts, but the way the media grabbed on to the story and embellished it was embarrassing, made even more so when Favre denied the story the next day.
Only a couple of reporters had sources, while most of the media members used rumors as facts. ESPN's full-time programming of the "story" that day was the most embarrassing.
Injuries or absences from Adrian Peterson, Percy Harvin, Sidney Rice and Visanthe Shiancoe didn't allow for the Vikings' starting offense to practice together once in Mankato. Of course, Favre wasn't here either, meaning this unit will have to "cram" for the season-opener Sept. 9 at New Orleans once all the pieces are in place.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Tempers flare on training camp's final day
This is Chad Courrier, reporting from Minnesota Vikings practice for the second-to-last time.
Tempers flared during Thursday's morning practice, with Ray Edwards instigating quite a scrap. During a full-team, no-tackle practice, Edwards gave a shot to rookie running back Toby Gerhart, knocking him to the turf after the whistle.
Tackle Phil Loadholt then stood up for the rookie, shoving Edwards. Running backs coach Eric Bienemy came around the pile, shouting at Edwards.
Soon, defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier entered the fray, and he got tangled with Edwards. Finally, Jared Allen stepped in front of Frazier, trying to calm him down.
After practice, Edwards said he intentionally knocked down Gerhart.
"(Frazier) got mad at Jared and me," Edwards said. "It's not the first time I've seen him that mad."
Edwards said he was impressed that Gerhart responded to Edwards' cheap shot. "I give him credit for getting up and going back to work."
As for other news, U.S. Sen. Al Franken visited practice, saying he was a "big fan" of the team, and he was excited for the upcoming season.
Chris Mortenson attended practice as part of ESPN's training-camp bus tour.
Tight end Visanthe Shiancoe returned to practice after missing a couple of days with an undisclosed injury. He took part in individual drills, then left the field for about 40 minutes before returning.
Quarterback Tarvaris Jackson also left practice for about 15 minutes with trainers but returned without any apparent problem.
Receiver Jaymar Johnson was injured after making a long catch, and receiver Greg Lewis seemed to be having issues with the heat.
On Tuesday, safety Tyrell Johnson talked abut how he needed to get more interceptions this season. He made a nice play Thursday, running stride for stride with Bernard Berrian and making an interception on the 50-yard pass.
The entire team finished the morning practice by signing autographs for the fans.
Coach Brad Childress said that the starting offense and defense would likely only play one series in Saturday's preseason opener at St. Louis. He said that second- and third-teamers would all likely see action before halftime.
Tempers flared during Thursday's morning practice, with Ray Edwards instigating quite a scrap. During a full-team, no-tackle practice, Edwards gave a shot to rookie running back Toby Gerhart, knocking him to the turf after the whistle.
Tackle Phil Loadholt then stood up for the rookie, shoving Edwards. Running backs coach Eric Bienemy came around the pile, shouting at Edwards.
Soon, defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier entered the fray, and he got tangled with Edwards. Finally, Jared Allen stepped in front of Frazier, trying to calm him down.
After practice, Edwards said he intentionally knocked down Gerhart.
"(Frazier) got mad at Jared and me," Edwards said. "It's not the first time I've seen him that mad."
Edwards said he was impressed that Gerhart responded to Edwards' cheap shot. "I give him credit for getting up and going back to work."
As for other news, U.S. Sen. Al Franken visited practice, saying he was a "big fan" of the team, and he was excited for the upcoming season.
Chris Mortenson attended practice as part of ESPN's training-camp bus tour.
Tight end Visanthe Shiancoe returned to practice after missing a couple of days with an undisclosed injury. He took part in individual drills, then left the field for about 40 minutes before returning.
Quarterback Tarvaris Jackson also left practice for about 15 minutes with trainers but returned without any apparent problem.
Receiver Jaymar Johnson was injured after making a long catch, and receiver Greg Lewis seemed to be having issues with the heat.
On Tuesday, safety Tyrell Johnson talked abut how he needed to get more interceptions this season. He made a nice play Thursday, running stride for stride with Bernard Berrian and making an interception on the 50-yard pass.
The entire team finished the morning practice by signing autographs for the fans.
Coach Brad Childress said that the starting offense and defense would likely only play one series in Saturday's preseason opener at St. Louis. He said that second- and third-teamers would all likely see action before halftime.
Thursday morning links
 |
| The Leber cousins, Ben and Laura. |
In today's Free Press, you can read about linebacker Ben Leber, whose cousin Laura Leber is a standout soccer player at Minnesota State. When the Vikings are in town, Ben makes sure to catch up with his cuz.
In the Notebook, veteran Antoine Winfield says the Vikings' defensive-backs corps is as deep as it's ever been, especially compared to 2004 when he arrived in Minnesota.
Free Press sports editor Jim Rueda gives his five observations of the Vikings after watching many of their practices over the last two weeks.
The Free Press sports section was a little tight and didn't have room for this excellent Associated Press story about running back Ryan Moats, who had a hand in this year's version of the Madden football video game.
(Photo by Pat Christman)
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Despite heat, offense looks crisp
Jim Rueda here following the Vikings' Wednesday afternoon practice session at Minnesota State.
The team worked out exclusively in Blakeslee Stadium as the heat returned with temperatures in the mid-90's and high humidity. In addition to a few 11-on-11 drills, the team did a lot of special teams work.
The offense looked fairly sharp with Tarvaris Jackson hitting Greg Lewis with a 30-yard pass near the left hash mark and then finding Jaymar Johnson with a high-arcing touchdown pass near the left sideline. Sage Rosenfels got into the act, finding Mark Mitchell with a 30-yarder near the middle of the field.
Near the end of practice, the Vikings worked a little on their Wildcat formation. Jaymar Johnson took a number of direct snaps during the drill but said it was probably just a one-time thing.
"That was mostly to give the defense a chance to look at it," he said. "I was just filling in back there. You won't see me doing that during the season."
Fullback Naufahu Tahi was back for both practices Wednesday and showed no signs of the injury that kept him sidelined for much of the week. The same was true of Darius Reynaud who seems to have embraced his position change from wide receiver to running back.
The Vikes have just two more practices left before they break camp. There's one at 9 a.m. Thursday morning and another at 2:15 Thursday afternoon. The team is expected to hold a mass autograph session after the first practice.
The team worked out exclusively in Blakeslee Stadium as the heat returned with temperatures in the mid-90's and high humidity. In addition to a few 11-on-11 drills, the team did a lot of special teams work.
The offense looked fairly sharp with Tarvaris Jackson hitting Greg Lewis with a 30-yard pass near the left hash mark and then finding Jaymar Johnson with a high-arcing touchdown pass near the left sideline. Sage Rosenfels got into the act, finding Mark Mitchell with a 30-yarder near the middle of the field.
Near the end of practice, the Vikings worked a little on their Wildcat formation. Jaymar Johnson took a number of direct snaps during the drill but said it was probably just a one-time thing.
"That was mostly to give the defense a chance to look at it," he said. "I was just filling in back there. You won't see me doing that during the season."
Fullback Naufahu Tahi was back for both practices Wednesday and showed no signs of the injury that kept him sidelined for much of the week. The same was true of Darius Reynaud who seems to have embraced his position change from wide receiver to running back.
The Vikes have just two more practices left before they break camp. There's one at 9 a.m. Thursday morning and another at 2:15 Thursday afternoon. The team is expected to hold a mass autograph session after the first practice.
Training camp is winding down, and nothing is happening
Chad Courrier here, and steamy morning practice just got over. The soggy field limited what the Vikings did today, but there was some news.
Long-snapper Cullen Loeffler returned after missing a day of practice because of the birth of his son. Tight end Jim Kleinsasser retutrned to practice; he missed two days because of an undisclosed reason. Guard Anthony Herrera was back at right guard.
Still no receiver Percy Harvin or tight end Visanthe Shiancoe or center John Sullivan because of injuries.
Running back Darius Reynaud was back at full-speed, working from the backfield and punt returns. He had missed time with a sprained ankle.
The highlight play came from receiver Taye Biddle, who deflected a long pass from Sage Rosenfels and recovered the carom before falling to the ground.
Long-snapper Cullen Loeffler returned after missing a day of practice because of the birth of his son. Tight end Jim Kleinsasser retutrned to practice; he missed two days because of an undisclosed reason. Guard Anthony Herrera was back at right guard.
Still no receiver Percy Harvin or tight end Visanthe Shiancoe or center John Sullivan because of injuries.
Running back Darius Reynaud was back at full-speed, working from the backfield and punt returns. He had missed time with a sprained ankle.
The highlight play came from receiver Taye Biddle, who deflected a long pass from Sage Rosenfels and recovered the carom before falling to the ground.
Wednesday morning links
Safety Tyrell Johnson (pictured) is in a battle to keep his starting spot. The third-year player believes the only thing preventing him from a Pro Bowl season last year was interceptions. He had just one.
In our Notebook, you can read about Percy Harvin, who continues to miss camp. But it's not just bereavement; apparently he's coping with those nagging migraine headaches again.
Also in the Notebook, a little more information on the newest Viking, WR Freddie Brown. Brown is the player who was cut when the Bengals signed Terrell Owens last month.
The Associated Press has a story on rookies, specifically running back Toby Gerhart, and their adjustment to the professional game.
Finally, Free Press columnist Shane Frederick notices all of the missing, injured and held-back players on the practice fields and wonders, with two days of camp remaining, is training camp -- in its current form -- even worth doing in 2010?
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Depth chart (unofficial)
The Vikings put out an "unofficial" depth chart on Tuesday. Here's how it looks ...
OFFENSE
WR--Berrian, Lewis, Hamilton, Payne, Brown
LT--McKinnie, Brown, Clark
LG--Hutchinson, DeGeare, Battles
C--Sullivan, Cooper
RG--Herrera, Cook, Austin
RT--Loadholt, Radovich, Noethlich
TE--Shiancoe, Kleinsasser, Dugan, Mills, Shuler
WR--Harvin, J.Johnson, Biddle, Small
QB--Jackson, Rosenfels, Webb, Favre*
FB--Tahi, D'Imperio
HB--Peterson, Young, Gerhart, Johnson, Reynaud, Moats
DEFENSE
LE--Edwards, Mitchell, Montgomery
NT--P.Williams, Kennedy, Evans
UT--K.Williams, Guion, T.Johnson
RE--J.Allen, Robison, Griffen
SLB--Greenway, Farwell, Onatolu
MLB--E.J.Henderson, Brinkley, Leman
WLB--Leber, E.Henderson,
LCB--Winfield, Sapp, Cook
RCB--A.Allen, Sheppard, Wright, Sherels
SS--T.Johnson, Sanford, Frampton
FS--M.Williams, Abdullah, Anderson
SPECIAL TEAMS
P--Kluwe
K--Longwell, Lloyd
LS--Loeffler, J.Allen
KO--Longwell, Lloyd
H--Kluwe
KR--Harvin, Reynaud, J.Johnson
PR--Reynaud, J.Johnson, Harvin, Berrian
PUP--Rice, Griffin
Rookies are underlined
OFFENSE
WR--Berrian, Lewis, Hamilton, Payne, Brown
LT--McKinnie, Brown, Clark
LG--Hutchinson, DeGeare, Battles
C--Sullivan, Cooper
RG--Herrera, Cook, Austin
RT--Loadholt, Radovich, Noethlich
TE--Shiancoe, Kleinsasser, Dugan, Mills, Shuler
WR--Harvin, J.Johnson, Biddle, Small
QB--Jackson, Rosenfels, Webb, Favre*
FB--Tahi, D'Imperio
HB--Peterson, Young, Gerhart, Johnson, Reynaud, Moats
DEFENSE
LE--Edwards, Mitchell, Montgomery
NT--P.Williams, Kennedy, Evans
UT--K.Williams, Guion, T.Johnson
RE--J.Allen, Robison, Griffen
SLB--Greenway, Farwell, Onatolu
MLB--E.J.Henderson, Brinkley, Leman
WLB--Leber, E.Henderson,
LCB--Winfield, Sapp, Cook
RCB--A.Allen, Sheppard, Wright, Sherels
SS--T.Johnson, Sanford, Frampton
FS--M.Williams, Abdullah, Anderson
SPECIAL TEAMS
P--Kluwe
K--Longwell, Lloyd
LS--Loeffler, J.Allen
KO--Longwell, Lloyd
H--Kluwe
KR--Harvin, Reynaud, J.Johnson
PR--Reynaud, J.Johnson, Harvin, Berrian
PUP--Rice, Griffin
Rookies are underlined
Clouds don't scare Vikings
Shane Frederick checking in following Tuesday afternoon's practice. ...
Weather pushed the Vikings indoors in the morning but it didn't deter them from staying outdoors in the afternoon. The team practiced for about 90 minutes including the last portion in Blakeslee Stadium, despite an ominous black cloud rolling over the university and some lightning and thunder in the distance. The cloud was followed by a 10-minute downpour and some wind, but -- it's football -- they played on with some live hitting.
If anything, the front cooled things down after a sweltering Monday.
"It was a little cooler that's for sure," rookie running back Toby Gerhart said. "It's been nasty and humid. Fortunately, we were able to get some work in. ... The weather held off enough that we were able to get a little live portion in and get the work in that we needed to do."
While there was some action, several players sat out, including starting offensive linemen Anthony Herrera and John Sullivan, tight end Visanthe Shiancoe and linebacker J Leman. Missing from practice were Percy Harvin, Jim Kleinsasser and Cullen Loeffler. Receiver Sidney Rice and cornerback Cedric Griffin, of course, remain on the PUP.
Weather pushed the Vikings indoors in the morning but it didn't deter them from staying outdoors in the afternoon. The team practiced for about 90 minutes including the last portion in Blakeslee Stadium, despite an ominous black cloud rolling over the university and some lightning and thunder in the distance. The cloud was followed by a 10-minute downpour and some wind, but -- it's football -- they played on with some live hitting.
If anything, the front cooled things down after a sweltering Monday.
"It was a little cooler that's for sure," rookie running back Toby Gerhart said. "It's been nasty and humid. Fortunately, we were able to get some work in. ... The weather held off enough that we were able to get a little live portion in and get the work in that we needed to do."
While there was some action, several players sat out, including starting offensive linemen Anthony Herrera and John Sullivan, tight end Visanthe Shiancoe and linebacker J Leman. Missing from practice were Percy Harvin, Jim Kleinsasser and Cullen Loeffler. Receiver Sidney Rice and cornerback Cedric Griffin, of course, remain on the PUP.
Harvin's return is up in the air
Chad Courrier here, just back at the computer after spending an hour in the Minnesota State fieldhouse, watching some special teams drills. The sun was coming out by the end of practice, and a two-hour afternoon practice is scheduled to begin at 2:45 p.m.
Coach Brad Childress acknowledged the reports that Percy Harvin's delay in returning to camp is due, in part, to a continuing struggle with migraine headaches. Harvin first left camp nine days ago because of the death of his grandmother, and Childress said he's back in Minnesota.
"God willing, he's going to work though this," Childress said. "The only thing that would be (a concern) is if we quit trying to find things and throw our hands up."
Because of Harvin's absence, and Sidney Rice is on the physically-unable-to-perform list, the Vikings, who were down to eight receivers, had a workout for two receivers Tuesday and signed Freddie Brown, a seventh-round draft choice by Cincinnati in 2009. The Vikings waived rookie safety Terrell Skinner to make a roster spot.
"We were running the legs off (the receivers)," Childress said.
Check back for more information following the afternoon practice. The team is expected to practice in full pads for some live tackling, which often leads to some news.
Coach Brad Childress acknowledged the reports that Percy Harvin's delay in returning to camp is due, in part, to a continuing struggle with migraine headaches. Harvin first left camp nine days ago because of the death of his grandmother, and Childress said he's back in Minnesota.
"God willing, he's going to work though this," Childress said. "The only thing that would be (a concern) is if we quit trying to find things and throw our hands up."
Because of Harvin's absence, and Sidney Rice is on the physically-unable-to-perform list, the Vikings, who were down to eight receivers, had a workout for two receivers Tuesday and signed Freddie Brown, a seventh-round draft choice by Cincinnati in 2009. The Vikings waived rookie safety Terrell Skinner to make a roster spot.
"We were running the legs off (the receivers)," Childress said.
Check back for more information following the afternoon practice. The team is expected to practice in full pads for some live tackling, which often leads to some news.
Schedule switch
The Vikings tried to go with a full practice in the rain Tuesday morning, but a flash of lightning quickly sent the players indoors (and the fans out of the bleachers). The team was conducting a special teams practice in Myers Field House and are now scheduled to have a full practice outside at 2:45 p.m. today.
Tuesday morning links
The countdown is on: Only two more days of training camp remain. But there's still plenty of news ...
Rookie linebacker Nate Triplett didn't have far to go for his day off on Sunday. He went back to his hometown of Delano. Triplett played high school football there before going on to the University of Minnesota. Now he's with the Vikings.
Staying on the subject of rookies, offensive lineman Chris DeGeare is getting some extra opportunities, thanks to some veterans being out of commission.
The Associated Press, meanwhile, has a feature on defensive lineman Ray Edwards. There's a little here about his contract situation but the main focus is Edwards' offseason workout regime.
Rookie linebacker Nate Triplett didn't have far to go for his day off on Sunday. He went back to his hometown of Delano. Triplett played high school football there before going on to the University of Minnesota. Now he's with the Vikings.
Staying on the subject of rookies, offensive lineman Chris DeGeare is getting some extra opportunities, thanks to some veterans being out of commission.
The Associated Press, meanwhile, has a feature on defensive lineman Ray Edwards. There's a little here about his contract situation but the main focus is Edwards' offseason workout regime.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Heat remains on at Vikings camp
Chad Courrier here, and if this doesn't make any sense, perhaps I'm suffering from some heat-related issue after spending an hour this afternoon at Minnesota Vikings training camp.
After the morning practice, defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier said the workout was scaled back in tempo because of the heat. For the shorter afternoon practice, coach Brad Childress allowed the team to work out without helmets.
Veteran cornerback Antoine Winfield said he's never practiced without a helmet at training camp. The hot, humid weather is expected to continue Tuesday.
Receiver Percy Harvin still hasn't returned to practice since leaving a week ago for his grandmother's funeral. He's expected back soon.
Coaches continue to say that when one player is gone, others get valuable, additional reps in practice, but the longer Harvin is out -- and Sidney Rice and Visanthe Shiancoe and Anthony Herrera and John Sullivan -- there has to a negative effect on the offense.
Of course, quarterback Brett Favre isn't there, either, so if he comes back in a couple weeks, things kind of start over.
Reports are that long-snapper Cullen Loeffler missed Monday's practices to deal with a family matter.
After the morning practice, defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier said the workout was scaled back in tempo because of the heat. For the shorter afternoon practice, coach Brad Childress allowed the team to work out without helmets.
Veteran cornerback Antoine Winfield said he's never practiced without a helmet at training camp. The hot, humid weather is expected to continue Tuesday.
Receiver Percy Harvin still hasn't returned to practice since leaving a week ago for his grandmother's funeral. He's expected back soon.
Coaches continue to say that when one player is gone, others get valuable, additional reps in practice, but the longer Harvin is out -- and Sidney Rice and Visanthe Shiancoe and Anthony Herrera and John Sullivan -- there has to a negative effect on the offense.
Of course, quarterback Brett Favre isn't there, either, so if he comes back in a couple weeks, things kind of start over.
Reports are that long-snapper Cullen Loeffler missed Monday's practices to deal with a family matter.
Still no Harvin at camp
This is Chad Courrier, probably five pounds lighter than the last time I wrote because of the fluids lost while watching Monday's morning practice in the hot, humid conditions.
Coach Brad Childress said Saturday that he expected receiver Percy Harvin to return from a family funeral in a couple of days, but he wasn't on the field Monday morning.
Offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell said he's not sure when Harvin will be back, though he thinks Harvin will be ready to practice, despite missing a week. "I don't know where he's at (with conditioning), but I know he takes really good care of his body."
With Harvin gone and Sidney Rice on PUP, the receiving corps has thinned. Taye Biddle suffered some injury during a passing drill, further depleting the numbers. Bevvell said that Logan Payne has teaken advantage of the extra reps.
Tight end Visanthe Shiancoe did not participate in practice but did some conditioning drills on an adjacent field. Long snapper Cullen Loeffler was absent, while guard Anthony Herrera and running back Darius Reynaud stayed on the sidelines with injuries.
With Herrera sidelined, and John Sullivan not participating fully, center Jon Cooper and rookie guard Chris DeGeare worked with the No. 1 offensive line.
The biggest collision of the practice came when end Jared Allen and blitzing safety Jamarca Sanford ran into each other in the backfield while rushing the quarterback.
Defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier said no determination has been made on whether E.J. Henderson will play in Saturday's preseason opener at St. Louis.
Frazier added that Childress slowed the tempo of the morning practice because of the heat. Practice ended about 20 minutes earlier than scheduled.
Check Tuesday's print edition for a story on rookie linebacker Nate Triplett, who has been able to play high school, college and professional football in Minnesota.
Coach Brad Childress said Saturday that he expected receiver Percy Harvin to return from a family funeral in a couple of days, but he wasn't on the field Monday morning.
Offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell said he's not sure when Harvin will be back, though he thinks Harvin will be ready to practice, despite missing a week. "I don't know where he's at (with conditioning), but I know he takes really good care of his body."
With Harvin gone and Sidney Rice on PUP, the receiving corps has thinned. Taye Biddle suffered some injury during a passing drill, further depleting the numbers. Bevvell said that Logan Payne has teaken advantage of the extra reps.
Tight end Visanthe Shiancoe did not participate in practice but did some conditioning drills on an adjacent field. Long snapper Cullen Loeffler was absent, while guard Anthony Herrera and running back Darius Reynaud stayed on the sidelines with injuries.
With Herrera sidelined, and John Sullivan not participating fully, center Jon Cooper and rookie guard Chris DeGeare worked with the No. 1 offensive line.
The biggest collision of the practice came when end Jared Allen and blitzing safety Jamarca Sanford ran into each other in the backfield while rushing the quarterback.
Defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier said no determination has been made on whether E.J. Henderson will play in Saturday's preseason opener at St. Louis.
Frazier added that Childress slowed the tempo of the morning practice because of the heat. Practice ended about 20 minutes earlier than scheduled.
Check Tuesday's print edition for a story on rookie linebacker Nate Triplett, who has been able to play high school, college and professional football in Minnesota.
Monday morning reading
If you're going up to Blakeslee, do what the players will be doing regularly -- hydrate. New a reminder? Think of coach Brad Childress' words to describe the Brett Favre saga: "It's a fluid situation."
The Free Press does have some Vikings news this morning, namely a feature on second-year linebacker Jasper Brinkley. Brinkley (pictured), who made an impact on special teams last season, was thrust into a starting role when E.J. Henderson was lost for the last four games of year and the playoffs after suffering a horrific leg injury (broken femur). Brinkley said one of the reasons he was prepared for the task was the fact that Henderson took him under his wing early in the season. Read more here.
The Associated Press, meanwhile, did a story on safety Husain Abdullah, who, beginning Wednesday, will be fasting during daylight hours for Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting and prayer. Abdullah will be working with the Vikings' nutritionist to make sure he remains healthy during the holiday. Abdullah says he will not even have a cup of water between sunrise and sunset during Ramadan.
Check back following today's practices for blog updates from Chad Courrier and Jim Rueda.
(Photo by John Cross)
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Sunday morning reading
With Rhys Lloyd (pictured, 9) kicking well in camp, it will be interesting to see if the Vikings actually end up using two roster spots for kickers. Ryan Longwell (8), of course, is the other.
In the Notebook, rookie Ryan D'Imperio was a linebacker in college but has been working out as a fullback. Also, Adrian Peterson admitted that the "tightness" he was complaining about was a hamstring strain.
The Vikings will return to the practice field at 9 a.m. on Monday and will have two practices. After that, there are just five practices left before the team breaks camp.
(Photo by John Cross)
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Jim Rueda reporting from Vikings training camp on Saturday evening.
The Vikings apparently received some good news about running back Adrian Peterson. He admitted after practice Saturday evening that his leg injury was more than just the muscle tightness he reported earlier in the week. He actually sustained a left hamstring strain but says he's healing rapidly and should be full speed by Monday morning's workout.
Peterson has been limited in practice the last few days. Visanthe Shiancoe injured his left hand in the morning practice and did not participate Saturday evening. Offensive guard Anthony Herrera apparently suffered an injury to the inside of his right leg during the morning workout and did not participate in the evening session.
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While the defense had the upper hand in the live contact drills Saturday morning, the offense stepped it up a notch when the team moved inside Blakeslee Stadium Saturday night. Tarvaris Jackson started things strong with the first team, throwing touchdown passes to tight end Garrett Mills and Peterson during his opening stint with the first unit.
The 20-yard throw to Peterson was probably his best of the day. AP was able to get behind linebacker Erin Henderson on the left side and Jackson led the running perfectly with a floater that reached him just before he cross the end zone line.
Jackson had another TD pass later on when Jaymar Johnson turned around in the end zone at the last instant and caught the ball between his numbers. Lito Sheppard was on the coverage.
.Former Gopher Logan Payne caught a short TD pass from Sage Rosenfels in 7-on-7 drills on a slant pattern inside.
Safety Husain Abdullah had the most spectacular play on defense, stripping the ball away from tight end Mickey Schuler on what looked like a sure touchdown pass. Abdullah has been opening some eyes in training camp with his improved play.
The Vikes are off on Sunday and resume practice at 8 a.m. Monday morning.
The Vikings apparently received some good news about running back Adrian Peterson. He admitted after practice Saturday evening that his leg injury was more than just the muscle tightness he reported earlier in the week. He actually sustained a left hamstring strain but says he's healing rapidly and should be full speed by Monday morning's workout.
Peterson has been limited in practice the last few days. Visanthe Shiancoe injured his left hand in the morning practice and did not participate Saturday evening. Offensive guard Anthony Herrera apparently suffered an injury to the inside of his right leg during the morning workout and did not participate in the evening session.
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While the defense had the upper hand in the live contact drills Saturday morning, the offense stepped it up a notch when the team moved inside Blakeslee Stadium Saturday night. Tarvaris Jackson started things strong with the first team, throwing touchdown passes to tight end Garrett Mills and Peterson during his opening stint with the first unit.
The 20-yard throw to Peterson was probably his best of the day. AP was able to get behind linebacker Erin Henderson on the left side and Jackson led the running perfectly with a floater that reached him just before he cross the end zone line.
Jackson had another TD pass later on when Jaymar Johnson turned around in the end zone at the last instant and caught the ball between his numbers. Lito Sheppard was on the coverage.
.Former Gopher Logan Payne caught a short TD pass from Sage Rosenfels in 7-on-7 drills on a slant pattern inside.
Safety Husain Abdullah had the most spectacular play on defense, stripping the ball away from tight end Mickey Schuler on what looked like a sure touchdown pass. Abdullah has been opening some eyes in training camp with his improved play.
The Vikes are off on Sunday and resume practice at 8 a.m. Monday morning.
Jim Rueda reporting after the delayed morning practice from Vikings training camp. Despite the early showers, the Vikes were back on the practice fields at 10:30 a.m. for a two-plus hour session.
The team still has a number of starters, particularly skill players, not participating due to injuries or excused absences. Head coach Brad Childress admitted afterward that it slows down the progress of those players.
The coach said the mother hen in him would like to have all the players at every practice healthy and participating. At the same team, he realizes the main goal is to make sure they are available for the regular-season opener on Sept. 9. It's not in anyone's best interest to push players too hard or too long in the first week of August if it's going to prevent them from being ready in Week 1.
Running back Adrian Peterson (muscle tightness) and corner back Benny Sapp were both suited up Saturday morning but both were limited in their snaps. Wide receiver Percy Harvin remains excused due to the death of his grandmother. Childress said he expects Harvin back within the next few days.
Running back Darius Reynaud, fullback Naufahu Tahi, linebacker J Lehman and center John Sulllivan were all present but inactive during the morning session. The same goes for PUP listers Sidney Rice and Cedric Griffin. Offensive guard Anthony Herrera left practice early with what Childress later said was most likely back spasms.
Brett Favre, of course, was still absent. Unless you count the sighting at Barnes & Noble or the one at Taco John's. Who knows, maybe he'll show up at RibFest tonight.
The morning delay will not affect the starting time for this evening's practice. The team is still scheduled to begin a two-hour session at 5 p.m.
The team still has a number of starters, particularly skill players, not participating due to injuries or excused absences. Head coach Brad Childress admitted afterward that it slows down the progress of those players.
The coach said the mother hen in him would like to have all the players at every practice healthy and participating. At the same team, he realizes the main goal is to make sure they are available for the regular-season opener on Sept. 9. It's not in anyone's best interest to push players too hard or too long in the first week of August if it's going to prevent them from being ready in Week 1.
Running back Adrian Peterson (muscle tightness) and corner back Benny Sapp were both suited up Saturday morning but both were limited in their snaps. Wide receiver Percy Harvin remains excused due to the death of his grandmother. Childress said he expects Harvin back within the next few days.
Running back Darius Reynaud, fullback Naufahu Tahi, linebacker J Lehman and center John Sulllivan were all present but inactive during the morning session. The same goes for PUP listers Sidney Rice and Cedric Griffin. Offensive guard Anthony Herrera left practice early with what Childress later said was most likely back spasms.
Brett Favre, of course, was still absent. Unless you count the sighting at Barnes & Noble or the one at Taco John's. Who knows, maybe he'll show up at RibFest tonight.
The morning delay will not affect the starting time for this evening's practice. The team is still scheduled to begin a two-hour session at 5 p.m.
Saturday morning links
Second-year right tackle Phil Loadholt (pictured) can be described as ginormous, but he's relied on help from the smaller guard Anthony Herrera for his early success.
In the Training Camp Notebook, guard Steve Hutchinson and defensive coordinator have high praise for Vikings Hall of Famer John Randle. Also, Heath Farwell talks about the importance of special teams practice.
The Associated Press does a full feature on Randle.
(Photo by John Cross)
This is Jim Rueda reporting from a soggy Minnesota Vikings training camp in Mankato.
Saturday's morning practice, originally scheduled for 9 a.m., has been pushed back to 10:30 a.m. The staff will determine whether it is outside or indoors at MSU's Bud Myers Field House at that time.
I will keep you posted.
Saturday's morning practice, originally scheduled for 9 a.m., has been pushed back to 10:30 a.m. The staff will determine whether it is outside or indoors at MSU's Bud Myers Field House at that time.
I will keep you posted.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Who says special teams practice is boring?
Shane Frederick back again, this time after the Vikings' afternoon practice ...
It was pretty quiet once again at Blakeslee as many players were not on the field and special teams was the focus. With the return game -- not kicking -- being the focus and no live hitting, it might have been a little dull for the fans who picked that session to watch.
However, don't tell players like Heath Farwell that such workouts are dull. Farwell, who made the 2009 Pro Bowl as a special teams player, said it's "overlooked" practices like that which decide the final 53-man roster.
"A lot of guys are fighting for roster spots," Farwell said. "People think that special teams might not be very important, but it is."
So who looks good in that department?
"Colt Anderson ('09 rookie free agent safety)," Farwell said. "You can't block him. ... Then there's the he usual suspects like Husain Abdullah and Jasper Brinkley and some of the young guys like (rookie/seventh-round pick) Ryan D'Imperio.
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| Heath Farwell |
However, don't tell players like Heath Farwell that such workouts are dull. Farwell, who made the 2009 Pro Bowl as a special teams player, said it's "overlooked" practices like that which decide the final 53-man roster.
"A lot of guys are fighting for roster spots," Farwell said. "People think that special teams might not be very important, but it is."
So who looks good in that department?
"Colt Anderson ('09 rookie free agent safety)," Farwell said. "You can't block him. ... Then there's the he usual suspects like Husain Abdullah and Jasper Brinkley and some of the young guys like (rookie/seventh-round pick) Ryan D'Imperio.
Peterson returns (kind of)
Shane Frederick here following Friday's first practice. ...
Adrian Peterson put on the pads for the first time in three days had what is probably best described as a light practice, doing individual drills but nothing when offense met defense. The running back, who was out with some "tightness," did not speak to reporters after the practice but when someone asked how the session went, he turned back, smiled and said, "Fun!'
In other injury news, fullback Naufahu Tahi left practice with an injury, and John Sullivan, who missed some time earlier in the week, wore no pads and sat out the morning session. Meanwhile running back Darius Reynaud, who was off the field all day on Thursday, rejoined his teammates late in Friday's practice and appeared to have an ankle taped. He also remained out of the workouts.
Others on the field but not participating in team drills included the usual suspects Sidney Rice and Cedric Griffin (both on the PUP list) and Benny Sapp, as well as linebacker J Leman, who was injured on Thursday.
Defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier spoke after the practice and talked a bit about former Viking John Randle, who will go into the Hall of Fame on Saturday:
"He's a special, special guy and a unique player who was in a rare situation. It's a well-deserved honor for him to go into the Hall of Fame."
The rare situation is the fact that Randle went undrafted out of college.
"He had the confidence of the first pick of the draft," Frazier said.
Adrian Peterson put on the pads for the first time in three days had what is probably best described as a light practice, doing individual drills but nothing when offense met defense. The running back, who was out with some "tightness," did not speak to reporters after the practice but when someone asked how the session went, he turned back, smiled and said, "Fun!'
In other injury news, fullback Naufahu Tahi left practice with an injury, and John Sullivan, who missed some time earlier in the week, wore no pads and sat out the morning session. Meanwhile running back Darius Reynaud, who was off the field all day on Thursday, rejoined his teammates late in Friday's practice and appeared to have an ankle taped. He also remained out of the workouts.
Others on the field but not participating in team drills included the usual suspects Sidney Rice and Cedric Griffin (both on the PUP list) and Benny Sapp, as well as linebacker J Leman, who was injured on Thursday.
Defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier spoke after the practice and talked a bit about former Viking John Randle, who will go into the Hall of Fame on Saturday:
"He's a special, special guy and a unique player who was in a rare situation. It's a well-deserved honor for him to go into the Hall of Fame."
The rare situation is the fact that Randle went undrafted out of college.
"He had the confidence of the first pick of the draft," Frazier said.
Friday morning links
With so many receivers out right now, Bernard Berrian (pictured) is filling the role of No. 1 receiver. He's also trying to bounce back from a season in which he was nagged by a hamstring injury.
Our Notebook features Vikings rookies who are taking advantage of opportunities created by injuries to veteran players.
The Associated Press, meanwhile, takes a look at the quarterbacks who are in camp -- you know, the ones NOT wearing No. 4.
(Photo by John Cross)
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Autographs!
As the players were walking off the field, all of a sudden there was so much screaming and yelling that a media member said, "Is Justin Bieber over there or something?"
No, it wasn't Bieber, rather it was Adrian Peterson, who hasn't practiced over the last two days, but gladly went over to sign autographs for many adoring fans. Peterson was joined by rookie corner back Chris Cook and quarterback Tarvaris Jackson for a spell, but they went into the locker room long before Peterson finished. A.P. signed for more than 15 minutes before finally waving goodbye and heading in.
Staying on the subject of autographs, fans have found a new place to stake out for signings. Now that the players are staying in Minnesota State's Sears dorms, many are going out the back door of the Otto Recreation Center and biking back to Sears. But fans are waiting for them on the berm near the Otto parking lot.
The end of practice also marked the end of Week 1 of training camp. One week to go.
(Photo by Shane Frederick)
Where's the offense?
This is Chad Courrier, and it dawned on me while watching Friday's morning practice that what is generally considered to be an explosive offense is missing a lot of weapons.
Receiver Percy Harvin is gone from camp to deal with the death of a family member, and receiver Sidney Rice has missed all of camp with a hip injury. Adrian Peterson hasn't practiced for two days because of tightness in his legs, and you-know-who is still in Mississippi, contrary to various rumors, waiting to see if his ankle feels good enough to play.
That's a lot of firepower that isn't on the field, getting ready for the upcoming season. Only receiver Bernard Berrian and tight end Visanthe Shiancoe are projected starters who are practicing now.
Coach Brad Childress said he's not so concerned because all of those players are veterans and should have knowledge of what's being done at practice. But he also said you never make up the lost time at training camp.
It's uncertain when Harvin will return or Rice will be ready, and it wouldn't be surprising is Peterson stayed out until Monday, given that the players are off Sunday. And Favre ... I think we've seen over the last two days that we should't guess if or when he arrives.
NFL officials joined practice Friday morning. They also met with the media and will attend the afternoon practice and team meetings. The officials are here to share the rule changes and points of emphasis for the season.
Shiancoe and Greg Lewis each made nice catches during two-minute drills. Tarvaris Jackson was the most accurate of the quarterbacks. Rhys Lloyd drilled a 49-yard field goal that had plenty of extra distance.
Running backs were the designated autograph signers Friday, and not surprising, Adrian Peterson's line began forming shortly after morning practice began. A couple hundred autograph seekers stood in line for more than an hour, and Toby Gerhart's line also had an overflow before practice ended.
Receiver Percy Harvin is gone from camp to deal with the death of a family member, and receiver Sidney Rice has missed all of camp with a hip injury. Adrian Peterson hasn't practiced for two days because of tightness in his legs, and you-know-who is still in Mississippi, contrary to various rumors, waiting to see if his ankle feels good enough to play.
That's a lot of firepower that isn't on the field, getting ready for the upcoming season. Only receiver Bernard Berrian and tight end Visanthe Shiancoe are projected starters who are practicing now.
Coach Brad Childress said he's not so concerned because all of those players are veterans and should have knowledge of what's being done at practice. But he also said you never make up the lost time at training camp.
It's uncertain when Harvin will return or Rice will be ready, and it wouldn't be surprising is Peterson stayed out until Monday, given that the players are off Sunday. And Favre ... I think we've seen over the last two days that we should't guess if or when he arrives.
NFL officials joined practice Friday morning. They also met with the media and will attend the afternoon practice and team meetings. The officials are here to share the rule changes and points of emphasis for the season.
Shiancoe and Greg Lewis each made nice catches during two-minute drills. Tarvaris Jackson was the most accurate of the quarterbacks. Rhys Lloyd drilled a 49-yard field goal that had plenty of extra distance.
Running backs were the designated autograph signers Friday, and not surprising, Adrian Peterson's line began forming shortly after morning practice began. A couple hundred autograph seekers stood in line for more than an hour, and Toby Gerhart's line also had an overflow before practice ended.
Thursday morning links
First, the Favre news. The Associated Press (among others) reported that Favre will play this season if his ankle will allow him. That might be the most definitive, on-the-record news we've had on the situation since last season ended. Read The Free Press' training camp reaction story here.
Getting to some stories on players who are actually in Mankato (it appears that sightings of Favre driving around town in a Camaro last night are, uh, false)
The Vikings tight ends are a tight group, as Visanthe Shiancoe and Jim Kleinsasser have become close friends over the last three seasons.
Our notebook kicks off with offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell's praise of current No. 1 quarterback Tarvaris Jackson and his improvement from last year. The story also has news on the Vikings' running backs, punt-return game and injuries.
(Photo by The Associated Press)
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Favre's future tied to his ankle.
Jim Rueda reporting on the Wednesday afternoon practice from Vikings training camp.
Most of the Brett Favre talk had quieted down by practice time and there was not much discussion on that front. As it stands know, it appears Favre is willing to play for the Vikings this year only if the ankle he had surgery on during the offseason allows him to.
Exactly how close the ankle is to being game-ready is unknown. Favre is expected to meet with a medical specialist on Thursday or Friday.
Here's some non-Brett Favre news for you:
With Adrian Peterson sidelined due to tightness in his legs, veteran Albert Young and rookie Toby Gerhart each saw extensive action in the backfield Wednesday. Offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell said the coaching staff is still identifying the strengths and weakness of each of the backs and trying to figure out best how to use them.
Although the temperatures and humidity were not quite as high Wednesday, it was still plenty warm on the practice fields. Defensive end Jared Allen took time after practice to give his take on the conditions.
"It sucks," he said. "Training camp sucks, but it's supposed to suck. The heat just makes it suck more."
Thanks for setting the record straight Mr. Allen.
The Vikings return to the practice field from 9-11:10 a.m. today.
Most of the Brett Favre talk had quieted down by practice time and there was not much discussion on that front. As it stands know, it appears Favre is willing to play for the Vikings this year only if the ankle he had surgery on during the offseason allows him to.
Exactly how close the ankle is to being game-ready is unknown. Favre is expected to meet with a medical specialist on Thursday or Friday.
Here's some non-Brett Favre news for you:
With Adrian Peterson sidelined due to tightness in his legs, veteran Albert Young and rookie Toby Gerhart each saw extensive action in the backfield Wednesday. Offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell said the coaching staff is still identifying the strengths and weakness of each of the backs and trying to figure out best how to use them.
Although the temperatures and humidity were not quite as high Wednesday, it was still plenty warm on the practice fields. Defensive end Jared Allen took time after practice to give his take on the conditions.
"It sucks," he said. "Training camp sucks, but it's supposed to suck. The heat just makes it suck more."
Thanks for setting the record straight Mr. Allen.
The Vikings return to the practice field from 9-11:10 a.m. today.
Favre finally surfaces -- in Mississippi
Jim Rueda here reporting after the morning practice on Day 6 of Vikings training camp and Day 2 of "As the Favre Turns."
Things were considerably more quiet today regarding Favre's status. The rumors were flying at training camp a day earlier as everyone was trying to find a source to confirm or deny the veteran quarterback's retirement plans.
The story, of course, also took off nationally as ESPN devoted much of it's air time to No. 4. Right around 2 p.m. Tuesday, a reporter for the Biloxi Sun Herald in Mississippi was reporting that a family source had told him Favre had not yet decided if he will play this season.
By around 4:15 pm., former NFL coach Steve Mariucci was reporting for the NFL Network that Favre was still waiting for his body to heal. The report said Favre had not retired and he was still working toward coming back to play this season. The comments seemed to come from Favre directly, but that was not specifically stated in Mariucci's report.
Here's the kicker, by 5 p.m. Tuesday, professional oddsmakers at YouWager.com had already set up a line on when the retired Favre would announce his comeback. According to early bets, Favre is most likely to return in about four weeks.
Earlier today, the Star Tribune had a story that the Vikings have offered to increase Favre's salary by $3 million if he returns this year. The deal would also pay him an additional $4 million in incentives, making it a potential $20 million deal for the 2010 season.
Apparently Favre actually talked to some media members this morning and the Associated Press is reporting that his decision whether to play for the Vikings this season is "not about money." According to the story, Favre said, after working out with a high school team in Hattiesburg, Miss., that he's been in touch with the team and "they know what's going on with me."
That's the latest "As the Favre Turns" news. Oh yeah, the Vikings did have a two-plus hour practice this morning. Running back Adrian Peterson sat out (leg tightness) as did Sidney Rice, Cedric Griffin and Benny Sapp. The defense still appears ahead of the offense.
Tune in later this afternoon for another edition of "As the Favre Turns" and perhaps even some real news.
Things were considerably more quiet today regarding Favre's status. The rumors were flying at training camp a day earlier as everyone was trying to find a source to confirm or deny the veteran quarterback's retirement plans.
The story, of course, also took off nationally as ESPN devoted much of it's air time to No. 4. Right around 2 p.m. Tuesday, a reporter for the Biloxi Sun Herald in Mississippi was reporting that a family source had told him Favre had not yet decided if he will play this season.
By around 4:15 pm., former NFL coach Steve Mariucci was reporting for the NFL Network that Favre was still waiting for his body to heal. The report said Favre had not retired and he was still working toward coming back to play this season. The comments seemed to come from Favre directly, but that was not specifically stated in Mariucci's report.
Here's the kicker, by 5 p.m. Tuesday, professional oddsmakers at YouWager.com had already set up a line on when the retired Favre would announce his comeback. According to early bets, Favre is most likely to return in about four weeks.
Earlier today, the Star Tribune had a story that the Vikings have offered to increase Favre's salary by $3 million if he returns this year. The deal would also pay him an additional $4 million in incentives, making it a potential $20 million deal for the 2010 season.
Apparently Favre actually talked to some media members this morning and the Associated Press is reporting that his decision whether to play for the Vikings this season is "not about money." According to the story, Favre said, after working out with a high school team in Hattiesburg, Miss., that he's been in touch with the team and "they know what's going on with me."
That's the latest "As the Favre Turns" news. Oh yeah, the Vikings did have a two-plus hour practice this morning. Running back Adrian Peterson sat out (leg tightness) as did Sidney Rice, Cedric Griffin and Benny Sapp. The defense still appears ahead of the offense.
Tune in later this afternoon for another edition of "As the Favre Turns" and perhaps even some real news.
Wednesday-morning links -- the "fluid" edition
Anyway, let's go to The Free Press stories from Wednesday's edition ...
Freep writers Chad Courrier and Shane Frederick tackled the Favre story on the reaction side, covering Childress and the players, while news-side guy Robb Murray got the fans' take.
On the commentary side, Shane Frederick writes that when it comes to Favre, who knows what to believe, not him, not the coaches and certainly not the local rumor mill.
By the way, there was some actual football being played at Blakeslee, even if few people seemed to be paying attention.
(Photo by John Cross)
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
More Favre response; Peterson sits out afternoon practice
This is Chad Courrier, just back from afternoon practice, and I'm already tiring of the Favre "retirement" story. You don't know whom or what to believe, by media members or Minnesota Vikings officials or players.
Following Tuesday's afternoon practice, tight end Visanthe Shiancoe confirmed reports that Favre had sent messages to some of the players that his surgically repaired ankle had not healed enough to play this season. He added that he hadn't received a message, and he was headed to the locker room to check his phone.
He said he hoped that Favre isn't retiring, but he was concerned. "Hopefully, it's not what it seems to be." He said that if Favre has announced he won't be coming back, he'd do anything he could to change his mind.
"It would definitely be a blow to the team," Shiancoe said.
Running back Adrian Peterson didn't participate in the afternoon practice because of tightness in his legs. He said he might be out a couple of days. "I know my body better than anybody, except God."
Tackle Bryant McKinnie left practice early with a couple of trainers and walked to the air-conditioned trailer, where he stayed about 15 minutes. It was hot and muggy in the afternoon, and McKinnie didn't talk with reporters on his way to the locker room.
Center John Sullivan returned to practice after missing Monday's two practices with a leg injury. Linebacker E.J. Henderson didn't practice, though he's been given time off before as he returns from a broken leg.
Following Tuesday's afternoon practice, tight end Visanthe Shiancoe confirmed reports that Favre had sent messages to some of the players that his surgically repaired ankle had not healed enough to play this season. He added that he hadn't received a message, and he was headed to the locker room to check his phone.
He said he hoped that Favre isn't retiring, but he was concerned. "Hopefully, it's not what it seems to be." He said that if Favre has announced he won't be coming back, he'd do anything he could to change his mind.
"It would definitely be a blow to the team," Shiancoe said.
Running back Adrian Peterson didn't participate in the afternoon practice because of tightness in his legs. He said he might be out a couple of days. "I know my body better than anybody, except God."
Tackle Bryant McKinnie left practice early with a couple of trainers and walked to the air-conditioned trailer, where he stayed about 15 minutes. It was hot and muggy in the afternoon, and McKinnie didn't talk with reporters on his way to the locker room.
Center John Sullivan returned to practice after missing Monday's two practices with a leg injury. Linebacker E.J. Henderson didn't practice, though he's been given time off before as he returns from a broken leg.
Oh yes, there was football at training camp
The Vikings were in pads Tuesday morning for the first full-contact practice of training camp. The star of the goal-line drills was safety Jamarca Sanford, who broke through the line to stuff running back Ian Johnson on consecutive plays.
Then the offense tried to fake the dive play and throw to tight end Visanthe Shiancoe, but linebacker Kenny Onatolu leaped to tip the pass away.
When the No. 1 offense line played against the No. 1 defensive line, rookie Toby Gerhart made a strong run behind right tackle Phil Loadholt and right guard Anthony Herrera. On the next play, going left, safety Husain Abdullah stuffed Gerhart in the backfield.
Earlier, Gerhart took a big shot from Jasper Brinkley in a short-yardage drill.
Rookie quarterback Joe Webb fumbled his first snap during the goal-line practice, and somebody from the defensive sideline noticed. "Don't get nervous back there, 14."
E.J. Henderson caught a deflected pass for an interception, and as he ran down the field, someone in the crowd yelled, "Nice to have you back."
Coach Brad Childress (pictured -- yes, he did answer a non-Favre question) noted that running backs Ryan Moats and Darius Reynaud looked good carrying the football in short-yardage plays.
Will be back on the field for afternoon practice, though after a physical morning, it's unlikely much of note will happen. Unless someone says they got a call from someone who knows someone who talked with Favre.
(Photo by John Cross)
4-ring circus
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| Tarvaris Jackson takes questions about the Brett Favre situation. |
But the most interesting session of training camp was overshadowed by reports of Brett Favre's decision to retire (for the third time). Even those reporting the story from the sidelines didn't believe this would be the last we've heard from Favre this summer. After all, he still has four weeks to change his mind -- that's enough time to change it a couple more times.
After practice ended, though, Childress and his players threw a bit of a wrench in the story, saying they were unaware of the reports and that they were going about camp the same way they have the last four days. They all echoed each other, saying:
"I'm not aware of the reports." -- Childresss
"I'm not going to speculate what I think's going to happen." -- center John Sullivan.
"I haven't heard anything," -- Sullivan
"It hasn't happened yet, so until it's official, I'm not going to comment." -- tight end Visanthe Shiancoe
"Until it's official, I'll believe it when I see it." -- defensive end Jared Allen
"Right now, we're just going to focus on who we have here. Just like last year and the year before." Allen
"I haven't heard anything about it," -- quarterback Tarvaris Jackson
Childress did say he has talked to Favre in the last 24 hours, and kicker Ryan Longwell said he talked to Favre on Tuesday morning and said neither conversation gave the indication that Favre was set to retire.
"It wouldn't surprise me one way or another, whether he decides to play or whether he decides to retire," said Childress, who added that he's not pressing Favre. "He's a 40-year-old man. He just has to come to grips with it."
Whatever the decision, one thing is certain: This story ain't over.
You can read more from The Free Press and wire reports here.
(Photo by John Cross)
Tuesday morning links
The Vikings' top draft pick, cornerback Chris Cook (pictured), appears to be having a fine camp, using his size and athleticism to show his knack for defending the pass and even pulling down a few interceptions.
In our Notebook, we continue to follow Minnesota State's Adrian Battles, who was signing autographs along with the other offensive linemen on Monday. The notebook also has briefs on receiver Logan Payne and injured cornerback Cedric Griffin.
The Associated Press checked out the supposedly "skinny" Pat Williams, who, it's been said, has lost 18 pounds from last year.
* On Sunday, coach Brad Childress talked about the idea of "full pads" vs. shorts, saying that it's really not that much different: "I kid about that all the time," he said. "We say full pads when all they really do is put pads on (players are usually in helmets and shoulder pads). Think about it -- because nobody wears pads in their pants. So they wear purple trunks, and they act like they're getting flogged if I say that it's full pads and when they have to put pants on. ... They have all the pads they're going to have on." That said, there will be more live hitting today and bringing players to the ground.
(Photo by John Cross)
Monday, August 2, 2010
WRs -- Who are these guys?
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| Logan Payne |
With Sidney Rice (hip) on the physically unable to perform list and Percy Harvin out of practice and likely leaving town due to a death in the family, the Vikings receiving corps looks like Bernard Berrian and his band of merry men (hey, that rhymes!).
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| Marko Mitchell |
Berrian caught 55 passes last season. The rest of the WRs on the field today hauled in a grand total of 13.
Late in practice, with the offense and defense competing 11 on 11, the No. 1 offense (led by quarterback Tarvaris Jackson) had Berrian, Greg Lewis (eight catches last season) and Jaymar Johnson (one). The 2s (led by Sage Rosenfels) had Marko Mitchell (four -- with Washington), Taye Biddle (none) and Logan Payne (none). Undrafted rookies Marquis Hamilton and Ray Small rotated in with the 3s (led by Joe Webb, whom the Vikings considered moving to receiver after the draft).
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| Taye Biddle |
Payne has been the most impressive of those unknowns. The former Gopher, who caught two NFL passes for the Seahawks two seasons ago, has made some nice catches, including a diving grab in the corner of the end zone on Sunday afternoon. Be sure to check out Tuesday's Free Press for more on Payne's progress.
All in all, it was pretty quiet afternoon session. A couple of highlights included linebacker Nate Triplett's interception of a Webb pass and another nice, deep hookup between Jackson and Berrian with Lito Sheppard covering. Also, I have to agree with Mr. Courrier that the QBs looked better today, especially Rosenfels who struggled with interceptions on Saturday and Sunday.
Don't forget: Full pads and tackling tomorrow (Tuesday)!
Finally, you can follow Minnesota State alum Adrian Battles around training camp a bit on his Twitter feed, which can be found here.
Quarterbacks have bounce-back practice
This Chad Courrier, and it's my turn to take you inside the Vikings training camp ... or at least tell you what I think I saw Monday morning.
Sunday's practice featured some of the worst quarterbacking seen at training camp, which was good news for linebackers and defensive backs.
On Monday, the quarterbacks got a little revenge, as Tarvaris Jackson, Sage Rosenfels and Joe Webb each looked more sharp.
The first "oooh" of the morning practice came when Jackson hit Bernard Berrian with a deep throw down the right sideline during one-on-one drills between receivers and cornerbacks. Within the next half-hour, Ray Small, Taye Biddle, Logan Payne, Jaymar Johnson and Greg Lewis all had at least one nice catch behind the defense.
Defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier had his first media availability after morning practice, and while nothing newsy came out of it, he talked about how well rookie cornerback Chris Cook is adjusting to the NFL, how Madieu Williams, Tyrell Johnson and Jamarca Sanford have rotated through the two safety positions and how a solid work ethic allowed Ray Edwards to emerge as an impact defensive end last season, especially in the playoffs.
The ribbing of Pat Williams continued Monday as Frazier seemed curious abut the reported 18-pound loss by the veteran defensive tackle. "If he says so," Frazier joked.
Receiver Percy Harvin was not at practice, and Childress said Sunday that Harvin was dealing with a death in the family. It's possible that Harvin has left camp to attend a funeral.
There will be more information and observations in Tuesday's print edition.
Sunday's practice featured some of the worst quarterbacking seen at training camp, which was good news for linebackers and defensive backs.
On Monday, the quarterbacks got a little revenge, as Tarvaris Jackson, Sage Rosenfels and Joe Webb each looked more sharp.
The first "oooh" of the morning practice came when Jackson hit Bernard Berrian with a deep throw down the right sideline during one-on-one drills between receivers and cornerbacks. Within the next half-hour, Ray Small, Taye Biddle, Logan Payne, Jaymar Johnson and Greg Lewis all had at least one nice catch behind the defense.
Defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier had his first media availability after morning practice, and while nothing newsy came out of it, he talked about how well rookie cornerback Chris Cook is adjusting to the NFL, how Madieu Williams, Tyrell Johnson and Jamarca Sanford have rotated through the two safety positions and how a solid work ethic allowed Ray Edwards to emerge as an impact defensive end last season, especially in the playoffs.
The ribbing of Pat Williams continued Monday as Frazier seemed curious abut the reported 18-pound loss by the veteran defensive tackle. "If he says so," Frazier joked.
Receiver Percy Harvin was not at practice, and Childress said Sunday that Harvin was dealing with a death in the family. It's possible that Harvin has left camp to attend a funeral.
There will be more information and observations in Tuesday's print edition.
Monday morning links
Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway (pictured) is off to a good start at camp. Just a continuation of the last two seasons in which he led the team in tackles.
Meanwhile, coach Brad Childress had good things to say about the new turf at Blakeslee Stadium. That story kick off today's Training Camp Notebook. For more on the Blakeslee improvements, go here and here.
Also in the notebook, The Free Press caught up with punter Chris Kluwe, who was in Mankato a week before training camp with is band Tripping Icarus and gave a quick review of the gig. Our entertainment writer, Amanda Dyslin, did a story on the band (Kluwe is the bass player) last month before the show. Read that here.
(Photo by John Cross)
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Waiting for Favre
Shane Frederick here, posting my first observations from camp ...Sunday afternoon's practice certainly didn't make anyone forget about Brett Favre. As the Vikings were working on red zone -- now, apparently, called "red area" in NFL circles (why the change?) -- the passing game was anything but crisp with high passes drops and more interceptions by Sage Rosenfels.
Rosenfels, who threw four INTs during Saturday night's practice under the lights at Blakeslee Stadium, tossed three more on Sunday, including two to rookie cornerback Chris Cook. The second-round pick showed more flash on the field, also intercepting third-string quarterback Joe Webb.
Despite some of the sloppiness, there were a couple of highlight catches, however, as Logan Payne made a diving catch of a Rosenfels pass in the back-left corner of the end zone, and Greg Lewis made a nice grab from Tarvaris Jackson in the same spot.
As for the interceptions, coach Brad Childress said that they are "double-edged swords," he asks quarterbacks, receivers and defensive players to be "extremely aggressive" on plays "to see what they can do," however he doesn't like seeing INTs that are "taken back the other way." "I'd like to see those come back," Childress said.
All in all, it was pretty quiet day on the practice field.
A few other observations: WR Percy Harvin (pictured), who was injured on Saturday morning but returned for the night practice, was not on the field on Sunday. Childress said Harvin was in Mankato but dealing with a death in the family. ... C John Sullivan was on the field but not participating after limping off the field on Saturday night. Childress said he didn't know how long Sullivan would be out, saying, "I hope it's just a cramp and a nag." Second-year C Jon Cooper took Sullivan's place on the No. 1 offense. CB Benny Sapp also missed Sunday's practice.
(Photo by John Cross)
Sunday morning links
Defensive end Ray Edwards says his contract concerns are behind him right now and is glad to be practicing.
There was a lot of concern on Saturday morning when Percy Harvin was taken off the field on a cart, but the second-year receiver returned to practice in full strength during the night practice. This notebook also features info on Lito Sheppard and Toby Gerhart.
The Associated Press tackles linebacker E.J. Henderson's stunning recovery from a broken femur.
The Free Press' news side even got involved on Saturday, talking to loyal Vikings fans, many of whom are still a little bitter about the way last season ended in New Orleans.
(Photo by Joelle Pipal)
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