The Vikings had their last official practice in Mankato Thursday morning and ended it with a mass autograph session. More than 1,000 fans lined the practice fields as players went over and furiously signed balls, posters, scraps of paper, just about anything that would take a pen or a magic marker.
Midway through practice Donovan McNabb threw the longest touchdown of the day, finding Jaymar Johnson streaking down the left sideline and hitting him for a 65-yard score.
The offense also did some red zone work near the ended of the session. Joe Webb threw for two TD's during the workout, finding Johnson again in the left corner of the end zone. Johnson momentarily bobbled the ball but gained possession before falling out of bounds. Webb also found Juaquin Iglesias with a short curl pattern just inside the goal line.
The defense stepped up on the final play of practice. Rookie safety Mistral Raymond stepped in front of a Chris Ponder pass near the back of the end zone and ran it back for a touchdown the other way. Unfortunately, Raymond came up limping at the end of the play with what head coach Leslie Frazier later said was a tweaked hamstring.
Veteran cornerback Cedric Griffin, who is coming back from his second ACL surgery in less than a year, has all but locked up the team's Comeback Player of the Year award if he gets back on the field and plays even close to his former level.
A close second for that award could be wide receiver Bernard Berrian. The Vikings had high hopes for the free-agent signee before the 2008 season and he did will in his first year, but he was injured much of 2009 and amassed a sub-par 247 yards on 28 catches with no touchdowns last season.
Many thought he would end up on the waiver wire prior to the start of training camp but he's not only still here, he's receiving high praise from both head coach Frazier and quarterback McNabb. McNabb says Berrian can not only still stretch the field but runs precise routs.
If Berrian does in games what he's been doing in practice, he should once again become a vital part of the offense.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Camp winding down
The Vikings held their second-to-last practice in pads in Mankato Wednesday morning an both the offensive and defensive units gave the fans something to cheer about.
During 11-on-11 drills the defense got the better of the quarterbacks four times as play was whistled dead for apparent sacks. Jaspar Brinkley also made a nifty interception of a Joe Webb passed that bounced out of the hands of the intended receiver and straight to the linebacker.
Receivers Greg Camarillo and Devin Aromashodu had good days, catching just about everything that was thrown their way, even when tightly covered. Aromashodu made the catch of the day, hauling in a long, 35-yard Christian Ponder pass while sprinting toward the right sideline.
Ponder also showed that Joe Webb isn't the only quarterback in camp with speed. When he couldn't find a receiver on one play, he tucked the ball in and sprinted around left end for a 20-yard gain.
Head coach Leslie Frazier continues to insist that Webb is focusing just on playing quarterback during training camp but, as in some previous practices, there he was again running a route as a wide receiver. On Wednesday they sent him down to the goal line to try to catch a Hail Mary pass from Donovan McNabb that was batted down by the defense.
On the injury front, safety Tyrell Johnson (hamstring) returned to practice and coach Frazier said he will likely play on Saturday barring any setbacks. Linebacker Kenny Onatolu did not practice but is no longer wearing the walking cast on his left leg.
Check out Thursday's print edition for a Chad Courrier feature on offensive lineman Phil Loadholt and a more extensive training camp notebook.
During 11-on-11 drills the defense got the better of the quarterbacks four times as play was whistled dead for apparent sacks. Jaspar Brinkley also made a nifty interception of a Joe Webb passed that bounced out of the hands of the intended receiver and straight to the linebacker.
Receivers Greg Camarillo and Devin Aromashodu had good days, catching just about everything that was thrown their way, even when tightly covered. Aromashodu made the catch of the day, hauling in a long, 35-yard Christian Ponder pass while sprinting toward the right sideline.
Ponder also showed that Joe Webb isn't the only quarterback in camp with speed. When he couldn't find a receiver on one play, he tucked the ball in and sprinted around left end for a 20-yard gain.
Head coach Leslie Frazier continues to insist that Webb is focusing just on playing quarterback during training camp but, as in some previous practices, there he was again running a route as a wide receiver. On Wednesday they sent him down to the goal line to try to catch a Hail Mary pass from Donovan McNabb that was batted down by the defense.
On the injury front, safety Tyrell Johnson (hamstring) returned to practice and coach Frazier said he will likely play on Saturday barring any setbacks. Linebacker Kenny Onatolu did not practice but is no longer wearing the walking cast on his left leg.
Check out Thursday's print edition for a Chad Courrier feature on offensive lineman Phil Loadholt and a more extensive training camp notebook.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Quiet day at Vikings camp
Even though the Minnesota Vikings players were in full pads, there wasn't a lot of eye-catching action during Tuesday's morning practice.
Linebacker Chad Greenway made a couple of interceptions during team drills, and in a short-yardage drill, Adrian Peterson made a ridiculous cutback against linebacker Erin Henderson to spring a long run.
Other than that, it was pretty quiet.
Defensive coordinator Fred Pagac held a press conference to tell everyone how much he liked the attidtude of his group, and offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave followed to say that his unit knows what it's doing but needs time to become more precise.
On the injury front, tight end Visanthe Shiancoe and Tyrell Johnson both missed practice with hamstring injuries. Receiver Percy Harvin (ribs) and guard Steve Hutchinson (shoulder) both returned, as did defensive end Adrian Awasom (illness). Safety Simeon Castille continued to do some running on the adjacent field, though his injury has not been reported.
Check out Wednesday's print edition to see what Jim Rueda writes about new nose guard Remi Ayodele. There will also be an AP story on Cedric Griffin as well as other notes from both practice sessions.
Linebacker Chad Greenway made a couple of interceptions during team drills, and in a short-yardage drill, Adrian Peterson made a ridiculous cutback against linebacker Erin Henderson to spring a long run.
Other than that, it was pretty quiet.
Defensive coordinator Fred Pagac held a press conference to tell everyone how much he liked the attidtude of his group, and offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave followed to say that his unit knows what it's doing but needs time to become more precise.
On the injury front, tight end Visanthe Shiancoe and Tyrell Johnson both missed practice with hamstring injuries. Receiver Percy Harvin (ribs) and guard Steve Hutchinson (shoulder) both returned, as did defensive end Adrian Awasom (illness). Safety Simeon Castille continued to do some running on the adjacent field, though his injury has not been reported.
Check out Wednesday's print edition to see what Jim Rueda writes about new nose guard Remi Ayodele. There will also be an AP story on Cedric Griffin as well as other notes from both practice sessions.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Bomar, Bomar ... where art thou, Bomar?
Vikings backup quarterback Rhett Bomar proved to be pretty shifty Monday, leaving practice through a different exit to avoid the media after morning practice.
The 26-year-old Bomar, who signed with the Vikings in December, was arrested on suspicion of third-degree DUI, a gross misdemeanor early Sunday morning. He was arrested at 2:47 a.m. in downtown Mankato, and he spent the day in jail, posting a $12,000 bond before getting released Sunday night.
Coach Leslie Frazier said that Bomar addressed the team before Monday's practice and apologized for his actions. Romar then participated in the practice. However, he did not leave the field through the same exit as he and all the players do every day.
"Hopefully, he can learn from his mistake and move forward," Frazier said. "It's disappointing, but hopefully, it's something we can all learn from."
On the field, there were quite a few injuries to key players, though none were considered serious. Guard Steve Hutchinson missed some snaps with a sore shoulder, and receiver Percy Harvin sat out a couple of periods with sore ribs. Tight end Visanthe Shiancoe pulled up during a passing play, grabbing his hamstring, but he walked off the field and into the locker room with a trainer a few minutes later.
Safety Tyrell Johnson, who is competing for a starting spot at safety, missed the morning practice with a hamstring injury. Safety Simeon Castille, who suffered a leg injury Saturday, did some light running on an adjacent field, and defensive lineman Adrian Awasom was absent because he was sick.
Check out Tuesday's print edition for a story on second-year cornerback Chris Cook, who struggled with injuries last season. There will also be more news from Monday's practices.
The 26-year-old Bomar, who signed with the Vikings in December, was arrested on suspicion of third-degree DUI, a gross misdemeanor early Sunday morning. He was arrested at 2:47 a.m. in downtown Mankato, and he spent the day in jail, posting a $12,000 bond before getting released Sunday night.
Coach Leslie Frazier said that Bomar addressed the team before Monday's practice and apologized for his actions. Romar then participated in the practice. However, he did not leave the field through the same exit as he and all the players do every day.
"Hopefully, he can learn from his mistake and move forward," Frazier said. "It's disappointing, but hopefully, it's something we can all learn from."
On the field, there were quite a few injuries to key players, though none were considered serious. Guard Steve Hutchinson missed some snaps with a sore shoulder, and receiver Percy Harvin sat out a couple of periods with sore ribs. Tight end Visanthe Shiancoe pulled up during a passing play, grabbing his hamstring, but he walked off the field and into the locker room with a trainer a few minutes later.
Safety Tyrell Johnson, who is competing for a starting spot at safety, missed the morning practice with a hamstring injury. Safety Simeon Castille, who suffered a leg injury Saturday, did some light running on an adjacent field, and defensive lineman Adrian Awasom was absent because he was sick.
Check out Tuesday's print edition for a story on second-year cornerback Chris Cook, who struggled with injuries last season. There will also be more news from Monday's practices.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Final week of camp begins Monday
There are just four days of training camp remaining, with full practices in the morning and walk-throughs in the afternoon.
There's a few things to look for over the next week:
Quarterback Donovan McNabb has looked OK but needs to get more comfortable in the system. The receiving corps is nondescript, and every defense is going to focus on Adrian Peterson, so there's more pressure on the QB.
The offensive line is a work in progress, needing serious time to play together. Right guard Anthony Herrera will probably remain on the physically-unable-to-perform list for a couple more weeks, but the other four starters -- tackles Charlie Johnson and Phil Loadholt, guard Steve Hutchinson and center John Sullivan -- aren't likely to change. They will have to play better for this team to succeed.
The defensive secondary also has some moving parts. Cornerback Antoine Winfield is a given, and Cedric Griffin won't likely play in the first two or three preseason games. Chris Cook was the third cornerback on Saturday and will probably start in the preseason opener at Tennessee, but Asher Allen remains in the mix.
At safety, Hussain Abdullah seems cemented at one position, while Jamarca Sanford and Tyrell Johnson are competing at the other. Sanford has made the most noticeable plays so far at training camp.
See you at early practice Monday.
There's a few things to look for over the next week:
Quarterback Donovan McNabb has looked OK but needs to get more comfortable in the system. The receiving corps is nondescript, and every defense is going to focus on Adrian Peterson, so there's more pressure on the QB.
The offensive line is a work in progress, needing serious time to play together. Right guard Anthony Herrera will probably remain on the physically-unable-to-perform list for a couple more weeks, but the other four starters -- tackles Charlie Johnson and Phil Loadholt, guard Steve Hutchinson and center John Sullivan -- aren't likely to change. They will have to play better for this team to succeed.
The defensive secondary also has some moving parts. Cornerback Antoine Winfield is a given, and Cedric Griffin won't likely play in the first two or three preseason games. Chris Cook was the third cornerback on Saturday and will probably start in the preseason opener at Tennessee, but Asher Allen remains in the mix.
At safety, Hussain Abdullah seems cemented at one position, while Jamarca Sanford and Tyrell Johnson are competing at the other. Sanford has made the most noticeable plays so far at training camp.
See you at early practice Monday.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
9,145 fans? Really?
The Minnesota Vikings held their annual night practice Friday at Blakeslee Stadium, with an announced crowd of 9,145 fans.
Don't think they were lying on attendance, but the fans couldn't have been happy with how little action they saw over the two-hour practice. But there were fireworks, and I'm not talking about the scrum between the offense and defense during one full-contact drill.
Coach Leslie Frazier has said that the defense is usually ahead of the offense during the early part of training camp, which makes sense. The offense is installing and perfecting a bunch of new plays, which require timing among all 11 players, while the defense can play with more emotion and just run to the football.
But the defensive line has dominated the offensive line nearly every time the No. 1 units face each other.
The defensive line of ends Jared Allen and Brian Robison and tackles Kevin Williams and Remi Ayodele have caused several sacks, whcih are signaled by a whistle because there's no tackling the quarterbacks.
The offensive line is a work in progress, with three starters back: center John Sullivan, left guard Steve Hutchinson and right tackle Phil Loadholt. Right guard Anthony Herrera is rehabbing a surgically repaired knee and arm, and Chris DeGeare is filling in at that spot. Left tackle Charlie Johnson has only been with the team for six days, three of which he could practice, as he takes over for Bryant McKinnie, who was released this week.
It's too early to get concerned about the offensive line, but Donovan McNabb is not nearly as elusive as he was earlier in his career, and Adrian Peterson can't be an elite running back without room to run.
In case you pay attention to position battles, safety Jamarca Sanford was the starter ahead of Tyrell Johnson, and Chris Cook was the third cornerback in the nickel defense.
Don't think they were lying on attendance, but the fans couldn't have been happy with how little action they saw over the two-hour practice. But there were fireworks, and I'm not talking about the scrum between the offense and defense during one full-contact drill.
Coach Leslie Frazier has said that the defense is usually ahead of the offense during the early part of training camp, which makes sense. The offense is installing and perfecting a bunch of new plays, which require timing among all 11 players, while the defense can play with more emotion and just run to the football.
But the defensive line has dominated the offensive line nearly every time the No. 1 units face each other.
The defensive line of ends Jared Allen and Brian Robison and tackles Kevin Williams and Remi Ayodele have caused several sacks, whcih are signaled by a whistle because there's no tackling the quarterbacks.
The offensive line is a work in progress, with three starters back: center John Sullivan, left guard Steve Hutchinson and right tackle Phil Loadholt. Right guard Anthony Herrera is rehabbing a surgically repaired knee and arm, and Chris DeGeare is filling in at that spot. Left tackle Charlie Johnson has only been with the team for six days, three of which he could practice, as he takes over for Bryant McKinnie, who was released this week.
It's too early to get concerned about the offensive line, but Donovan McNabb is not nearly as elusive as he was earlier in his career, and Adrian Peterson can't be an elite running back without room to run.
In case you pay attention to position battles, safety Jamarca Sanford was the starter ahead of Tyrell Johnson, and Chris Cook was the third cornerback in the nickel defense.
They're not just standing around out there
Another hot but breezy morning practice for the Vikings on Saturday. The hour-long walk-through included a drop-back drill for all four quarterbacks who practiced their footwork and pivot.
Much of the session looked like 22 guys working on special teams and the other 60-plus guys standing around watching. Head coach Leslie Frazier said that may be what it looks like but that the walk-throughs are beneficial to the team in terms of gauging concentration levels and building attention to detail.
The walk-through will be in sharp contrast to what takes place tonight when the team moves inside Blakeslee Stadium for a workout from 7-8:55 p.m. labeled Family Football Night. The practice will include a lot of full-contact drills.
The Vikings plan to do a number of situational football workouts this evening. Among them will be a red zone drill in which the offense will try to score touchdowns while the defense tries to hold the opposition to a field goal.
There will also be a back-up drill, where the offense starts on the minus-3 yard line and tries to get out of that hole while the defense tries to keep the players pinned back.
Another will be what Frazier calls the four-minute period. The drill entails the offense trying to hold on to the football for the final four minutes by controlling the clock, running the football, converting first downs, In essence the players are keeping the defense from having to go back on the field and thereby winning the game.
From a defensive standpoint in the same drill, the players must try to find a way to get the ball back and allow the offense to get back on the field and win the game.
Tonight's workout is free and will conclude with a fireworks display.
Much of the session looked like 22 guys working on special teams and the other 60-plus guys standing around watching. Head coach Leslie Frazier said that may be what it looks like but that the walk-throughs are beneficial to the team in terms of gauging concentration levels and building attention to detail.
The walk-through will be in sharp contrast to what takes place tonight when the team moves inside Blakeslee Stadium for a workout from 7-8:55 p.m. labeled Family Football Night. The practice will include a lot of full-contact drills.
The Vikings plan to do a number of situational football workouts this evening. Among them will be a red zone drill in which the offense will try to score touchdowns while the defense tries to hold the opposition to a field goal.
There will also be a back-up drill, where the offense starts on the minus-3 yard line and tries to get out of that hole while the defense tries to keep the players pinned back.
Another will be what Frazier calls the four-minute period. The drill entails the offense trying to hold on to the football for the final four minutes by controlling the clock, running the football, converting first downs, In essence the players are keeping the defense from having to go back on the field and thereby winning the game.
From a defensive standpoint in the same drill, the players must try to find a way to get the ball back and allow the offense to get back on the field and win the game.
Tonight's workout is free and will conclude with a fireworks display.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Peterson shines at physical afternoon practice
At one point during the afternoon practice, in a short-yardage drill, Minnesota Vikings coach Leslie Frazier said he looked at running backs coach James Saxon, who asked if it was OK with him that running back Adrian Peterson take part in the full-contact drill.
"Yes, I am," Frazier said, cracking a big smile.
Frazier, the former defensive coordinator, was clearly pleased with the full-contact workout, smiling as he left the practice field. The team did several short-yardage drills, with the defense stuffing nearly every play. On one, however, Toby Gerhart broke around the right end and dived past the pylon just before the defense pushed him out.
Peterson did show off his receiving skills, making two catches on patterns down the sideline. "That's something he wants to do," Frazier said. "He wants to stay in the game on third down, and to do that, he has to do what he did today."
Peterson returned to practice Friday after missing three days to be with his fiancee for the birth of the couple's son.
Quarterback Joe Webb made several good throws Friday, including the one to Peterson. On a 50-yard pass, he hit Jaymar Johnson, who made a diving catch in the end zone.
Rookie quarterba ck Christian Ponder wasn't so good, throwing one pass right to cornerback Devon Torrence, who would have scored an easy touchdown. "It's called being a rookie in the National Football League," Frazier said. "There's going to be other days like that, and he's going to have a lot of good days, too."
The physical practice did incite a couple minors scraps between players. Tackle Phil Loadholt and rookie defensive end D'Aundre Reed had a short flareup, followed by another between receiver Percy Harvin and safety Eric Frampton.
Linebacker Kenny Onatolu continues to wear a walking boot on his injured ankle. Rookie cornerback Marcell Gipson left camp to attend to a family problem.
"Yes, I am," Frazier said, cracking a big smile.
Frazier, the former defensive coordinator, was clearly pleased with the full-contact workout, smiling as he left the practice field. The team did several short-yardage drills, with the defense stuffing nearly every play. On one, however, Toby Gerhart broke around the right end and dived past the pylon just before the defense pushed him out.
Peterson did show off his receiving skills, making two catches on patterns down the sideline. "That's something he wants to do," Frazier said. "He wants to stay in the game on third down, and to do that, he has to do what he did today."
Peterson returned to practice Friday after missing three days to be with his fiancee for the birth of the couple's son.
Quarterback Joe Webb made several good throws Friday, including the one to Peterson. On a 50-yard pass, he hit Jaymar Johnson, who made a diving catch in the end zone.
Rookie quarterba ck Christian Ponder wasn't so good, throwing one pass right to cornerback Devon Torrence, who would have scored an easy touchdown. "It's called being a rookie in the National Football League," Frazier said. "There's going to be other days like that, and he's going to have a lot of good days, too."
The physical practice did incite a couple minors scraps between players. Tackle Phil Loadholt and rookie defensive end D'Aundre Reed had a short flareup, followed by another between receiver Percy Harvin and safety Eric Frampton.
Linebacker Kenny Onatolu continues to wear a walking boot on his injured ankle. Rookie cornerback Marcell Gipson left camp to attend to a family problem.
Ho hum, another walk-through
The new collective-bargaining agreement stipulates that teams can't have two full-contact practices in a day, which means one of the workouts will be a walk-through, in shorts, T-shirts and caps.
On Friday, that was the morning practice, and anyone who paid to get into the practice-field stands should get their money back. To say that nothing interesting for fans happens at these practrices doesn't quite capture the depth of dull in that hour.
Of course, at a press conference after practice, defensive coordinator Fred Pagac rejoiced in how much technique and teaching was accomplished.
Of the newsworthy things Pagac offered, cornerback Cedric Griffin has made good progress from his knee injury, and he anticipates Griffin being the starter in the season-opener at San Diego. Hussain Abdullah is the starting safety, with Jamarca Sanford and Tyrell Johnson competing for the other safety spot, tthough he sees all three rotating.
Pagac hopes that Kevin Williams isn't suspended for the first four games, but if he is, a rotation of Remi Ayodele, Letroy Guion and Fred Evans will be used at the two defensive tackle spots.
Running back Adrian Peterson returned to practice. He left Mankato on Monday to be with his fiancee, who gave birth to a son Tuesday.
There was a transaction as the Vikings added defensive tackle Colby Whitlock, a rookie from Texas Tech. The 6-foot-2, 302-pound Whitlock, who made 57 tackles last season with two sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss, and another player were put through a tryout Thursday on one of the practice fields. Receiver Ryan Lincoln was released.
The afternoon practice, scheduled from 3-5:30 p.m., is expected to include contact, which should make it more interesting, though no one should have to pay anything to watch.
On Friday, that was the morning practice, and anyone who paid to get into the practice-field stands should get their money back. To say that nothing interesting for fans happens at these practrices doesn't quite capture the depth of dull in that hour.
Of course, at a press conference after practice, defensive coordinator Fred Pagac rejoiced in how much technique and teaching was accomplished.
Of the newsworthy things Pagac offered, cornerback Cedric Griffin has made good progress from his knee injury, and he anticipates Griffin being the starter in the season-opener at San Diego. Hussain Abdullah is the starting safety, with Jamarca Sanford and Tyrell Johnson competing for the other safety spot, tthough he sees all three rotating.
Pagac hopes that Kevin Williams isn't suspended for the first four games, but if he is, a rotation of Remi Ayodele, Letroy Guion and Fred Evans will be used at the two defensive tackle spots.
Running back Adrian Peterson returned to practice. He left Mankato on Monday to be with his fiancee, who gave birth to a son Tuesday.
There was a transaction as the Vikings added defensive tackle Colby Whitlock, a rookie from Texas Tech. The 6-foot-2, 302-pound Whitlock, who made 57 tackles last season with two sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss, and another player were put through a tryout Thursday on one of the practice fields. Receiver Ryan Lincoln was released.
The afternoon practice, scheduled from 3-5:30 p.m., is expected to include contact, which should make it more interesting, though no one should have to pay anything to watch.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
At the stroke of 4, let the practice begin
It's been an odd offseason in the NFL, and the first three days of training camp were unusual, with the limited activity and all the players with new contracts standing on the sidelines, only allowed to watch.
But Thursday was the day when the entire team could practice ... if the collective bargaining agreement was ratified by the players. The Vikings switched practice times so that the main, 2 1/2-hour workout would be conducted in the afternoon, after the CBA was approved.
But players voted 'til 3 p.m., then took the field as the results were forwarded to union leaders. By 4 p.m., the CBA was ratified, and all players were eligible for practice, signaled by Donovan McNabb's first pass to one of the assistant coaches, which was met by cheers from the biggest crowd so far at camp..
"It felt good to have our whole team together," coach Leslie Frazier said. "It was a good, spirited practice. It was a good start for our football team."
McNabb was the center of attention. His first pass in a team drill was a long touchdown to Bernard Berrian. His next throw was intercepted by Jamarca Sanford.
"Made a lot of big plays today, but also plays we wanted back and to get changed," McNabb said. "That's what film is for. It's a good start for us."
McNabb, Berrian and Jenkins had been working out Monday and Tuesday at Mankato West's Todnem Field, trying to build some chemistry.
"The fact that Donovan took the lead in that is a good sign for our football team," Frazier said.
There were a couple of things to be learned from the first full-squad practice. Free agent Charlie Johnson took over at left tackle, replacing Bryant McKinnie, and second-year Chris DeGeare was at right guard, with Anthony Herrera sidelined as he rehabs from knee surgery. Veteran Ryan Cook was signed Wednesday as competition for the right-guard position.
Frazier said that Phil Loadholt will remain at right tackle and not be tested at left tackle. "We think he can be an outstanding right tackle in our league," he said. "We don't want to weaken that position.
Running back Adrian Peterson was flying back to Minneapolis Thursday and should be at practice Friday, Frazier said. He's been gone as his fiancee gave birth to the couple's son.
But Thursday was the day when the entire team could practice ... if the collective bargaining agreement was ratified by the players. The Vikings switched practice times so that the main, 2 1/2-hour workout would be conducted in the afternoon, after the CBA was approved.
But players voted 'til 3 p.m., then took the field as the results were forwarded to union leaders. By 4 p.m., the CBA was ratified, and all players were eligible for practice, signaled by Donovan McNabb's first pass to one of the assistant coaches, which was met by cheers from the biggest crowd so far at camp..
"It felt good to have our whole team together," coach Leslie Frazier said. "It was a good, spirited practice. It was a good start for our football team."
McNabb was the center of attention. His first pass in a team drill was a long touchdown to Bernard Berrian. His next throw was intercepted by Jamarca Sanford.
"Made a lot of big plays today, but also plays we wanted back and to get changed," McNabb said. "That's what film is for. It's a good start for us."
McNabb, Berrian and Jenkins had been working out Monday and Tuesday at Mankato West's Todnem Field, trying to build some chemistry.
"The fact that Donovan took the lead in that is a good sign for our football team," Frazier said.
There were a couple of things to be learned from the first full-squad practice. Free agent Charlie Johnson took over at left tackle, replacing Bryant McKinnie, and second-year Chris DeGeare was at right guard, with Anthony Herrera sidelined as he rehabs from knee surgery. Veteran Ryan Cook was signed Wednesday as competition for the right-guard position.
Frazier said that Phil Loadholt will remain at right tackle and not be tested at left tackle. "We think he can be an outstanding right tackle in our league," he said. "We don't want to weaken that position.
Running back Adrian Peterson was flying back to Minneapolis Thursday and should be at practice Friday, Frazier said. He's been gone as his fiancee gave birth to the couple's son.
Walk-through is more about who's not the field
The Minnesota Vikings held a walk-through Thursday morning and will be in full pads this afternoon.
While most of the players stood around, there were plenty of dignitaries on the sidelines. Owners Zygi Wilf and Mark Wilf were at training camp for the first time, and there were a few state legislators on hand, no doubt geeting wooed by the Vikings, who still hope to get a new stadium deal through a special session this summer.
U.S. Senator Al Franken also stopped by practice as part of a tour of south-central Minnesota.
A group of NFL officials also attended practice.
It was unusual to see quarterback Joe Webb, lending a few tips to Donovan McNabb, as the quarterbacks worked together.
While other players watched from the sidelines, veteran guard Steve Hutchinson was working on technique with offensive line coach Jeff Davidson.
It was odd to see the team work on pooch kicks and onside kicks without using a ball.
We'll be back with some thoughts after the afternoon practice.
While most of the players stood around, there were plenty of dignitaries on the sidelines. Owners Zygi Wilf and Mark Wilf were at training camp for the first time, and there were a few state legislators on hand, no doubt geeting wooed by the Vikings, who still hope to get a new stadium deal through a special session this summer.
U.S. Senator Al Franken also stopped by practice as part of a tour of south-central Minnesota.
A group of NFL officials also attended practice.
It was unusual to see quarterback Joe Webb, lending a few tips to Donovan McNabb, as the quarterbacks worked together.
While other players watched from the sidelines, veteran guard Steve Hutchinson was working on technique with offensive line coach Jeff Davidson.
It was odd to see the team work on pooch kicks and onside kicks without using a ball.
We'll be back with some thoughts after the afternoon practice.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Vikings change Thursday's schedule
The Vikings have switched their practice times for Thursday and will do a walk-through from 9 to 10 a.m. and their first full-pad practice from 3 to 5:30 p.m. The autograph zone will be open following the afternoon practice.
Linebacker Onatolu sidelined
The humidity finally broke at the Minnesota State practice fields Wednesday. Despite temperatures in the 90s, a cool breeze kept things much more comfortable for the players than the previous two days. The low humidity came just in time as head coach Leslie Frazier put the squad through a near 2 1/2-hour morning workout.
Third-year linebacker Kenny Onatolu became the first casualty of training camp this week (Bryant McKinnie not withstanding) when he showed up to Wednesday's morning practice with a walking cast on his left leg. The extent of his injury is unknown and Onatolu had to watch the extended practice session from the sidelines.
Onatolu, a product of the University of Nebraska-Omaha, is not among the more familiar names of Vikings players but that could change. Head coach Leslie Frazier said earlier in the week that Onatolu was battling Erin Henderson for the starting linebacker spot held last year by Ben Leber.
Speaking of McKinnie, it didn't take long for the Vikings to re-issue his number. By Wednesday morning, new free-agent signee Charlie Johnson, an offensive lineman who played for Indianapolis the last five years, was wearing McKinnie's No. 74. Johnson's previous number (73) was given to Scott Kooistra, an eighth-year free-agent pickup out of North Carolina State.
Although the morning workout was held without full pads, the offense and defense went at each other in 11-on-11 drills with some pretty good contact.
The biggest hit of the workout didn't come from a defensive player, however. Moments after catching a pass on a sideline route, Percy Harvin crashed into the large purple pads surrounding the scissor lift used for filming practices and bounced back hard off his left shoulder. Harvin shook it off quickly, running a fly pattern down the right sideline and catching the ball on his very next turn in the receiver rotation.
The Vikings practiced twice Wednesday afternoon and will continue with two more practices Thursday. Quarterback Donovan McNabb and a host of other newcomers are expected to participate in their first Vikings' practice Thursday morning.
Third-year linebacker Kenny Onatolu became the first casualty of training camp this week (Bryant McKinnie not withstanding) when he showed up to Wednesday's morning practice with a walking cast on his left leg. The extent of his injury is unknown and Onatolu had to watch the extended practice session from the sidelines.
Onatolu, a product of the University of Nebraska-Omaha, is not among the more familiar names of Vikings players but that could change. Head coach Leslie Frazier said earlier in the week that Onatolu was battling Erin Henderson for the starting linebacker spot held last year by Ben Leber.
Speaking of McKinnie, it didn't take long for the Vikings to re-issue his number. By Wednesday morning, new free-agent signee Charlie Johnson, an offensive lineman who played for Indianapolis the last five years, was wearing McKinnie's No. 74. Johnson's previous number (73) was given to Scott Kooistra, an eighth-year free-agent pickup out of North Carolina State.
Although the morning workout was held without full pads, the offense and defense went at each other in 11-on-11 drills with some pretty good contact.
The biggest hit of the workout didn't come from a defensive player, however. Moments after catching a pass on a sideline route, Percy Harvin crashed into the large purple pads surrounding the scissor lift used for filming practices and bounced back hard off his left shoulder. Harvin shook it off quickly, running a fly pattern down the right sideline and catching the ball on his very next turn in the receiver rotation.
The Vikings practiced twice Wednesday afternoon and will continue with two more practices Thursday. Quarterback Donovan McNabb and a host of other newcomers are expected to participate in their first Vikings' practice Thursday morning.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
McKinnie apparently has been cut
Bryant McKinnie set out a tweet Tuesday afternoon that "it's been fun."
According to several sources, the Minnesota Vikings have released the 10-year left tackle, who showed up at training camp looking far heavier than 335 pounds, his weight listed on the roster.
McKinnie had been placed on the non-football injury list, meaning he couldn't participate in team practices but could work out on the side with a trainer. He'd been doing conditioning drills and lifting weights with guard Anthony Herrera, who is rehabbing from knee surgery, for the last two days.
Coach Leslie Frazier had been tight-lipped when talking about McKinnie, never giving the media any reason why McKinnie wasn't practicing with the team.
McKinnie played in 132 games over nine seasons, all with the Vikings, and was voted to the Pro Bowl in 2009. He was the team's first-round draft choice in 2002.
He was already deleted from the team's web site by early Tuesday afternoon, before the team made an announcement.
This move became a possibility when the team signed tackle Charlie Johnson, who had played in 74 games and started 54 over the last five seasons at Indianapolis. Coach Leslie Frazier said that he liked Johnson's versatility at tackle or guard, though it looks like he'll now be penciled in at tackle.
According to several sources, the Minnesota Vikings have released the 10-year left tackle, who showed up at training camp looking far heavier than 335 pounds, his weight listed on the roster.
McKinnie had been placed on the non-football injury list, meaning he couldn't participate in team practices but could work out on the side with a trainer. He'd been doing conditioning drills and lifting weights with guard Anthony Herrera, who is rehabbing from knee surgery, for the last two days.
Coach Leslie Frazier had been tight-lipped when talking about McKinnie, never giving the media any reason why McKinnie wasn't practicing with the team.
McKinnie played in 132 games over nine seasons, all with the Vikings, and was voted to the Pro Bowl in 2009. He was the team's first-round draft choice in 2002.
He was already deleted from the team's web site by early Tuesday afternoon, before the team made an announcement.
This move became a possibility when the team signed tackle Charlie Johnson, who had played in 74 games and started 54 over the last five seasons at Indianapolis. Coach Leslie Frazier said that he liked Johnson's versatility at tackle or guard, though it looks like he'll now be penciled in at tackle.
Competition begins at Vikings camp
Monday's first practice was a glorified walk-through, but on Tuesday, though still in shorts and T-shirts, the Minnesota Vikings held some competitions during 7-on-7 and team drills.
"If that's any indication of where we're going to be when we leave training camp, we're headed in the right direction," coach Leslie Frazier said.
Among the highlights of Tuesday's practice was a deep ball from quarterback Christian Ponder to Jaymar Johnson. Joe Webb, who threw a few high balls, finally connected on a deep pass with Perc y Harvin, who made a diving catch.
"All three (quarterbacks) did a lot of good things today," Frazier said. "It was encouraging to see that they've really improved. Hopefully, they keep getting better."
Defensively, safety Jamarca Sanford made an interception off a deflected pass, and linebacker Jasper Brinkley scooped up a fumbled exchange in the backfield and would have scored a touchdown on the play.
In Frazier's post-practice press conference, he said that when Thursday comes, and all the newly signed players can begin practice, there will be no easing-in period.
"They'll be thrown right in the mix," he said. "That's what they're here to do."
Donavan McNabb is expected to take the No. 1 spot at quarterback, and Frazier said that Remi Ayodele, who was signed as a free agent from New Orleans, will be te starting nose guard. Erin Henderson will get the first shot at the weakside linebeacker spot, replacing Ben Leber.
Running back Adrian Peterson left camp Monday to be with his fiance as she gave birth to their child. Frazier said he hadn't heard if the baby was born yet, and he expected Peterson to return in a couple of days.
Percy Harvin took a lot of reps in the kick return, with Lorenzo Booker and Cord Parks also getting a chance. Jaymar Johnson will join that group in punt returns.
Check out Tuesday's print edition for more on the Vikings, including a look at defensive end Brian Robison, who has a new contract and a chance to be the starter with Ray Edwards having left for Atlanta as a free agent.
"If that's any indication of where we're going to be when we leave training camp, we're headed in the right direction," coach Leslie Frazier said.
Among the highlights of Tuesday's practice was a deep ball from quarterback Christian Ponder to Jaymar Johnson. Joe Webb, who threw a few high balls, finally connected on a deep pass with Perc y Harvin, who made a diving catch.
"All three (quarterbacks) did a lot of good things today," Frazier said. "It was encouraging to see that they've really improved. Hopefully, they keep getting better."
Defensively, safety Jamarca Sanford made an interception off a deflected pass, and linebacker Jasper Brinkley scooped up a fumbled exchange in the backfield and would have scored a touchdown on the play.
In Frazier's post-practice press conference, he said that when Thursday comes, and all the newly signed players can begin practice, there will be no easing-in period.
"They'll be thrown right in the mix," he said. "That's what they're here to do."
Donavan McNabb is expected to take the No. 1 spot at quarterback, and Frazier said that Remi Ayodele, who was signed as a free agent from New Orleans, will be te starting nose guard. Erin Henderson will get the first shot at the weakside linebeacker spot, replacing Ben Leber.
Running back Adrian Peterson left camp Monday to be with his fiance as she gave birth to their child. Frazier said he hadn't heard if the baby was born yet, and he expected Peterson to return in a couple of days.
Percy Harvin took a lot of reps in the kick return, with Lorenzo Booker and Cord Parks also getting a chance. Jaymar Johnson will join that group in punt returns.
Check out Tuesday's print edition for more on the Vikings, including a look at defensive end Brian Robison, who has a new contract and a chance to be the starter with Ray Edwards having left for Atlanta as a free agent.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Vikings Training Camp: Day 1
The first official day of the Leslie Frazier regime took place at Vikings Training Camp Monday with an afternoon practice at the Minnesota State University practice fields.
There were few noticeable changes from the workout sessions held under previous coach Brad Childress except that Monday saw a significant number of players standing around but not participating. That had to do with the rule that prevents recently signed free agents or players acquired by trade from practicing until the NFL Players Union re-certifies itself on Thursday.
Among those in attendance but not participating were quarterback Donovan McNabb (acquired in a trade from Washington), wide receiver Michael Jenkins (signed as a free agent from Atlanta) and defensive tackle Remi Ayodele (signed as a free agent from New Orleans).
Undrafted free agents who were signed last week were allowed to practice right away.
The pecking order for quarterbacks on Day 1 was Joe Webb, followed by Rhett Bomar, followed by rookie No. 1 draft choice Christian Ponder. The team was not dressed in pads so none of the passers had to throw against a live defense.
Webb seemed to have the best command of the offense but Ponder looked fairly sharp in his first appearance. In 11-on-11 drills (against fellow offensive players), Ponder twice hit tight ends in stride going over the middle for 20-25 yard gains.
It will be interesting to see how quickly the QB rotation changes when McNabb joins the group.
Monday was the 10th anniversary of former Vikings' offensive lineman Korey Stringer's death and coach Frazier had the team take a moment of silence before practice to acknowledge his memory.
The Vikings are back in practice at 9 a.m. Tuesday for a two-hour workout. There will be no afternoon practice.
There were few noticeable changes from the workout sessions held under previous coach Brad Childress except that Monday saw a significant number of players standing around but not participating. That had to do with the rule that prevents recently signed free agents or players acquired by trade from practicing until the NFL Players Union re-certifies itself on Thursday.
Among those in attendance but not participating were quarterback Donovan McNabb (acquired in a trade from Washington), wide receiver Michael Jenkins (signed as a free agent from Atlanta) and defensive tackle Remi Ayodele (signed as a free agent from New Orleans).
Undrafted free agents who were signed last week were allowed to practice right away.
The pecking order for quarterbacks on Day 1 was Joe Webb, followed by Rhett Bomar, followed by rookie No. 1 draft choice Christian Ponder. The team was not dressed in pads so none of the passers had to throw against a live defense.
Webb seemed to have the best command of the offense but Ponder looked fairly sharp in his first appearance. In 11-on-11 drills (against fellow offensive players), Ponder twice hit tight ends in stride going over the middle for 20-25 yard gains.
It will be interesting to see how quickly the QB rotation changes when McNabb joins the group.
Monday was the 10th anniversary of former Vikings' offensive lineman Korey Stringer's death and coach Frazier had the team take a moment of silence before practice to acknowledge his memory.
The Vikings are back in practice at 9 a.m. Tuesday for a two-hour workout. There will be no afternoon practice.
Video: Vikings check in
Here is Emily Valerio's Free Press video on the Vikings' move-in day:
Vikings Training Camp 2011 from Mankato Free Press on Vimeo.
Vikings Training Camp 2011 from Mankato Free Press on Vimeo.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)