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Minnesota Vikings are on to Cincinnati

By Ryan Palmer

Aug 1, 2016; Mankato, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer (left) gestures with head athletic trainer Eric Sugarman (right) during a weather delay at training camp session at Minnesota State University. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 1, 2016; Mankato, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer (left) gestures with head athletic trainer Eric Sugarman (right) during a weather delay at training camp session at Minnesota State University. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Minnesota Vikings are wrapping up the team’s annual trip to Mankato. At 10:00 AM the Vikings will break from practice to begin packing for their joint practices with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Where does the time go? After 31 hours on the practice field, countless individual training sessions, and tedious meetings, the Minnesota Vikings are rolling out of Minnesota State and heading south.

On to Cincinnati…

Thanks to the close relationship between Mike Zimmer and Marvin Lewis the Minnesota Vikings will have a chance to thump pads with players other than their own teammates. Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis seems to love the idea, saying…

"“You put yourself on the field with another team and let the competitive juices flow a little bit. And it’s great that we could work this out with Zim.”"

What the Minnesota Vikings hope to accomplish-

Coach Zim mentioned he was looking forward to seeing the competition between both teams most talented guys. Specifically referencing players like A.J. Green, Jeremy Hill, Giovani Bernard, and Geno Atkins.

Minnesota Viking’ fans would love to see how Trae Waynes will hold up against A.J. Green in a seven-on-seven drill. For Mackensie Alexander this may be his first opportunity to square off against an upper echelon NFL receiver in simulated live action.

It will be exciting to watch Laquon Treadwell actually get to finish a play. The physical first round draft pick has been somewhat limited in what he can do to his fellow Vikings at camp. At 6’3, and 220 pounds, Treadwell could earn a pancake block or two while taking on much smaller CB’s run blocking.

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Geno Atkins is one of the best three-technique defensive lineman in the league. How will Alex Boone, Joe Berger, and Brandon Fusco hold up? John Sullivan will get his first real test since attempting to comeback from a back injury. Lots of question marks surrounding the Vikes offensive line, Tony Sparano will have his hand’s full.

One major focal point the Minnesota Vikings defense has been working on is putting opponents in third and long. Mike Zimmer’s scheme can manufacture QB pressure through blitzing, but Zimmer may not have to send the house this season. Minnesota will have one of the best defensive fronts in football.

Everson Griffen may lead the NFL in sacks in 2016. Add Danielle Hunter, Brian Robison, Tom Johnson, Anthony Barr and Sharrif Floyd to the mix, and the Vikings will be able to tee off on opposing quarterbacks. Jeremy Hill and Giovani Bernard will be a great test against this group. The Cincy running duo is ranked 12th on Pro Football Focus rankings of all 32 NFL running back units. (Minnesota Vikings ranked 5th)

Next: Minnesota Timberwolves: Get on the Bandwagon

The preseason opener is almost upon us! Is anyone else looking forward to Friday, SKOL!

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