Minnesota Vikings: forecasting a successful preseason

The Minnesota Vikings are beginning week number two of training camp down in Mankato. How is this 2016 Vikings’ squad shaping up heading into Fridays preseason opener versus the Cincinnati Bengals?

Three weeks ago I wrote an article for The Viking Age discussing situations that would foreshadow a successful Minnesota Vikings preseason at every position group.

The Vikings first preseason game is less than a week away. Here is a look at where each offense-defense-special teams units are holding up against early camp expectations.

Quarterbacks-

Teddy Bridgewater should look like a polished veteran coming out of camp. I’ll be looking to see how in control of the offense he appears to be in the four games leading up to the Tennessee Titans. A couple deep completions would be terrific but Teddy has proven he can win with his current skill-set. Finishing drives in the Red Zone seemed to plague this team, especially against the Seahawks in the playoffs. Teddy and company should be looking to score touchdowns instead of settling for field goals this preseason.

Teddy started camp on fire, but those flames have been doused as of late. During Friday’s red-zone drill Bridgewater was picked off twice by the defense. One of those interceptions was snatched by defensive end Brian Robison, who slipped into coverage unnoticed.

Let us hope hard work during week number two of camp can lead to some TD’s inside the twenty against Cincy.

Wide Receivers-

Opposing teams seemed to figure out Stefon Diggs a little bit after some early progress. Look for the second year standout to work on staying relevant in the offense during the preseason. This position group is lacking a strong leader and the Minnesota Vikings chose not to bring in any veteran wideouts, instead trusting in players like Adam Theilen and Charles Johnson. Does Laquon Treadwell get involved early on? Now would be a good time for Cordarrelle Patterson to step up and finally shine as a receiver.

Adam Thielen appears to be rising on the depth chart. Thielen has been consistently running with the first team offense. The Minnesota native’s hard work and dedication has been paying off, hopefully rubbing off on his young teammates on the outside. David Morgan is turning some heads since getting to practice in full pads.

Cordarrelle Patterson missed some valuable practice time due to injury, but returned to light duty on Friday. Hopefully Patterson can pick up where he left off.

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Running Backs-

Jerick Mckinnon may be on the verge of a great career. Although he’s stuck behind a work-horse, Jerick will have the opportunity to show off his talents in July and August, keeping Peterson healthy and happy until the season opener. Mckinnon averaged 5.2 yards per carry in 2015, and hasn’t fumbled in 165 rushing attempts. It will be interesting to see what he can do behind a revamped offensive line. The Vikings may find out if they already have AD’s successor on the current roster.

The injury bug has bitten this position group early, giving youngster Jhurell Pressley a chance to shine. Perhaps there maybe more competition at running back than first expected. Matt Asiata is to versatile to cut, especially with such a low roster cost. Could Zach Line be the odd man out?

Offensive Line-

Can Tony Sparano find that magical combination on the front line. As a group, I’m looking for more physical play, taking to Mike Zimmer’s tough guy mentality. Staying healthy will also be a positive sign. The Vikings brought in new strength and conditioning coach Brent Salazar to help reduce injuries that decimated the offensive line last season. Pass protection was abysmal at times for this group, hopefully the Viking QB’s have time to complete their passes without having to run for cover or throw the ball away.

Yikes. Thank goodness for super-sub Joe Berger. After filling in at center for John Sullivan all of last season it appears Berger will now need to fill the void left at right guard. Brandon Fusco has joined Mike Harris on the injured list, depleting an already shaky unit of another possible starter.

Depth was supposed to be a strength of the offensive line in 2016, but it appears the Vikings still have a lot of patch work to due upfront.

Defensive Line-

This will be one of Minnesota’s strongest assets going into camp. Everson Griffen has double digit sack totals under Mike Zimmer’s first two seasons. Linval Joseph is one of the top nose tackles in football, and Brian Robison may have had one of his best overall seasons in 2015. Danielle Hunter is turning into a force of his own at 21 years old.

The defensive line has looked impressive early. If this group can stay healthy it may anchor the top defense in the NFL. The Minnesota Vikings will be traveling to Cincinnati later this week for joint practices followed by the August 12^th preseason opener. It will be good for Everson Griffen and crew to face some different competition.

Secondary-

Seeing some stability opposite Harrison Smith, whether it’s Andrew Sendejo, Michael Griffin, Anthony Harris, or rookie Jayron Kearse, someone needs to step up and show consistent play. Trae Waynes having early success on the field would benefit an already stout Minnesota Vikings defense. Although Zimmer has shown that he likes to let his rookie corners sit and learn, Mackensie Alexander’s progression will be interesting to observe.

Things seem to be status quo for the defensive backs. Nobody appears to be taking the reins at safety, leaving Harrison Smith still looking for a steady sidekick. The group as a whole seems to be succeeding early against the Vikings offense.

Special Teams-

I can guarantee Blair Walsh will see a heavy dose of high-pressure field goal attempts. The Vikings are hoping Blair can brush off last seasons playoff miss. Jeff Locke is also looking to improve on a down 2015 as the Vikings punter.

Blair Walsh hit his first eight attempts at camp, causing a huge roar from the crowd. So far, so good.

Injuries-

Finding out what’s ailing Anthony Barr will be on every Vikings fans mind going into next season. Mike Zimmer will remain quiet about his superstar but fans are hoping to see him on the practice field. Phil Loadholt is recovering from a torn Achilles tendon and is looking to battle Andre Smith for the starting right tackle position.

Hoping Tony Sparano can put together a successful line combination with the players he has left. The offensive line is becoming the Vikings’ biggest question mark heading into the first preseason game.

Next: Minnesota Vikings NFC North favorites

The Vikings will host a Saturday night practice under the lights at Blakeslee Stadium in preperation for next weeks battle against the Bengals. Most of the questions thus far are still heavily focused on Teddy Bridgewater and the offense.

Hopefully Teddy and company can be running as smooth as the defense heading into Friday.