Viktor
Well-known member
- Mar 19, 2019
- 2,552
- 0
4. Importance of game-like situations | By Eric Smith
Zimmer has incorporated game-like situations into training camp practices in recent years, but those drills are as important as ever with no preseason games in 2020.
Minnesota simulated the final 10 minutes of a fourth quarter Sunday and played an entire quarter Tuesday, giving veterans, young players and coaches more exposure to game-like situations.
There's been some give-and-take in those sessions — scoring drives led by Kirk Cousins mixed with forced three-and-outs by the first-team defense — but all of those plays have been valuable.
So, too, have smaller game-like situations, whether it's a 2-minute drill or a last-second pass breakup in the end zone by safety Anthony Harris.
The Vikings will likely continue those sequences — Zimmer noted they will implement them in Friday's practice at U.S. Bank Stadium — all with the hope of determining the best 53-man roster before the Sept. 13 season opener against the Packers.
5. Running backs are Cookin' | By Lindsey Young
The Vikings returned their core group of running backs from 2019, and they've impressed throughout training camp.
Since taking on an increased work load beginning in the team's second practice in full pads, Dalvin Cook has been movin' and groovin' per usual, finding holes to slip through during team drills and catching passes from Kirk Cousins. Cook's energy on the gridiron never ceases, and it's clearly contagious for his teammates, as well.
Alexander Mattison garnered attention during his rookie campaign, and he's back in Year 2 having taken another step forward. Don't be surprised if you see him set a block on one play and dodge – or hurdle – a defender with the ball in his arms on the very next snap.
Add Ameer Abdullah and Mike Boone to the mix, and you've got a running backs group that isn't short on talent.
Oh, and don't forget about fullback C.J. "The Hammer" Ham, who's shown the ability to play multiple roles in Kubiak's offense.