Offense will get another chance at goal line

One of these days, the morning walk-through will create a great buzz, and exciting news will be made. Today, however, was not one of those days.

Offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave said the afternoon practice will feature another short-yardage/goal-line period with live tackling. On Tuesday, the defense dominated that period, and Musgrave said he was concerned that a couple linebackers were allowed to get into the backfield and put a pretty good hit on the runner.

"I think we walked off the field thinking that we didn't put our best foot forward," Musgrave said. "Sometimes, you get it handed to you, and sometimes you have success."

Musgrave also talked about how much more focused and consistent receiver Jerome Simpson seems to be. Last season, it seemed like he did more talking and less catching, but he's been quiet and effective this camp.

Special teams coordinator Mike Priefer, a more dynamic speaker, gets all fired up when you start asking about his players.

He's excited about Cordarrelle Patterson's potential as a kick returner, he trusts Marcus Sherels and loves his fearlessness on punt returns, and he hopes that he never loses Andrew Sendejo to a full-time starting safety job.

He reiterated how much he loves the Vikings' roster, which he said is full of tough, disciplined players who love to play football. Those are the kind of guys he likes to coach on special teams.