Verizon Vikings Training Camp begins! Early questions
By Ryan Palmer
The Minnesota Vikings will kick off their 51st annual Verizon Vikings Training Camp today (July 27th) in Mankato. The players will begin checking in around 10:00 AM, Minnesota Viking’ fans will start salivating around 09:59.
We have waited all summer for this moment. Coming off a successful 2015 season has only heightened the expectations of everyone around Vikings’ nation.
All eyes will be focused on Minnesota State University, a place the Vikings have temporarily called home for over half a century. What are the team’s biggest question marks early in camp?
Phil Loadholt retires, now what…
If this was a surprise to the Vikings I would be shocked. Most of us saw the writing on the wall for Phil. Our friends over at the Viking Age had an article on this very topic, describing the likely circumstances of T.J. Clemmings returning to start at right tackle.
Loadholt’s return was a long shot, but the Vikings are not in freak mode yet. Andre Smith is now the clear front runner to win the starting job. T.J. Clemmings is still likely slated to play the swing tackle, giving both Kalil and Smith a durable backup. Minnesota still has a few roster spots available, we’ll see if they pick up any other reinforcements.
The Vikings still have good depth across the offensive line. Alex Boone should pump some life back into Matt Kalil‘s game. John Sullivan seems to be on track to becoming one-hundred percent healthy. Joe Berger is a solid backup at both center and guard, Mike Harris was respectable all season on the right side. Throw Brandon Fusco in the mix and BAM, no need to hit the panic button.
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Offensive woes…
The Vikings struggles on offense have been discussed all summer. Most of the attention will be focused on Norv Turner and his young protege. All signs are pointing to Norv opening up the playbook a little more. With Cordarrelle Patterson flashing in OTA’s, Teddy may have more talent to work with on the outside than what he originally expected.
Observers will be looking to see Bridgewater letting it loose downfield more in practice. Stefon Diggs has a full season under his belt and Laquon Treadwell says he is feeling fully recovered from his injuries. Mike Zimmer likes the way his team works, let’s see if it pays off. If not, Adrian Peterson may have a secret that could change everything.
I could no longer withhold this from you all! My secret is out... I am Donatello pic.twitter.com/XbwpSTiGrP
— Adrian Peterson (@AdrianPeterson) July 27, 2016
Who is running with Harrison…
Will it be Andrew “The Hammer” Sendejo, or the more athletic Michael Griffin? Griffin has some catching up to do, but his familiarity with defensive backs coach Jerry Gray should help. Sendejo may be the man early on but Griffin will be on his heels throughout camp. Or will he… It turns out Adrian has company. I’m sensing an early camp theme, cowabunga dudes.
https://twitter.com/Vikings/status/748163430570397697/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Splinter, a.k.a. Mike Zimmer, will have his squad sweating off their shell’s by this time tomorrow.
Next: Minnesota Gophers Football: 2016 Season Preview
Happy football season everyone, it’s finally here!