After Further Review: Conklin's Versatility Helps Land Big Completions

[Viktor]

Conklin's first score occurred in his 45th career game, a contest in which he played 44 offensive snaps as the Vikings were without 10-year pro Kyle Rudolph for a second consecutive game.


The 2018 fifth-round pick heaped credit toward Rudolph for the way he has passed along knowledge to the position group. He said he wants to continue to improve as an "all-around tight end."


"I think the big thing for me is being able to get consistent reps," Conklin said. "When you're out there and you're playing 40, 50 snaps and able to get into a rhythm of how a game is being played, how a defense is being played, it's completely different than playing 10 or 15 snaps where you're kind of in and out, maybe two or three plays a quarter, something like that. It's a lot easier to grow and become comfortable and build confidence when you're in a flow of a game and get a chance to go and play those higher snap counts."


Here's a recap of the two long catches by Conklin.


Q3, 4:54 remaining — First-and-10 at the Chicago 49


The Vikings have just gotten a gain of 26 on a pass from Kirk Cousins to Justin Jefferson.


Minnesota uses 12 personnel with Dalvin Cook at running back and tight ends Conklin and Irv Smith, Jr. The Vikings also have receivers Adam Thielen and Jefferson in the game.


Cousins lines up under center, and Minnesota uses play-action by faking a run to the left, drawing Bears safety Eddie Jackson to the middle of the field. Conklin blocks linebacker Barkevious Mingo, then releases. Mingo chases Cousins, who is bootlegging, but doesn't have enough time to affect the throw to Conklin.