3 Observations: Defense Steals Show with 3 INTs at Tuesday’s Practice

[Viktor]

EAGAN, Minn. — Another day of work is complete for the Vikings.


Minnesota practiced for roughly two hours in full pads on Tuesday afternoon at Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center.


The Vikings have their preseason opener Friday night in New Orleans against the Saints. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. (CT).


Of the 87 players who do not have a Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) or Non-Football Injury (NFI) designation, tackle Brian O’Neill, tackle Aviante Collins, guard Tyler Catalina and defensive end Ade Aruna did not practice. Linval Joseph and Shamar Stephen did not participate in team periods.


Here are three observations from Tuesday’s session:


1. Active hands


The defense was in fine form Tuesday, as three different players recorded an interception on the day.


Cornerback Trae Waynes intercepted Kirk Cousins on a tipped pass, and his return would have at least put the ball in the red zone, and might have gone all the way.


Linebacker Reshard Cliett had a takeaway inside the 10-yard line, as he corralled a Sean Mannion pass that defensive end Stephen Weatherly batted.


And cornerback Craig James showed great speed and ball skills when he picked off Jake Browning. James was step-for-step with Jeff Badet when he dove and hauled in the pass almost 50 yards downfield.


Minnesota’s first-team defense also came up big in a situational 2-minute drill when they stymied the offense at their own 40-yard line with a turnover on downs.