Viktor
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- Mar 19, 2019
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Here are three observations from Wednesday's session presented by Minnesota Eye Consultants, the Proud Ophthalmology Partner of the Minnesota Vikings:
1. Kendricks shines on defense
Vikings linebacker Eric Kendricks was a First-Team All-Pro selection in 2019, and likely would have garnered the honor again in 2020 if he didn't miss the final five games with an injury.
He showed Wednesday that he is already in midseason form, as the seventh-year linebacker was the star of the day on defense.
Kendricks' most notable play occurred in a game-like situation at the end of practice when he intercepted Kirk Cousins. Kendricks dropped into coverage and smoothly kept going before leaping up to snag the pick about 20 yards downfield.
The former Pro Bowler also impressed during goal-to-go situations, as he bottled up Dalvin Cook on a short pass and later denied Tyler Conklin a touchdown with airtight coverage.
The always-energetic Kendricks was deservedly fired up after that play, which capped a strong sequence for the defense.
Minnesota's first-team defense kept the offense out of the end zone on four different tries from inside of the 10-yard line, with Kendricks leading the way.
2. An update on special teams
Although Wednesday's session ran for a little more than an hour, the Vikings were still able to get in some special teams work.
The highlight came on the final play of practice, as kicker Greg Joseph nailed a 50-yard attempt. It was his lone field goal try in a team drill Wednesday. Andrew DePaola was the long snapper with Britton Colquitt holding.
Ameer Abdullah, K.J. Osborn, Chad Beebe, Kene Nwangwu, Bisi Johnson and Ihmir Smith-Marsette each took punt return reps in the early portion of practice.
Abdullah and Osborn each took a rep at punt returner in team drills, with both catching the punt cleanly and gaining a few yards on their respective returns.