Training Camp 2014

2 • MSU REPORTER

MINNESOTA VIKINGS TRAINING CAMP ISSUE | 2014

Out of the jungle, into the tundra

MIKE ZIMMER Born: June 5, 1956 Resume: Part of 11 playoff teams, 20 years as an assistant, 14 years as a defensive coordinator Rick Spielman: “I cannot tell you how impressed we have been with Coach Zimmer and his staff from the minute they walked on that field, the first volunteer mini-camp, and to the end of our last mandatory minicamp.”

Adrian Peterson: “I expect him to be tough. He is a hardheaded guy, and he expects the best from us. I definitely expect the intesity to be a little higher than normal. A little more contact than normal just off the feel of what I have of Coach Zimmer and what I feel like he would expect during training camp. Me personally, I am all for that.”

Michael Huerkamp• MSU Reporter New head coach Mike Zimmer takes the stage for a press conference after practice.

ent from the option you chose TIGE HUTCHESON Special Reporter Contributor last time. Who wants to make the same mistake twice?

And that same Law of OppoSay you’ve just gone through a disappointing breakup and sites is responsible for the Minyou’re back on the market. Your nesota Vikings finally giving ex was a polite, quiet, and laid- Mike Zimmer his long overdue back brunette, but one day you chance to pilot his very own prorealized it just wasn’t working fessional football team.

Leslie Frazier was the quiet out. So you hit the town looking for someone new and, of course, brunette. Frazier earned respect are immediately smitten by the by being what his players viewed wild blonde that swears, yells, as “one of the guys.” Frazier had and doesn’t care what anyone played for storied NFL defenses and, even though he spoke softelse thinks.

This, my friends, is the Law ly, his players respected the fact of Opposites -- when making a that Frazier understood them. decision, you tend to favor the He was laid-back and he was a option most dramatically differ- safety blanket for the Vikings

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young talent, opting to develop them slowly and never getting too personal with his words.

And after surprising the country with a playoff appearance in 2012, Frazier guided the team to a 5-10-1 finish in 2013 before his eventual breakup, putting the Vikings back on the twice metaphorical market.

Enter the blonde.

Mike Zimmer is not quiet.

Mike Zimmer is not coddling.

And most significantly, Mike Zimmer is not laid-back. No, Mike Zimmer is loud, in-yourface, demanding, and scary intense.

And it might just work.

Leadership takes time. After having his playing career at Illinois State cut short by a neck injury, from 1979 through 2013, for 24 years, Mike Zimmer took his time. He climbed the ladder.

After starting as an Assistant Coach and Defensive Coordinator at Weber State, Zimmer would spend almost 35 years cutting his teeth and jumping from gig to gig, making stops as the Defensive Coordinator with the Washington State Cougars, Dallas Cowboys, Atlanta Falcons, and Cincinnati Bengals, all a little more successful than the last.

Until 2014, when the Minnesota Vikings, fresh off of a disappointing breakup, found exactly what they were looking for in Zimmer. Insiders and authorities all over the Twin Cities and sports media reported from the beginning that the Vikings seemed to like Zimmer from day one, and made it seem like

they knew he was their guy right away. Love at first sight.

After the hiring, even with veteran and experienced head coaches still on the market, the decision was praised as a shrewd one, even by other coaches in the league. Trusting one of the best coordinators of the past couple of decades, a stickler for attitude and fundamentals, with the keys to their franchise was seen as an astute and intelligent move

for a franchise seemingly on the incline.

William Feather once said that “Success seems to be largely a matter of hanging on after others have let go.” Even though he probably won’t dial back the intensity even an ounce, for Zimmer, the opportunity to take the reins of the Minnesota Vikings as the franchise’s ninth head coach means the achievement of a dream longtime in the making for just short of 35 years. In a backstory fit for a sitcom, it seems the Vikings and Zimmer are a perfect match, both ready to stop kissing frogs and finally find a prince.

Now go have fun you two.

Other Notable Coaching Changes: Out -- Bill Musgrave, In -Norv Turner Out – Alan Williams, In --George Edwards

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MINNESOTA VIKINGS TRAINING CAMP ISSUE | 2014

MSU REPORTER • 3

Quarterbacks: Who’s going to start?

RYAN LUND Special Reporter Contributor

QUARTERBACKS Projected Depth Chart: 1) Matt Cassel #16 (1,807 Yards, 11 TD, 9 INT) 2) Teddy Bridgewater #5 (3,970 Yards, 31 TD, 4 INT at Louisville) 3) Christian Ponder #7 (1,648 Yards, 7 TD, 9 INT) Adrian Peterson: “I feel like we have three good quarterbacks right now. Of course, Matt Cassel is our guy with Christian Ponder and Teddy Bridgewater right there behind him, but those guys are looking good as well.”

Mike Zimmer: “I don’t have a starter in mind yet.

They’re going to determine who the starter is on the practice field by how they go about their business out there, by how they perform in the preseason games, and I understand the quarterback is a big situations.”

In just his fourth day at training camp, Minnesota Vikings Teddy Bridgewater has yet to see any game action for the Minnesota Vikings.

And as the crowd at Blakeslee Stadium whooped and cheered the rookie signal-caller through his red zone reps Monday night, Vikings fans appeared to be optimistic about the man that general manager Rick Spielman tabbed to lead the team into the future with the 29th overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft.

“We did pretty extensive research on him,” Spielman said.

“I can tell you that he has been very impressive.”

However, Bridgewater wasn’t the only former first-round quarterback to hit the field Monday night.

But as former Florida State quarterback Christian Ponder tossed an outside strike to tight end Kyle Rudolph, the crowd’s reaction, or lack thereof, was telling.

Where Bridgewater was met with cheers, the Vikings fourthyear quarterback found himself playing to a silent house.

Ponder’s fall from grace may have hit its climax when the Vikings traded back up into the first round to select Bridgewater this spring, but both quarterbacks will ultimately take a back seat -- at least early on.

Standing in front of both high-

Yohanes Ashenafi • MSU Reporter Coming into camp, all three quarterbacks are on equal ground in the starting spot according to head coach Mike Zimmer.

ly touted quarterbacks is veteran Matt Cassel, who slots in at the top of the depth chart, according to head coach Mike Zimmer.

“In my mind I have Cassel as the number one quarterback going into camp; I don’t have a starter in mind yet,” Zimmer said. “They’re going to determine who the starter is on the practice field by how they go about their business out there.”

According to Cassel, the relationship between Minnesota’s three quarterbacks remains strong despite the competition. “[Teddy and I] have had a

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great relationship, and the same goes with myself with Christian Ponder as well,” Cassel said.

“Last year we had a great room and I think that is important because we spend a lot of time together.”

However, while the group appears to have developed a healthy rapport in their short time together, Ponder could soon be the odd man out.

Zimmer intends to turn the Vikings quarterback competition into a two-horse race following the team’s off day on Tuesday.

“These first four days, we’ve

worked three groups,” Turner told NFL.com’s Ian Rapaport.

“We have the day off and we’ll adjust that, probably getting more half and half.”

It isn’t hard to imagine who will be taking the lion’s share of the reps.

Ponder started in nine games for the Vikings in 2013, tossing just seven touchdown passes, while surrendering nine interceptions.

QUARTERBACKS • Page 11

4 • MSU REPORTER

MINNESOTA VIKINGS TRAINING CAMP ISSUE | 2014

Time to put some points on the board NORV TURNER Born: May 17, 1952 Resume: 9 years as an offensive coordinator: Dallas (1991-93), San Diego (2001), Miami (2002-03), San Francisco (2006) and Cleveland (2013).

-Since 2007, his teams ranked in NFL’s top 5 in offensive points three times.

- 114-122-1 career record as a head coach

Web Photo Norv Turner is one of the most successful offensive coordinators in the NFL. That’s no secret.

Mike Zimmer: “He’s an outstanding offensive football coach that is demanding on the players.

He’s got a very innovative mind. He’s alwasy been great at match-ups and trying to get guys in the right place.”

JORDAN YESS Staff Writer Norv Turner has been a well known coach for some time now. He was let go from the San Diego Chargers as their head coach two seasons ago and then later by the Browns as their Offensive Coordina-

tor. With the Vikings revamping their coaching staff, they could not have picked a better offensive coordinator in Turner.

Turner isn’t as accustomed to leaving for training camp but Mankato has made quite the impression on him thus far.

“This is my first time in

about ten years going away to training camp,” said Turner.

“Most teams are doing it at their home facility, this is really nice. I have been extremely impressed here with the facility, the university, the people, obviously the town. This is a great setting and a great environment to get our team ready

to go play when we get ready to go play.”

Head Coach Mike Zimmer has yet to get a solid feel for Turner but is impressed with his history and skills.

“I don’t know what kind of complement he is to me,

TURNER • Page 11

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MINNESOTA VIKINGS TRAINING CAMP ISSUE | 2014

Can Rhodes stop the talented NFC North?

Talented cornerback vies for top spot against fierce league competition.

XAVIER RHODES

JOEY DENTON Sports Editor

Born: June 19, 1990 College: Florida State Drafted: 2013 1st Round (25th overall) 2013 Stats: 48 Tackles, 10 Pass Deflections, 0 INT) Strengths: Size, Speed, Long arms, Tackling

Questions: Will he be able to cover the opponents’s no. 1 receiver every week? Is it too early y in his career to have him the no. 1 cornerback? r

r h

MSU REPORTER • 5

Xavier Rhodes: “The only difference is I d have a year under my belt. , In my first year I didn’t 1 know what to expect, but this time around I do.”

Every position on the football field has it’s own amount of pressure and mental toughness that’s required, but there’s nothing like two superior athletes lining across each other near the sideline with both of them having the same thing on his mind—get the football.

Second year cornerback Xavier Rhodes seems to be the favorite to win the no. 1 cornerback spot for the Vikings and the question is: Is he ready?

We aren’t questioning his athletic ability that’s for sure. It’s just the jump between lining up against division I receivers in the ACC to getting 13 NFL team’s top receiver is bridged by one NFL season that frightens Vikings fans.

Just to put it into perspective, in just six games he will be assigned to cover Calvin Johnson (1,492 yards and 12 touchdowns), Jordy Nelson (1,314 yards and 8 touchdowns) and Brandon Marshall (1,295 yards and 12 touchdowns). There are still 10 games left. The NFC North opponents also possess quarterbacks that are aiming for 4,500 yards and 40 passing touchdowns this season, and they all can.

But Rhodes isn’t worried.

“You have to have confidence at the corner position,” Rhodes said.

The Florida State product was the no. 2 corner for the most part and finished his rookie season with 48 tackles and 10 pass deflections.

With a new roll for him, he is certainly glad that new head coach Mike Zimmer is here to make him better.

“He’s been on me a lot. He sees the potential in me,” Rhodes said.

Rhodes prides himself in being very physical. He’s also very athletic, which are both key to becoming an elite NFL corner.

After months and months of running drills and plays, Rhodes finally got to put the pads on last Sunday and play some football.

“It feels good to put the pads back on. It’s game like, so when you put on the pads you know games are coming soon,” Rhodes said.

What will be different for Rhodes this training camp is now he has expectations. He has expectations for camp, and the coaches have expectations for him to make big strides in the rookie to sophomore year jump.

“The only difference is I have a year under my belt. In my first year I didn’t know what to expect, but this time around I do,” Rhodes said.

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6 • MSU REPORTER

MINNESOTA VIKINGS TRAINING CAMP ISSUE | 2014

Linebackers: Mix and match part 2 DEREK LAMBERT Staff Writer

LINEBACKERS Projected Depth Chart Strong Side Linebacker: 1) Anthony Barr #55 2) Larry Dean #51 3) Dom DeCicco #49 4) Mike Zimmer #59 Middle Linebacker: 1) Audie Cole #57 2) Jasper Brinkley #54 3) Michael Mauti #56 Weak Side Linebacker: 1) Chad Greenway #52 2) Gerald Hodges #54 3) Brandon Watts #58 Biggest Position Battle: Audie Cole (2013 Stats: 45 Tackles, 1 Sack) vs.

Jasper Brinkley (23 Tackles, 1 Pass Deflection)

Photo Courtesy of Associated Press Minnesota Vikings outside linebacker Chad Greenway (52) stretches with teammates during an NFL football training camp practice.

The Minnesota Vikings are hoping they can improve the defense that was their Achilles heel in 2013. The Vikings defense allowed the most points against on average per game and was 31st in the league in total yards against and passing yards against. Like many of the positions, linebackers are far from set in stone for the Vikings.

Through training camp there has been a lot of mixing and matching, trying to see what can work with this defense. Veteran Chad Greenway is a lock to start this season, and it looks like Gerald Hodges will be there too.

However, outside of Greenway, the Vikings don’t have any linebackers who have experience being an every week starter in the NFL. Though Minnesota’s defense likely won’t see an overnight turnover in production, new defensive coordinator George Edwards could help make some changes in order to improve from last season. Edwards comes to the Vikings after being the linebacker coach with Miami in 2013.

“We’re rotating a lot of different guys in a lot of differ-

ent areas,” Edwards said. “We still haven’t said that this guy is at this position or this guy’s the MIKE or this guy’s playing the SAM outside linebacker. So right now, this will be a process as we keep going through camp.

We like the competition. We like the guys that we’ve got. And we know it will work itself out in the end.”

Audi Cole returns this season after starting five games last season and recording 45 tackles in 13 games, including 27 solo tackles. Cole could certainly be in the mix, but he’ll have some competition to earn a starting spot. Michael Mauti and Larry Dean also return from the 2013 Vikings squad, though neither started any games and had a combined 24 tackles last season. Mauti has been known to be injury prone, having three ACL operations in college, so he may be a longshot to be a starter.

The newcomers to this Vikings defense have perhaps the best chance at playing alongside Greenway in 2014. Minnesota brought back former Viking Jasper Brinkley as a free agent after playing for the Arizona Cardinals in 2013. Though Brinkley only started three games in Arizona, he started 15 games

LINEBACKERS • Page 8

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MINNESOTA VIKINGS TRAINING CAMP ISSUE | 2014

MSU REPORTER • 7

Offensive line: Ready for QB protection OFFENSIVE LINE Projected Depth Chart Left Tackle: Matt Kalil #75 Mike Remmers #60 Antonio Richardson #78 Left Guard: Charlie Johnson #74 Jeff Baca #60 David Yankey #66 Center: John Sullivan #65 Zac Kerin #59 Right Guard: Brandon Fusco #63 Vladimir Ducasse #62 Joe Berger #61 Right Tackle: Phil Loadholt #71 Kevin Murphy #68 Pierce Burton #76 2013 Resume: 130.1 Rushing Yards per Game (8th in NFL), 4.9 Rushing Yards per Attempt (2nd), 44 Sacks given up (21st)

JOEY DENTON Sports Editor Every year it seems the Minnesota Vikings offensive line has always been near the top in the rushing game, but seems to have trouble protection the quarterback. That is going to need to change.

A lot of the reasons why they surrendered 44 sacks last season wasn’t entirely their fault. Having four quarterbacks make a start, with one being Christian Ponder and the other being Josh Freeman, it’s hard to get into groove.

That goes for the whole offense.

Whether it’s Matt Cassel, Ponder or Teddy Bridgewater taking the snaps, the offensive line needs to protect them. There is too much talent in the receiving corps to only be able to throw dump passes. The quarterback needs to have that time to find Cordarelle Patterson deep or be able to dump it off to the running back for a good gain.

A good chunk of their success will come from the anchor in left tackle Matt Kalil. The no. 4 overall pick in 2012 is entering his third season, and this will be a true test in whether the team sees him as the backside shield for the Teddy Bridgewater era. Standing at 6-foot-7 308 lbs. he’s got the stature to be that shield.

The tower on the right will be none other than Phil Loadholt.

Standing at 6-foot-8, 343 lbs., he’s one of the best in the league at pushing people out of the way for AP. He too knows how much

talent surrounds them and are excited to see the ball passed around more this season.

“I think you’re going to see a lot of different guys getting the ball. We’ve got a lot of talent, and we’re going to spread it out,” Loadholt said. “And we are still going to do our thing, Vikings offense.”

He has notice a difference in Norv Turner’s offense compared to the previous seasons with previous offensive coordinator Phil Musgrave.

“The terminology is the main thing. There are some new schemes that we have that we

Yohanes Ashenafi • MSU Reporter The offensive line led the way to the Vikings’ 4.9 rushing yards per attempt, which was second in the NFL last season.

OFFENSIVE LINE •Page 8

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MINNESOTA VIKINGS TRAINING CAMP ISSUE | 2014

LINEBACKERS “Though Minnesota’s defense likely won’t see an overnight turnover in production, new defensive coordinator George Edwards could help make some changes in order to improve from last season. ” continued from 6 with the Vikings in 2012 and could again be a dependable linebacker in Minnesota. Brinkley wasn’t the only free agent linebacker brought in this past offseason, though.

Dom DeCicco comes to the Vikings after playing with the Chicago Bears from 2011-2012.

In 20 games with the Bears, DeCicco recorded 12 tackles but never started a game. At 6’4”, 230 lbs. he has plenty of size, but it seems he may just be there for added depth.

Then there’s Mike Zimmer.

No, not the coach, the linebacker. Zimmer failed to make Jacksonville’s roster out of training camp last season, but at 23 years old, he could find the time needed to develop in Minnesota. It could be hard, however, as the Vikings’ first pick of the 2014 NFL Draft will likely make his way to a starting position at some point in 2014.

The Vikings took Anthony Barr out of UCLA with the

ninth pick of this year’s NFL Draft. Barr was a projected top 10 pick, and Minnesota made it happen when they selected him instead of the anticipated and expected quarterback pick.

At 6’5”, 255 lbs., Barr has tremendous size and his strengths are his speed and pass rushing.

Though he may go through an adjustment period getting up to speed of the NFL game, there are some fairly big expectations on Barr to be a force for the Vikings defense, and he should be a starter at some point this coming season.

“We just want to see who will come to the top, competition-wise, and win out the position,” Edwards said. “Going into camp, that’s what you want as a coach. You want things to be unsettled so guys go out there and work hard every day.”

OFFENSIVE LINE “‘I think we played solid as a unit. There are always things that we can improve, which we will try to do now, and just continue to get better week in week out,” Phil Loadholt said. ‘If we can do that like last year, we’ll be alright.”’ continued from 7 didn’t have and vice versa. But terminology is the main thing.”

Charlie Johsnon, who was once a tackle, is going to stick to the guard position this season.

He’s pretty heavy for a guard, but he has proven to be quick enough to pull and strong enough to take on the defensive tackles in the passing game.

The man in the middle is none other than center John Sullivan.

He’s entering his seventh season as a Viking and has been a workhorse through the years, missing just three games since 2009.

Overall, Loadholt feels this squad is good to start out with and is going to continue to improve.

“I think we played solid as a unit. There are always things that we can improve, which we will try to do now, and just continue to get better week in week out,” Loadholt said. “If we can do that like last year, we’ll be alright.”

Trevor Cokley • MSU Reporter

MINNESOTA VIKINGS TRAINING CAMP ISSUE | 2014

MSU REPORTER • 9

Setting the Barr high at training camp JORDAN YESS Staff Writer

ANTHONY BARR Born: March 18, 1992 College: UCLA Drafted: 2014 1st Round (9th overall) 2013 Stats: 66 Tackles, 10 Sacks, 1 Pass Deflection, 6 Forced Fumbles Strengths: Size, Speed, Pass Rush, Tackling, Instincts, Football IQ Questions: Can he cover NFL receivers and tight ends?

Will just two years of linebacker experience make it a tougher transition to the NFL?

George Edwards: “We are excited with the skill set that he has got, he has really shown the flash, you r have seen him get into positions that other guys haven’t been able to. So from that aspect of it, we just want to see him grow and be consistent as we keep going through camp.”

When drafted back in May, Minnesota fans were skeptical on the pick. That’s because fans really did not know much about the linebacker from UCLA, Anthony Barr. He did not have the attention like a Johnny “Football” Manziel or Jadeveon Clowney, but he has certainly made his name known at training camp and the coaches are noticing it. New Defensive Coordinator George Edwards is keeping his options open and emphasizing an open competition.

“We are rotating a lot of different guys in a lot of different areas.

We still haven’t set that this guy is at this position or this guy is playing Mike, or this guy is playing the Sam or outside backer,” Edwards said. “Right now this will be a process as we keep going through camp and like anything, being able to consistently do your job at a high level every day, we will find that out here in training camp, because the dog days of camp, they are tough, you have to be mentally, emotionally, and physically tough to be able to handle the workload we are getting ready to go through.”

“We like the competition, we like the guys that we have got, we know it will work itself out in the end,” Edwards said. “We are just good to have those guys that are going to be here competing every day.”

For Coach Zimmer, it is vital that Barr and all the rookies are up to speed with what they expect after missing OTAs.

“We have to push him really hard and try to figure out where we can get him to go, and how fast we can get him to go,” Zimmer said.

“We have very high expectations of him. Like all rookies, there will be learning curve, and they’ll hit a plateau, just like losing weight.

You hit that plateau then you have to work a little harder to keep it going. He may or may not have the success early that he’s going to have, but I think that his ceiling is extremely high.”

Special teams coordinator Mike Priefer would use Anthony for everything on special teams if he could.

“If I had the opportunity to use Barr, I would use him for everything, punt protection, kick protection, even run fakes with him,” Priefer said. “He is just a freak of nature and an incredible athlete.”

Barr, meanwhile, is looking at the broader picture.

“I’m looking to carve my role and find an identity for this team,” Barr said.

Rookies need as much time as possible to update their abilities and mental toughness to the NFL level, but Barr’s time this spring was impaired due to his pursuit of finishing school. While most rookies would regret it, Barr is actually having fun playing catch up after missing OTAs because of school.

“It is fun to be a part of a team atmosphere again. It has been a while,” Barr said.

He is excited to do his job.

“No more distractions,” Barr said. “It is time to do my job and play football.”

Trevor Cokley • MSU Reporter A lot of eyes are on 2014’s 9th overall draft pick at training camp.

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MINNESOTA VIKINGS TRAINING CAMP ISSUE | 2014

No, they are not related, just fired up

TWO MIKE ZIMMERS Head Coach Mike Zimmer Born: June 5, 1956 Resume: Part of 11 playoff teams, 20 years as an assistant, 14 years as a defensive coordinator Linebacker Mike Zimmer #59 Born: September 23, 1990 College: Illinois State Acquired: 2014 Undrafted Free Agent

Web Photo

JAMES HOUTSMA Editor in Chief Call it a coincidence, call it a wacky sitcom scenario – this year, the Minnesota Vikings are seeing double.

In addition to the appointment of new Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer back in January, the team recently brought on a new linebacker, also named Mike Zimmer (no relation).

The irony hasn’t been lost on the team, as the official Vikings Twitter account tweeted a picture after the signing in May of the two saying “Two Mike Zimmers are better than one.”

Still, a name isn’t all the two men have in common. Both Mike Zimmer (the coach) and Mike Zimmer (the linebacker) are alums of Illinois State University, where they both participated in roles for the campus football team.

Zimmer of the linebacker clan played as a Redbird from 2009-2012 before becoming a free agent player for the NFL, currently in his second year.

Zimmer the Elder, meanwhile, started as a defensive lineman his freshman year for the Redbirds in ‘74 before moving into various coaching positions, which he has focused on for the past 35 years.

His new job as Vikings head coach is his most prominent role in the NFL thus far.

WELCOME TO

And if you see an additional Zimmer on the Vikings’ coaching roster, don’t be surprised: Adam Zimmer, coach Zimmer’s son, works under his father as the team’s linebacking coach.

No word yet on the possible difficulties with assigned parking or all the inevitable cases of mistaken identity.

VIKINGS TRAINING CAMP

FROM THE OFFICIAL BEER OF THE

MINNESOTA VIKINGS TRAINING CAMP ISSUE | 2014

MSU REPORTER • 11

TURNER “that’s the two things that the backs do: they get in position to make big plays and then they give the quarterback an outlet when he is getting all of the pressure.”

QUARTERBACKS “‘In my mind I have Cassel as the number one quarterback going into camp; I don’t have a starter in mind yet,’ Zimmer said.”

continued from 4

continued from 3

but I’m glad he is here for us,” said Zimmer. “Norv is obviously a very experienced coach. He’s won Super Bowls.

He’s been a head coach three times. He’s seen a lot of different things through the course

o

l : s e

e f

the play action becomes extremely valuable.”

For the running backs, Turner needs to find the weaknesses in Peterson to make him that much better.

“We are doing a lot of things

make big plays in the passing game and that’s the two things that the backs do: they get in position to make big plays and then they give the quarterback an outlet when he is getting all of the pressure.”

“He’s won Super Bowls. He’s been a head coach three times. He’s seen a lot of different things through the course of the years. He’s an outstanding offensive football coach that is demanding on the players. He’s got a very innovative mind. He’s always been great at match-ups and trying to get guys in the right place.”

- Mike Zimmer

of the years. He’s an outstanding offensive football coach that is demanding on the players. He’s got a very innovative mind. He’s always been great at match-ups and trying to get guys in the right place. Technique and then the combinations of the confusion in his motions and shifts, along with the great play action and when you have a back like Adrian,

now,” said Turner. “Some of the things he does really well and some of the things he doesn’t do as well. That’s the coach’s job is to find out what he does best and let him do those things. We are going to try and not ask him to do things that he is not comfortable with, but there are enough things he does well as a receiver. I feel like he is going to

Meanwhile, Turner is impressed with the study habits of Teddy Bridgewater.

“I don’t think that he has really taken a vacation, he may have taken two or three days off. It’s still is a lot for a young guy as we have a lot of volume in our offense,” said Turner.

“He’s worked extremely hard

TURNER • Page 12

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Meanwhile, Cassel found the endzone 11 times in just six starts, throwing for 1,807 yards to Ponder’s 1,648.

But his production isn’t the only thing that has elevated the former Kansas City starter -- Cassel has also proven to be a valuable mentor to Bridgewater.

“Matt, he’s a veteran; he’s one of the guys who’s been to the playoffs, who knows what it takes to be a good quarterback,” Bridgewater said. “He’s been a mentor to me, along with Christian, so I’m a step ahead from where I was.”

According to Cassel his rookie counterpart isn’t the only one who has been making strides at camp this season.

“I think that I’m making progress each and every day,” Cassel said. “I think that I’m very comfortable with the material that’s gone in thus far.”

At the end of the day the Zimmer era has brought plenty of changes to the Vikings quarterback group, where all involved appear to understand that a little competition is never a bad thing.

“That’s what this team is going to be about: competition,” Bridgewater said. “Coach Zimmer said that competition makes the team better, so no matter what the situation is [in practice] it’s always going to be about competing with each other.”

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MINNESOTA VIKINGS TRAINING CAMP ISSUE | 2014

TURNER “When he is playing there is going to be a different set of things we do than when Matt (Cassel) is playing even in terms of what we even do out here because they have different strengths and weaknesses. It gives us a chance to really look at a lot of different things and become a complete offense.”

and has been handling it really well. When he is playing there is going to be a different set of things we do than when Matt (Cassel) is playing even in terms of what we even do out here because they have different strengths and weaknesses. It gives us a chance to really look at a lot of different things and become a complete offense.”

Photo Courtesy of Associated Press

continued from 11

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MSU REPORTER • 13

Special Teams: Ready for years to come JORDAN YESS Staff Writer

SPECIAL TEAMS Depth Chart Kicker: Blair Walsh #3 (2013 Stats: 26 FGM, 30 FGA, 54 Long, 121 PTS) Punter: Jeff Locke #18 (75 Punts, 44.2 Avg., 23 In 20, 65 Long) Long Snapper: Cullen Loeffler #46 (11 Years Experience)

coming in certain ways on the weather report. The turf is a little different too so that is a new experience”.

In regard to the wind maps, “It is just a hypothesis. It is not really set in stone, or a fact yet for what we are doing. “ He went on to say, “I love it (referring to TFC Bank Stadium). That new turf is really nice.

I think the guys are going to love it. The stadium is really nice, the wind is going to be a factor, but it is something we can get a handle on.”

With a new regime comes new coaches. Blair Walsh knows there are new expectations and goals, but is looking forward to having a new coaching regime.

“I think they are going to be

Some big obstacles face the Vikings special teams this season. New coaches, new players, and the main one being that they will be playing their home games at TCF Bank Stadium on the University of Minnesota Campus, an outdoor stadium which Blair Walsh and Jeff Locke are not as familiar with as other kickers and punters.

“I think three or four times,” said Locke, recalling how many times he had kicked at the new stadium. “Cullen Loeffler, Blair Walsh and I have gone down to the stadium. We charted the winds, and made a wind map so we know what is going to SPECIAL TEAMS • Page 19 happen when the winds are

Photo Courtesy of Associated Press

Projected Kickoff Returner: Cordarrelle Patterson #84 (43 Att., 1,393 Yards, 2 TD)

Minnesota Vikings kicker Blair Walsh (3) passes the ball to punter Jeff Locke.

Projected Punt Returner: Marcus Sherels #35 (22 Att., 335 Yards, 1 TD)

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Mike Preifer: “I’m really excited about where we are going and the direction that Blair and Jeff have taken.

They’ve gotten stronger, and they are still young.”

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Is Harrison Smith ready to lead defensive?

HARRISON SMITH Born: February 2, 1989 College: Notre Dame Drafted: 2012 1st Round (29th pick overall) 2013 Stats: 58 Tackles, 2 INT, 1 FR

2012 Stats: 104 Tackles, 3 INT, 11 Pass Deflections Strengths: Plays physical, Football IQ, Speed, 2 years starting under his belt Questions: Can he stay healthy this season? Is he ready to lead the Vikings through a tough NFC North passing attack? Is he ready for a pro bowl caliber season?

DEREK LAMBERT Staff Writer After a toe injury sidelined Vikings safety Harrison Smith for eight games last season, no.

22 in purple and gold is looking to come back and have an impact on the Minnesota secondary. But the question on Smith as he enters his third NFL season is this: is he the real deal?

Smith came to Minnesota after being a standout for the Notre Dame Irish, captaining the team in 2011 and becoming the first player in program history to record over 200 tackles, finishing his NCAA career with 309. Becoming the third Notre Dame defensive back taken by the Vikings in the first round, Minnesota selected him 29th overall in the 2012 NFL Draft.

There’s no doubt that Smith is a great player, but can he be one of the best?

In his rookie season of 2012, the safety started in all 16 regular season games and recorded 129 tackles to finish second on the team. Smith also finished first on the team in interception return yards to go along with two interceptions returned for touchdowns, tying a franchise record for single season touch-

downs on interception returns.

On top of an outstanding season, Smith set a franchise record as the first safety to start in all 16 regular season games, surpassing the previous record of 14.

When Smith came back for the 2013 season, expectations were high. Though an injury shortened his season last year, it would be hard to argue he didn’t exceed expectations. In eight games in 2013, Smith posted numbers of 66 tackles, two interceptions, and recorded 10 tackles in the season opener at Detroit.

Even though Smith has proven himself to be better than just an average safety in the NFL, he still wants to improve.

“You don’t want to be complacent,” said Smith. “You want to get better every day. Get better at something every day.”

The 6’2”, 214 pound safety has proven to be one of the best open field tacklers in the NFL the past two seasons but coming back this season healthy and ready for a full season with some experience under his belt could make him one of the best defensive backs in the league, period.

“Now I have a better idea what I need to do to prepare and

MSU Reporter Archives Harrison Smith could become one of the best safeties in the NFL. Could this his breakout season?

what I need to do to take care of my body,” Smith said.

Through his first two seasons playing 24 games, Smith has averaged 6.75 tackles per game and is averaging five solo tackles per game thus far in his career.

Though Jamarca Sanford and Robert Blanton will battle for

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the other safety position, Smith is a lock to start this season for the Vikings. There’s no doubt that if Harrison Smith can stay healthy for all of the 2014 season, he will indeed be the real deal.

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MINNESOTA VIKINGS TRAINING CAMP ISSUE | 2014

MSU REPORTER • 15

Quarterback for the future (or now) TEDDY BRIDGEWATER Born: November 10, 1992 College: Louisville Drafted: 2014 1st Round (32nd overall) 2013 Stats: 3,970 Yards, 31 TD, 4 INT, 71% Pass Completion, 171.1 QB Rating at Louisville

Cordarrelle Patterson: “Teddy has been good. I have had the opportunity to go in with him a few times. s He is looking good. He is a young guy and I feel like his going to be the star of this team one of these years.”

Rick Spielman: “He is going to have some growing pains as we go through this, but he has been extremely impressive on his approach with not only what he does on the field but what he also does off it with how hard he is working and studying to understand Norv Turner’s system.”

DEREK LAMBERT Staff Writer First round draft picks in the NFL draw a great deal of attention to their respective organizations every year. Teddy Bridgewater did just that when the Minnesota Vikings selected him with the 32nd pick of the first round in the 2014 NFL Draft.

Perhaps much of the attention Bridgewater has received is due to his position.

As a quarterback, Bridgewater is coming into an organization in Minnesota that has struggled to find a go to guy to take the snaps in 2013. The 2012 Big East offensive player of the year and 2013 Sugar Bowl MVP during his college days at Louisville, Bridgewater carries the expectations of a big time player. Christian Ponder, Matt Cassel, and Josh Freeman all competed for the starting job last season, though none were overly impressive, leaving the door open for Bridgewater to earn some serious minutes.

“It’s not a secret,” Running back Adrian Peterson said. “The quarterback position really hasn’t played well, but that’s why you bring guys in.”

But there are no guarantees for Bridgewater. Matt Cassel is expected to start the season as the first quarterback on the depth chart, though the Vikings coaching staff has said nothing is set as of now.

“I haven’t been paying attention to that.” said Bridgewater.

“I’ve just been learning the play-

book and trying to familiarize myself with the playbook and try and continue to get better each day.”

Since training camp began last Thursday, Bridgewater has been excellent on the field and purely professional off the field.

Though his goal is to become a starting quarterback in the NFL, the 21-year-old from Miami is more concerned with first making himself a better player and battling for a starting job second.

“I have to compete with myself first, that will make me a better player. Then I can compete with the guys in the room. That will make the team better.”

Pretty humble for a guy who was in the discussion to be a no. 1 pick in the NFL draft a little over a year ago.

After garnering the Sugar Bowl MVP during the 2012 season, Bridgewater threw for 3,970 yards in 2013 with a 71 percent completion rate and 31 touchdowns. Though the Vikings were a team in obvious need of a quarterback when the 2014 NFL Draft came in June, their first selection in the first round went to UCLA linebacker Anthony Barr.

Later in the draft, Minnesota traded their 2nd and 4th round picks to the Seattle Seahawks for the 32nd pick of the first round to bring a new quarterback to the land of purple and gold.

To begin his NFL career in Minnesota, Bridgewater inked a four-year contract worth $6.85

Mike Huerkamp • MSU Reporter There’s no telling when it’s going to be Teddy’s team, but he is here and ready to learn.

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BRIDGEWATER • Page 20

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16 • MSU REPORTER

MINNESOTA VIKINGS TRAINING CAMP ISSUE | 2014

Meanwhile, in the NFC North...

pressing questions facing each LEE HANDEL Special Reporter Contributor team entering this season and a projected finish.

The Black and Blue division was by no means a thing of beauGreen Bay Packers (2013 ty last season.

Despite all four of its teams entering 2013 with high hopes, the NFC North wound up being arguably the weakest division in the entire league and sent only an 8-7-1 Green Bay Packers squad to the playoffs.

Injuries to numerous impact and franchise players on both sides of the ball watered down finish: 8-7-1, NFC North the competition in the North last Champions) fall, as playmaking quarterbacks Key Additions: (Julius PepAaron Rodgers of the Packers pers, DE) (Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, S) and Jay Cutler of the Chicago (Davante Adams, WR) (Letroy Bears were among many big Guion, DT) names in the division to miss sigKey Subtractions: (James nificant portions of the regular Jones, WR) (Jermichael Finley, TE) (M.D. Jennings, S) (Evan season slate.

The result was a wide-open Dietrich-Smith, C) (Ryan Pickdivisional race that featured in- ett, DT) (C.J. Wilson, DE) Is Eddie Lacy ready for consistent offense and shaky defense from all four underachiev- stardom?

The Packers have been mening teams.

But 2014 has brought renewed tioned as an annual preseason optimism to all four organiza- title contender ever since Aaron tions, and each squad has made Rodgers established himself as some significant changes that it one of the elite passers in the hopes will lead to an NFC North NFL. Up until last season, the crown and a trip to the Super knock on the vaunted Packer ofBowl come season’s end. fensive attack was its lack of a Here is a recap of the offsea- consistent running game. son activity in the North, some Enter 2013 second-round

pick and former Alabama standout Eddie Lacy, whose rookie campaign began with weight concerns and ended with Second-Team All-Pro and NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.

With Rodgers appearing in only nine of the team’s 16 games, Green Bay relied on Lacy to carry the load and he was up to the task even with defenses zeroing in on him.

Lacy rushed for 1,178 yards and 11 touchdowns his first year in the league while fumbling only once, averaging over 78 yards per game while showing signs of being the capable workhorse back the Pack have been looking for since the days of Ahman Green and Dorsey Levens.

If Rodgers is able to make every start under center, Lacy should have plenty of room to operate and may be on his way to another All-Pro campaign.

How much will Peppers help the Packer D? The Green Bay defense ranked in the bottom-third of the league last season and allowed nearly 27 points per game. While the Packers are often more than capable of topping that number, they would be nearly unbeatable if they could ever put a top-10 defense on the field.

Outside linebacker Clay Matthews has established himself as one of the best pass rushers in the league, but he needs help.

Peppers, despite being a bit long in the tooth, has 118.5 career sacks to his name and should at least give the quarterback another decorated rusher to worry about. The Packers plan on using Peppers as a pass-rushing linebacker, similar to the role Matthews has grown into, which should keep him fresher.

The Pack were equally poor against both the run and the pass last season, but the additions of Peppers and rookie safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix should make them much better against the pass this season, which is a must given all the great wideouts in the North.

Which WR will Rodgers make next?

In 2012 it was Randall Cobb.

Last year it was Jarrett Boykin.

With former targets Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, James Jones and Jermichael Finley out of the picture, which young guy will Aaron Rodgers turn into an NFL household name this season?

Top receiver Jordy Nelson will get the lion’s share of looks from Rodgers in the red zone, but A-Rod is an equal-opportunity passer between the 20s. Could

rookies Davante Adams or Jared Abbrederis be his new revelations this year?

Projected Finish: 12-4, NFC North Champs

Chicago Bears (2013 finish: 8-8, second in North) Key Additions: (Jared Allen, DE) (Ryan Mundy, S) (Lamarr Houston, DE) (Domenik Hixon, WR) (M.D. Jennings, S) (Jordan Senn, LB) Key Subtractions: (Major Wright, S) (Devin Hester, KR) (Henry Melton, DT) (Earl Bennett, WR) (Julius Peppers, DE) (Josh McCown, QB) (Michael Bush, RB) Can Cutler cut it?

From his days as a Denver Bronco to right now with the Bears, Jay Cutler has been the definition of an enigma at quarterback. He has looked spectacular at times and lost at other

NFC NORTH • Page 17

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MSU REPORTER • 17

NFC NORTH “The Pack were equally poor against both the run and the pass last season, but the additions of Peppers and rookie safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix should make them much better against the pass this season, which is a must given all the great wideouts in the North.” continued from 16

times and Bears fans never know which Jay they are going to get on any given Sunday.

Cutler’s career arch has begun to plateau the last three seasons with the Bears, as he has struggled to stay healthy while failing to throw for 20-plus touchdowns in a season. After missing five games last season, Cutler returned for the stretch run and lost to the Packers on the last week of the season and was beginning to fall out of favor with a fan base that preferred his backup, Josh McCown.

Luckily for Jay his job is safe, as McCown will be starting for the Buccaneers this season.

Second-year coach Marc Trestman’s offense featuring Goliath wideouts Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery caters to Cutler’s skill set, so it’s now or never for Cutler to lead the Bears to the playoffs and beyond.

Will the Bears’ D bounce back?

The once-stingy Bears’ defense gave up the second-most points in the NFL last season.

The unit was devastated by inju7ries, particularly to elite cornerback Charles Tillman.

With Brian Urlacher no longer manning the middle linebacker spot and the aging Lance Briggs hampered by injuries, the Bears gave up the most rushing yards in the league by a wide margin, allowing opponents to rush for over five yards per carry.

Former Vikings great Jared

Allen should fill the void left by Julius Peppers adequately, but the front seven as a whole is still very unproven. If Tillman and fellow ball-hawking corner Tim Jennings can stay healthy, the Bears will force more turnovers at the very least and should have a fairly solid defensive backfield.

How will Trestman distribute the touches?

The Bears had their best offensive season in franchise history under Trestman’s guidance last season, breaking nearly every franchise passing record in the process. That being said, dual-threat running back Matt Forte led the NFL in touches with 363, catching 74 balls out of the backfield.

Forte was able to stay healthy last season, but Trestman may be better served to rely more heavily on Marshall, Jeffery and Cutler’s cannon of an arm if the Bears want to keep Forte healthy for all 16 contests again. Remember, the Bears don’t have a veteran backup like Chester Taylor or Michael Bush this time around.

Projected Finish: 9-7, second in North

Detroit Lions (2013 finish: 7-9, third in North) Key Additions: (Golden Tate, WR) (Eric Ebron, TE) (James Ihedigbo, S) (Nevin Lawson, CB) (Kyle Van Noy, LB) Key Subtractions: (Nate Burleson, WR) (Louis Delmas, S) (Jason Fox, T) Will a new regime bring mental toughness to Lions?

The Jim Schwartz era as the head man of the Lions unfortunately was marred by some boneheaded and unsportsmanlike displays on the field by both he and his players, which hid some of the great progress made by the franchise the past few seasons.

Schwartz will likely be remembered most for his postgame handshake dustup with San Francisco head coach Jim Harbaugh after a Niners’ victory in 2011.

His players, namely Ndamukong Suh, also became known for drawing numerous unsportsmanlike conduct penalties in the defining moments of games that would usually wind up costing them a victory.

The Lions have been one of the most talented teams in the league for a few years now, but they still haven’t found the recipe for winning close football games.

But there is a new regime in Motown, led by former Indianapolis head coach Jim Caldwell.

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backs, so it will be interesting to see how he impacts both the Lions’ discipline and quarterback Matthew Stafford on the field this season.

Will Reggie keep up the pace?

Reggie Bush had a monster year in his first season with Motor City Kitties, rushing and receiving for over 1,500 yards while staying healthy for the most part. Bush has had a history of injury problems and has been given the fragile label by some, but he hasn’t sat out much since leaving the New Orleans Saints four years ago.

If Bush goes down, all is not lost for the Lions by any means, as Division-II standout Joique Bell has been an above-average backup early in his career.

How will Megatron impact Golden?

The Lions biggest offseason addition was bringing 2014 Super Bowl champion wide receiver Golden Tate on board to start opposite superstar Calvin Johnson.

Tate has loads of talent but is known to be somewhat of a firecracker. After the recent Titus Young experiment that went horribly wrong in Detroit, it will be interesting to see how much Tate benefits from getting to learn from the best wideout in the game each and every day.

With all of the attention opposing defenses pay towards Megatron, Golden could be in for a huge year.

Projected Finish: 8-8, third in North

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A bigger deal the second time around ADAM THIELEN Born: August 22, 1990

College: Minnesota State University, Mankato Acquired: 2013 Undrafted Free Agent 2012 Stats: 1,176 Receiving Yards, 8 TD for MSU Mike Zimmer: “Adam has been doing a great job, he really has. He has improved a lot in his pass catching, he’s improved a lot in his route running. He’s another guy with the more things, his is getting on special teams, doing a lot of things.

He is catching punts, the special teams part of the game will be helping him.

Again, the more you can do, the better chance you have making the team.

Adam is a great kid too...

I was teasing him about being here at home, I said, ‘You’re like the superstar around here’, but he is a good kid.”

Former Maverick Adam Thielen returns to old stomping grounds to higher expectations from fans and coaches.

JOEY DENTON Sports Editor 2013 training camp, just like every camp, displays some small school sleepers and eye-opening players that make the coaches think twice of just cutting them because they are from a small school—and receiver, and former MSU Maverick, Adam Thielen was one of them.

He went from just a division II player trying to compete with the big boys last season to now becoming a star here in Mankato.

He has always been a star here, but with his performance last training camp, on the practice squad and already in this training camp, the 53-man roster is less of a dream and more of a goal for Thielen. It’s obvious there are fans all over town that are pulling for him, but now even the coaches want to try to keep the hard working Detroit Lakes native.

“I think Adam has had a really nice spring,” special teams coordinator Mike Priefer said.

“He’s had a nice camp so far and looking forward to see this develop.”

The complete shift of coaches could of just ruined his chances to make the team. The former coaches were the guys that believed in enough to make the practice squad, so just like Rudy did, Thielen had to impress a new group of men and show them he can compete in the NFL. While Thielen does have one of the better set of hands on the roster, he is going to have to use more of his blocking and tackling technique on special teams to secure a 53-man roster spot.

“I’m doing everything that I can to make this football team and help this football team win,” Thielen said. “It’s fun for me. I like to do that stuff, being versatile and doing a lot of things.”

Unless they are die-hard Mavericks football fans, most people don’t know that he’s a gem when it comes to returning punts. He might be able to take his Blakeslee Stadium magic and bring it to TCF Bank at the NFL level. Priefer is looking for a backup for Marcus Sherels in the punt returning department, and Thielen is on that short list so far.

“He’s smart, he’s tough, he

Photo Courtesy of Brian Denton Adam Thielen is a versatile athlete that can not only catch the football but has the blocking and tackling skills to be a great special teams player.

THIELEN • Page 19

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THIELEN “‘I’m doing everything that I can to make this football team and help this football team win,’ Thielen said.” continued from 18

can play on the kickoff team and he can become a kickoff returner or punt returner,” Priefer said.

“We can put him on the front line

of kickoff as well.”

Along with having his name near the top in all-time receiving records at Minnesota State

n

University, Mankato, he was one of the most intimidating punt returners in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. His senior year he returned 24 punts for 239 yards and had one touchdown.

After taking advantage of getting better at every practice during the season, Thielen kept his motor going as soon as the season ended, working out even harder. He went to ETS, Englebert Training Systems, to get bigger, faster, stronger and work on his route running.

“We were in there day one after the season was over,” Thielen said. “We had some things that we wanted to focus on.”

While Thielen has been impressing the coaches, new offensive coordinator Norv Turner had to make new friends of his own this training camp, and it isn’t hard for players to fall in love with an offensive coordinator as talented and successful as him.

He brings the intensity that head coach Mike Zimmer wants, and Thielen is enjoying the intensity.

“He’s hard on us. He’s always after us, trying to make us better and he’s always expecting us to play at a high level,” Thielen said. “We have gotten a lot better and it’s a fun offense to be in.”

Yohanes Ashenafi • MSU Reporter

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MSU REPORTER • 19

SPECIAL TEAMS “Preifer thinks having Cordarrelle Patterson full time as the kick and punt returner would be best for the special teams, but maybe not best for the football team.” continued from 13

tough but fair,” said Walsh.

“This new regime is going to hold you accountable in practice and we have to have guys performing at practice just like they would in the games. That does not necessarily mean practicing harder, but practicing smarter and getting the most out of your time out on the field.”

Jeff Locke thinks they need more time with the coaching staff to establish the culture.

“It is too early to tell from Organized Team Activities in my opinion,” said Locke. “I think we will see a lot in camp from how the culture is going to be different, but as you said for a specialist it is kind of the same with Coach Preifer. We know the expectations that he sets for us, and we can try to

get better at those.”

Preifer thinks having Cordarrelle Patterson full time as the kick and punt returner would be best for the special teams, but maybe not best for the football team. His health will be the issue.

“It is up to Coach Zimmer on what will be best for our football team.”

Minnesota State Alumni Adam Thielen has been in the mix as a possible punt and kick returner. He is currently listed as a back up fullback, or first protector on punt team. Prefier has been very excited with Adam’s progress.

“Adam has had a great spring and great summer so far.

I am looking forward to seeing his progression.”

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20 • MSU REPORTER

MINNESOTA VIKINGS TRAINING CAMP ISSUE | 2014

BRIDGEWATER “Since training camp began last Thursday, Bridgewater has been excellent on the field and purely professional off the field. ” continued from 15

million that included a $3.3 million signing bonus. Over the course of last weekend, the young quarterback became more familiar with the coaching styles he will be playing under this season.

“It’s been intense. Coach Zimmer runs a fast, up tempo practice,” Bridgewater said. “Like Zimmer, Coach Turner is very hands on. He likes everything to be perfect, which is good.”

Though Cassel may look to be the no. 1 quarterback when the Vikings kick off the regular

season in St. Louis in September, Bridgewater will be working hard to earn his place in the lineup.

“I’m going to look over the playbook, look over film, and work to correct my mistakes,” said Bridgewater.

“My biggest goal is to not make the same mistake twice.”

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# 2 3 5 7 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 46 48 49 50 51 52 54 55

# 44 60 91 23 55 61 30 36 5 54 76 16 57 20 13 11 37 68 95 51 49 62 85 90 32 76 42 73 86 2 63 52 97 72

50 40 15 74 92 12 98 75 59 89

MINNESOTA VIKINGS TRAINING CAMP ISSUE | 2014

MSU REPORTER • 21

2014 VIKINGS CA MP ROSTER NAME Foster, Donte Walsh, Blair Bridgewater, Teddy Ponder, Christian Cooper, Josh Jorden, Kamar Colter, Kain Lora, Erik Jennings, Greg Cassel, Matt Wright, Jarius Locke, Jeff Thielen, Adam Coleman, Kurt Robinson, Josh Smith, Harrison Banyard, Joe Munnerlyn, Captain Steeples, Robert Prater, Shaun Peterson, Adrian Rhodes, Xavier Bishop, Brandan McKinnon, Jerick Exum, Antone Sanford, Jamarca Sendejo, Andrew Sherels, Marcus Blanton, Robert Cox, Derek Posey, Julian Price, Jabari James, Kendall Raymond, Mistral Felton, Jerome Williams, Dominique Asiata, Matt Loeffler, Cullen Line, Zach DeCicco, Dom Hodges, Gerald Dean, Larry Greenway, Chad Brinkley, Jasper Barr, Anthony

POS. WR K QB QB WR WR WR WR WR QB WR P WR S CB S RB CB CB CB RB CB S RB S S S CB S CB CB CB CB S FB RB RB LS FB LB LB LB LB LB LB

HT. 6-1 5-10 6-2 6-2 5-10 6-2 6-0 5-10 6-0 6-4 5-10 6-0 6-2 5-11 5-10 6-2 5-10 5-8 6-1 5-10 6-1 6-1 6-1 5-9 6-0 5-10 6-1 5-10 6-1 6-1 5-11 5-11 5-11 6-1 6-0 5-9 6-0 6-5 6-1 6-4 6-2 6-0 6-2 6-1 6-5

WT. 193 192 210 229 190 205 195 202 195 228 180 203 195 200 199 214 205 195 195 190 217 210 208 208 219 200 200 175 200 195 200 200 180 202 248 205 234 241 233 230 243 226 242 252 255

AGE 23 24 21 26 25 25 22 23 30 32 24 24 23 26 23 25 25 26 24 24 29 24 23 22 23 28 26 26 24 27 26 21 23 25 28 23 27 33 24 25 23 25 31 29 22

YEAR 0 3 0 4 2 1 0 0 9 10 3 2 1 5 3 3 2 6 1 3 8 2 1 0 0 6 4 4 3 6 2 0 0 4 7 0 3 11 2 2 2 4 9 6 0

COLLEGE Ohio Georgia Louisville Florida State Oklahoma State Bowling Green Northwestern Eastern Illinois Western Michigan USC Arkansas UCLA Minnesota State Ohio State Central Florida Notre Dame Texas-El Paso South Carolina Memphis Iowa Oklahoma Florida State North Carolina State Georgia Southern Virginia Tech Mississippi Rice Minnesota Notre Dame William & Mary Ohio North Carolina Maine South Florida Furman Wagner Utah Texas SMU Pittsburgh Penn State Valdosta State Iowa South Carolina UCLA

# 56 57 58 59 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 68 71 72 73 74 75 76 76 78 78 79 79 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99

NAME Mauti, Michael Cole, Audie Watts, Brandon Kerin, Zac Zimmer, Mike Baca, Jeff Berger, Joe Ducasse, Vladimir Fusco, Brandon Scott, Tyler Sullivan, John Yankey, David Remmers, Mike Cox, Rakim Murphy, Kevin Loadholt, Phil Hall, Matt Floyd, Sharrif Johnson, Charlie Kalil, Matt Burton, Pierce Faciane, Isame Richardson, Antonio Snyder, Jake Randall, Kheeston Wentworth, Austin Simpson, Jerome Rudolph, Kyle Smith, Rodney Patterson, Cordarrelle Ellison, Rhett Ford, Chase Reisner, Allen Leonard, AC Evans, Fred Baker, Chase Johnson, Tom Stephen, Shamar Trattou, Justin Crichton, Scott Robison, Brian Griffen, Everson Joseph, Linval Wootton, Corey Higgins, Mike

POS. LB LB LB C LB G G G G DE C G T DE T T T DT G T T DT T DE DT G WR TE WR WR TE TE TE TE DT DT DT DT DE DE DE DE DT DE TE

HT. 6-2 6-5 6-2 6-5 6-1 6-3 6-5 6-5 6-4 6-4 6-4 6-6 6-5 6-4 6-7 6-8 6-9 6-3 6-4 6-7 6-6 6-4 6-6 6-4 6-5 6-5 6-2 6-6 6-5 6-2 6-5 6-6 6-3 6-2 6-4 6-2 6-3 6-5 6-4 6-3 6-3 6-3 6-4 6-6 6-5

WT. 243 239 231 305 235 302 305 325 306 250 301 315 300 265 305 343 326 305 305 308 305 302 330 270 309 303 190 259 200 220 250 255 255 250 305 300 288 310 250 273 259 273 323 270 242

2014 VIKINGS CA MP ROSTER NAME Asiata, Matt Baca, Jeff Baker, Chase Banyard, Joe Barr, Anthony Berger, Joe Bishop, Brandan Blanton, Robert Bridgewater, Teddy Brinkley, Jasper Burton, Pierce Cassel, Matt Cole, Audie Coleman, Kurt Colter, Kain Cooper, Josh Cox, Derek Cox, Rakim Crichton, Scott Dean, Larry DeCicco, Dom Ducasse, Vladimir Ellison, Rhett Evans, Fred Exum, Antone Faciane, Isame Felton, Jerome Floyd, Sharrif Ford, Chase Foster, Donte Fusco, Brandon Greenway, Chad Griffen, Everson Hall, Matt Higgins, Mike Hodges, Gerald James, Kendall Jennings, Greg Johnson, Charlie Johnson, Tom Jorden, Kamar Joseph, Linval Kalil, Matt Kerin, Zac Leonard, AC

POS. RB G DT RB LB G S S QB LB T QB LB S WR WR CB DE DE LB LB G TE DT S DT FB DT TE WR G LB DE T TE LB CB WR G DT WR DT T C TE

HT. 6-0 6-3 6-2 5-10 6-5 6-5 6-1 6-1 6-2 6-1 6-6 6-4 6-5 5-11 6-0 5-10 6-1 6-4 6-3 6-0 6-4 6-5 6-5 6-4 6-0 6-4 6-0 6-3 6-6 6-1 6-4 6-2 6-3 6-9 6-5 6-2 5-11 6-0 6-4 6-3 6-2 6-4 6-7 6-5 6-2

WT. 234 302 300 205 255 305 208 200 210 252 305 228 239 200 195 190 195 265 273 226 230 325 250 305 219 302 248 305 255 193 306 242 273 326 242 243 180 195 305 288 205 323 308 305 250

AGE YEAR COLLEGE 27 3 Utah 24 2 UCLA 26 2 Boise State 25 2 Texas-El Paso 22 0 UCLA 32 10 Michigan Tech 23 1 North Carolina State 24 3 Notre Dame 21 0 Louisville 29 6 South Carolina 23 0 Mississippi 32 10 USC 25 3 North Carolina St. 26 5 Ohio State 22 0 Northwestern 25 2 Oklahoma State 27 6 William & Mary 23 0 Villanova 22 0 Oregon St. 25 4 Valdosta State 25 2 Pittsburgh 26 5 Massachusetts 25 3 USC 30 7 Texas State 23 0 Virginia Tech 23 0 Florida International 28 7 Furman 23 2 Florida 24 2 Miami (Fla.) 23 0 Ohio 24 4 Slippery Rock 31 9 Iowa 26 5 USC 24 0 Belhaven 26 1 Nebraska-Omaha 23 2 Penn State 23 0 Maine 30 9 Western Michigan 30 8 Oklahoma State 29 4 Southern Mississippi 25 1 Bowling Green 25 5 East Carolina 25 3 USC 22 0 Toledo 22 0 Tennessee State

# 48 71 18 46 14 56 31 24 68 84 28 7 38 27 39 79 41 87 67 29 78 21 96 82 33 64 34 35 81 22 83 78 26 93 65 19 94 3 58 79 43 99 17 66 59

NAME Line, Zach Loadholt, Phil Locke, Jeff Loeffler, Cullen Lora, Erik Mauti, Michael McKinnon, Jerick Munnerlyn, Captain Murphy, Kevin Patterson, Cordarrelle Peterson, Adrian Ponder, Christian Posey, Julian Prater, Shaun Price, Jabari Randall, Kheeston Raymond, Mistral Reisner, Allen Remmers, Mike Rhodes, Xavier Richardson, Antonio Robinson, Josh Robison, Brian Rudolph, Kyle Sanford, Jamarca Scott, Tyler Sendejo, Andrew Sherels, Marcus Simpson, Jerome Smith, Harrison Smith, Rodney Snyder, Jake Steeples, Robert Stephen, Shamar Sullivan, John Thielen, Adam Trattou, Justin Walsh, Blair Watts, Brandon Wentworth, Austin Williams, Dominique Wootton, Corey Wright, Jarius Yankey, David Zimmer, Mike

POS. FB T P LS WR LB RB CB T WR RB QB CB CB CB DT S TE T CB T CB DE TE S DE S CB WR S WR DE CB DT C WR DE K LB G RB DE WR G LB

HT. 6-1 6-8 6-0 6-5 5-10 6-2 5-9 5-8 6-7 6-2 6-1 6-2 5-11 5-10 5-11 6-5 6-1 6-3 6-5 6-1 6-6 5-10 6-3 6-6 5-10 6-4 6-1 5-10 6-2 6-2 6-5 6-4 6-1 6-5 6-4 6-2 6-4 5-10 6-2 6-5 5-9 6-6 5-10 6-6 6-1

WT. 233 343 203 241 202 243 208 195 305 220 217 229 200 190 200 309 202 255 300 210 330 199 259 259 200 250 200 175 190 214 200 270 195 310 301 195 250 192 231 303 205 270 180 315 235

NUMERICAL AGE 24 25 23 22 23 24 32 26 24 23 28 22 25 23 24 28 24 23 30 25 23 23 22 23 24 24 28 24 24 23 25 24 25 22 30 26 29 23 25 22 31 26 25 27 26

YEAR 2 3 0 0 0 2 10 5 4 0 7 0 2 0 2 6 0 2 8 3 0 0 0 0 2 0 6 4 2 2 3 2 3 0 7 2 4 0 3 0 8 5 5 5 1

COLLEGE Penn State North Carolina St. Georgia Tech Toledo Illinois State UCLA Michigan Tech Massachusetts Slippery Rock Northwestern Notre Dame Stanford Oregon State Villanova Harvard Oklahoma Belhaven Florida Oklahoma State USC Mississippi Florida International Tennessee Virginia Texas Fresno State Coastal Carolina Notre Dame Florida State Tennessee USC Miami (Fla.) Iowa Tennessee State Texas State Boise State Southern Mississippi UCONN Florida Oregon St. Texas USC East Carolina Northwestern Nebraska-Omaha

ALPHABETICAL AGE YEAR COLLEGE 24 2 SMU 28 6 Oklahoma 24 2 UCLA 33 11 Texas 23 0 Eastern Illinois 24 2 Penn State 22 0 Georgia Southern 26 6 South Carolina 24 2 Harvard 23 2 Tennessee 29 8 Oklahoma 26 4 Florida State 26 2 Ohio 24 3 Iowa 21 0 North Carolina 24 2 Texas 25 4 South Florida 25 3 Iowa 25 2 Oregon State 24 2 Florida State 22 0 Tennessee 23 3 Central Florida 31 8 Texas 24 4 Notre Dame 28 6 Mississippi 23 0 Northwestern 26 4 Rice 26 4 Minnesota 28 6 Coastal Carolina 25 3 Notre Dame 24 2 Florida State 23 0 Virginia 24 1 Memphis 23 0 UCONN 28 7 Notre Dame 23 1 Minnesota State 25 3 Florida 24 3 Georgia 23 0 Georgia Tech 24 0 Fresno State 23 0 Wagner 27 5 Northwestern 24 3 Arkansas 22 0 Stanford 23 0 Illinois State

22 • MSU REPORTER

MINNESOTA VIKINGS TRAINING CAMP ISSUE | 2014

MSU REPORTER • 23

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Mike Huerkamp

24 • MSU REPORTER

MINNESOTA VIKINGS TRAINING CAMP ISSUE | 2014

2014 NFC NORTH SCHEDULES

C H I C AG O B E A R S PRESEASON Friday Aug. Thursday Aug. Friday Aug. Thursday Aug.

8 14 22 28

7:00pm 7:00pm 9:00pm 7:00pm

REGULAR SEASON Sunday Sept. 7 12:00pm Sunday Sept. 14 7:30pm Monday Sept. 22 7:30pm Sunday Sept. 28 12:00pm Sunday Oct. 5 12:00pm Sunday Oct. 12 12:00pm Sunday Oct. 19 12:00pm Sunday Oct. 26 12:00pm Sunday Nov. 2 BYE WEEK Sunday Nov. 9 7:30pm Sunday Nov. 16 12:00pm Sunday Nov. 23 12:00pm Thursday Nov. 27 11:30am Thursday Dec. 4 7:30pm Monday Dec. 15 7:30pm Sunday Dec. 21 12:00pm Sunday Dec. 28 12:00pm

D E TRO IT L I O N S

Philadelphia Jacksonville @ Seattle @ Cleveland Buffalo @ San Francisco @ N.Y. Jets Green Bay @ Carolina @ Atlanta Miami @ New England @ Green Bay Minnesota Tampa Bay @ Detroit Dallas New Orleans Detroit Minnesota

6:00pm 6:30pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 8:00pm 9:00pm

FRIDAY, AUG. 8 Miami @ Atlanta Buffalo @ Carolina Tampa Bay @ Jacksonville Philadelphia @ Chicago Oakland @ Minnesota New Orleans @ St. Louis

6:00pm 6:30pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm

SATURDAY, AUG. 9 Cleveland @ Detroit Pittsburgh @ N.Y. Giants Green Bay @ Tennessee Houston @ Arizona

6:30pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm

7:00pm

7:00pm

FRIDAY, AUG. 15 Philadelphia @ New England Tennessee @ New Orleans Detroit @ Oakland San Diego @ Seattle

6:30pm 7:00pm 9:00pm 9:00pm

SATURDAY, AUG. 16 Green Bay @ St. Louis N.Y. Giants @ Indianapolis N.Y. Jets @ Cincinnati Baltimore @ Dallas Miami @ Tampa Bay Buffalo @ Pittsburgh Atlanta @ Houston Arizona @ Minnesota

3:00pm 6:00pm 6:00pm 6:00pm 6:30pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm

SUNDAY, AUG. 17 Denver @ San Francisco Kansas City @ Carolina

3:00pm 7:00pm

MONDAY, AUG. 18 Cleveland @ Washington

7:00pm

PRESEASON WEEK #3 THURSDAY, AUG. 21 Pittsburgh @ Philadelphia

6:30pm

FRIDAY, AUG. 22 Jacksonville @ Detroit Carolina @ New England N.Y. Giants @ N.Y. Jets Oakland @ Green Bay Chicago @ Seattle

6:30pm 6:30pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 9:00pm

SATURDAY, AUG. 23 Tampa Bay @ Buffalo Tennessee @ Atlanta Dallas @ Miami Washington @ Baltimore St. Louis @ Cleveland New Orleans @ Indianapolis Minnesota @ Kansas City Houston @ Denver

3:30pm 6:00pm 6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 8:00pm

SUNDAY, AUG. 24 San Diego @ San Francisco Cincinnati @ Arizona 7:00pm PRESEASON WEEK #4 THURSDAY, AUG. 28 Atlanta @ Jacksonville Detroit @ Buffalo Indianapolis @ Cincinnati Kansas City @ Green Bay St. Louis @ Miami N.Y. Jets @ Philadelphia New England @ N.Y. Giants Carolina @ Pittsburgh Washington @ Tampa Bay Chicago @ Cleveland Denver @ Dallas San Francisco @ Houston Baltimore @ New Orleans Minnesota @ Tennessee Seattle @ Oakland Arizona @ San Diego

9 15 22 28

6:30pm 9:00pm 6:30pm 6pm

REGULAR SEASON Monday Sept. 8 6pm Sunday Sept. 14 12:00pm Sunday Sept. 21 12:00pm Sunday Sept. 28 12:00pm Sunday Oct. 5 12:00pm Sunday Oct. 12 12:00pm Sunday Oct. 19 12:00pm Sunday Oct. 26 8:30am Sunday Nov. 2 BYE WEEK Sunday Nov. 9 12:00pm Sunday Nov. 16 3:30pm Sunday Nov. 23 12:00pm Thursday Nov. 27 11:30am Sunday Dec. 7 12:00pm Sunday Dec. 14 12:00pm Sunday Dec. 21 12:00pm Sunday Dec. 28 12:00pm

Cleveland @ Oakland Jacksonville @ Buffalo N.Y. Giants @ Carolina Green Bay @ N.Y. Jets Buffalo @ Minnesota New Orleans Atlanta (London) Miami @ Arizona @ New England Chicago Tampa Bay Minnesota @ Chicago @ Green Bay

PRESEASON Saturday Aug. Saturday Aug. Friday Aug. Thursday Aug.

9 16 22 28

7:00pm 3pm 7:00pm 6pm

REGULAR SEASON Thursday Sept. 4 7:30pm Sunday Sept. 14 3:30pm Sunday Sept. 21 12:00pm Sunday Sept. 28 12:00pm Thursday Oct. 2 7:30pm Sunday Oct. 12 12:00pm Sunday Oct. 19 12:00pm Sunday Oct. 26 7:30pm Sunday Nov. 2 BYE WEEK Sunday Nov. 9 7:30pm Sunday Nov. 16 12:00pm Sunday Nov. 23 12:00pm Sunday Nov. 30 3:30pm Monday Dec. 8 7:30pm Sunday Dec. 14 12:00pm Sunday Dec. 21 12:00pm Sunday Dec. 28 12:00pm

M I N N ES OTA V I K I N GS

@ Tennessee @ St. Louis Oakland Kansas City @ Seattle N.Y. Jets @ Detroit @ Chicago Minnesota @ Miami Carolina @ New Orleans Chicago Philadelphia @ Minnesota New England Atlanta @ Buffalo @ Tampa Bay Detroit

PRESEASON Friday Aug. Saturday Aug. Saturday Aug. Thursday Aug.

8 16 23 28

7:00pm 7:30pm 7:00pm 7:00pm

REGULAR SEASON Sunday Sept. 7 12:00pm Sunday Sept. 14 12:00pm Sunday Sept. 21 12:00pm Sunday Sept. 28 3:30pm Thursday Oct. 2 7:30pm Sunday Oct. 12 12:00pm Sunday Oct. 19 12:00pm Sunday Oct. 26 12:00pm Sunday Nov. 2 12:00pm Sunday Nov. 9 BYE WEEK Sunday Nov. 16 12:00pm Sunday Nov. 23 12:00pm Sunday Nov. 30 12:00pm Sunday Dec. 7 12:00pm Sunday Dec. 14 12:00pm Sunday Dec. 21 12:00pm Sunday Dec. 28 12:00pm

Oakland Arizona @ Kansas City @ Tennessee @ St. Louis New England @ New Orleans Atlanta @ Green Bay Detroit @ Buffalo @ Tampa Bay Washington @ Chicago Green Bay Carolina N.Y. Jets @ Detroit @ Miami Chicago

2014 NFL SEASON SCHEDULE HALL OF FAME GAME SUNDAY, AUG. 3 Buffalo at N.Y. Giants

PRESEASON WEEK #1 THURSDAY, AUG. 7 Indianapolis @ N.Y. Jets San Francisco @ Baltimore New England @ Washington Cincinnati @ Kansas City Seattle @ Denver Dallas @ San Diego

PRESEASON WEEK #2 THURSDAY, AUG. 14 Jacksonville @ Chicago

PRESEASON Saturday Aug. Friday Aug. Friday Aug. Thursday Aug.

G R E E N BAY PAC K E R S

3:00pm

6:00pm 6:00pm 6:00pm 6:00pm 6:00pm 6:00pm 6:30pm 6:30pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 9:00pm 9:00pm

WEEK #1 THURSDAY, SEPT. 4 Green Bay at Seattle SUNDAY, SEPT. 7 New Orleans at Atlanta Cincinnati at Baltimore Buffalo at Chicago Washington at Houston Tennessee at Kansas City New England at Miami Oakland at N.Y. Jets Jacksonville at Philadelphia Cleveland at Pittsburgh Minnesota at St. Louis San Francisco at Dallas Carolina at Tampa Bay Indianapolis at Denver MONDAY, SEPT. 8 N.Y. Giants at Detroit San Diego at Arizona WEEK #2 THURSDAY, SEPT. 11 Pittsburgh at Baltimore

7:30pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 3:30pm 3:30pm 7:30pm 6:00pm 9:30pm

7:30pm

SUNDAY, SEPT. 14 Miami at Buffalo Detroit at Carolina Atlanta at Cincinnati New Orleans at Cleveland New England at Minnesota Arizona at N.Y. Giants Dallas at Tennessee Jacksonville at Washington Seattle at San Diego St. Louis at Tampa Bay Kansas City at Denver N.Y. Jets at Green Bay Houston at Oakland Chicago at San Francisco

12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 3:00pm 3:00pm 3:30pm 3:30pm 3:30pm 7:30pm

MONDAY, SEPT. 15 Philadelphia at Indianapolis

7:30pm

WEEK #3 THURSDAY, SEPT. 18 Tampa Bay at Atlanta SUNDAY, SEPT. 21 San Diego at Buffalo Tennessee at Cincinnati Baltimore at Cleveland Green Bay at Detroit Indianapolis at Jacksonville Oakland at New England Minnesota at New Orleans Houston at N.Y. Giants Washington at Philadelphia Dallas at St. Louis San Francisco at Arizona Kansas City at Miami Denver at Seattle Pittsburgh at Carolina MONDAY, SEPT. 22 Chicago at N.Y. Jets

7:30pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 3:00pm 3:30pm 3:30pm 7:30pm 7:30pm

WEEK #4 (Byes: Arizona, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Denver, Seattle, St. Louis) THURSDAY, SEPT. 25 N.Y. Giants at Washington 7:30pm SUNDAY, SEPT. 28 Carolina at Baltimore Green Bay at Chicago Buffalo at Houston Tennessee at Indianapolis Detroit at N.Y. Jets Miami vs. Oakland at London Tampa Bay at Pittsburgh Jacksonville at San Diego Atlanta at Minnesota Philadelphia at San Francisco New Orleans at Dallas

12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 3:00pm 3:30pm 3:30pm 6:30pm

MONDAY, SEPT. 29 New England at Kansas City

6:30pm

WEEK #5 (Byes: Miami, Oakland) THURSDAY, OCT. 2 Minnesota at Green Bay SUNDAY, OCT. 5 Chicago at Carolina

7:30pm 12:00pm

Houston at Dallas Buffalo at Detroit Baltimore at Indianapolis Pittsburgh at Jacksonville Tampa Bay at New Orleans Atlanta at N.Y. Giants St. Louis at Philadelphia Cleveland at Tennessee Arizona at Denver N.Y. Jets at San Diego Kansas City at San Francisco Cincinnati at New England MONDAY, OCT. 6 Seattle at Washington

12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 3:00pm 3:30pm 3:30pm 7:30pm 7:30pm

WEEK #6 (Byes: Kansas City, New Orleans) THURSDAY, OCT. 9 Indianapolis at Houston 7:30pm SUNDAY, OCT. 12 Chicago at Atlanta New England at Buffalo Carolina at Cincinnati Pittsburgh at Cleveland Green Bay at Miami Detroit at Minnesota Denver at N.Y. Jets Baltimore at Tampa Bay Jacksonville at Tennessee San Diego at Oakland Washington at Arizona Dallas at Seattle N.Y. Giants at Philadelphia

12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 3:00pm 3:30pm 3:30pm 7:30pm

MONDAY, OCT. 13 San Francisco at St. Louis

6:30pm

WEEK #7 (Byes: Philadelphia, Tampa Bay) THURSDAY, OCT. 16 N.Y. Jets at New England

7:30pm

SUNDAY, OCT. 19 Atlanta at Baltimore Minnesota at Buffalo Miami at Chicago New Orleans at Detroit Carolina at Green Bay Cincinnati at Indianapolis Cleveland at Jacksonville Seattle at St. Louis Tennessee at Washington Kansas City at San Diego N.Y. Giants at Dallas Arizona at Oakland San Francisco at Denver MONDAY, OCT. 20 Houston at Pittsburgh

12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 3:00pm 3:30pm 3:30pm 7:30pm 7:30pm

WEEK #8 (Byes: N.Y. Giants, San Francisco) THURSDAY, OCT. 23 San Diego at Denver 7:30pm SUNDAY, OCT. 26 Detroit vs. Atlanta(London) Seattle at Carolina Baltimore at Cincinnati Miami at Jacksonville St. Louis at Kansas City Chicago at New England Buffalo at N.Y. Jets Minnesota at Tampa Bay Houston at Tennessee Philadelphia at Arizona Oakland at Cleveland Indianapolis at Pittsburgh Green Bay at New Orleans MONDAY, OCT. 27 Washington at Dallas

9:30am 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 3:00pm 3:30pm 3:30pm 7:30pm 7:30pm

WEEK #9 (Byes: Atlanta, Buffalo, Chicago, Detroit, Green Bay, Tennessee) THURSDAY, OCT. 30 New Orleans at Carolina 7:30pm SUNDAY, NOV. 2 Jacksonville at Cincinnati Tampa Bay at Cleveland Arizona at Dallas Philadelphia at Houston N.Y. Jets at Kansas City San Diego at Miami

12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm

Washington at Minnesota St. Louis at San Francisco Denver at New England Oakland at Seattle Baltimore at Pittsburgh MONDAY, NOV. 3 Indianapolis at N.Y. Giants

12:00pm 3:00pm 3:30pm 3:30pm 7:30pm 7:30pm

WEEK #10 (Byes: Houston, Indianapolis, Minnesota, New England, San Diego, Washington) THURSDAY, NOV. 6 Cleveland at Cincinnati 7:30pm SUNDAY, NOV. 9 Tennessee at Baltimore Kansas City at Buffalo Miami at Detroit Dallas vs. Jacksonville(London) San Francisco at New Orleans Pittsburgh at N.Y. Jets Atlanta at Tampa Bay Denver at Oakland St. Louis at Arizona N.Y. Giants at Seattle Chicago at Green Bay MONDAY, NOV. 10 Carolina at Philadelphia

12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 3:00pm 3:30pm 3:30pm 7:30pm 7:30pm

WEEK #11 (Byes: Baltimore, Dallas, Jacksonville, N.Y. Jets) THURSDAY, NOV. 13 Buffalo at Miami 7:30pm SUNDAY, NOV. 16 Atlanta at Carolina Minnesota at Chicago Houston at Cleveland Philadelphia at Green Bay Seattle at Kansas City Cincinnati at New Orleans San Francisco at N.Y. Giants Denver at St. Louis Tampa Bay at Washington Oakland at San Diego Detroit at Arizona New England at Indianapolis

12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 3:00pm 3:30pm 7:30pm

MONDAY, NOV. 17 Pittsburgh at Tennessee

7:30pm

WEEK #12 (Byes: Carolina, Pittsburgh) THURSDAY, NOV. 20 Kansas City at Oakland

7:30pm

SUNDAY, NOV. 23 Cleveland at Atlanta N.Y. Jets at Buffalo Tampa Bay at Chicago Cincinnati at Houston Jacksonville at Indianapolis Green Bay at Minnesota Detroit at New England Tennessee at Philadelphia St. Louis at San Diego Arizona at Seattle Miami at Denver Washington at San Francisco Dallas at N.Y. Giants MONDAY, NOV. 24 Baltimore at New Orleans

12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 3:00pm 3:00pm 3:30pm 3:30pm 7:30pm 7:30pm

WEEK #13 THURSDAY, NOV. 27 Chicago at Detroit Philadelphia at Dallas Seattle at San Francisco

11:30am 3:30pm 7:30pm

SUNDAY, NOV. 30 San Diego at Baltimore Cleveland at Buffalo Tennessee at Houston Washington at Indianapolis N.Y. Giants at Jacksonville Carolina at Minnesota New Orleans at Pittsburgh Oakland at St. Louis Cincinnati at Tampa Bay Arizona at Atlanta New England at Green Bay Denver at Kansas City

12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 3:00pm 3:30pm 7:30pm

MONDAY, DEC. 1

Miami at N.Y. Jets

7:30pm

WEEK #14 THURSDAY, DEC. 4 Dallas at Chicago

7:30pm

SUNDAY, DEC. 7 Pittsburgh at Cincinnati Indianapolis at Cleveland Tampa Bay at Detroit Houston at Jacksonville Baltimore at Miami N.Y. Jets at Minnesota Carolina at New Orleans N.Y. Giants at Tennessee St. Louis at Washington Kansas City at Arizona Buffalo at Denver San Francisco at Oakland Seattle at Philadelphia New England at San Diego

12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 3:00pm 3:00pm 3:30pm 3:30pm 7:30pm

MONDAY, DEC. 8 Atlanta at Green Bay

7:30pm

WEEK #15 THURSDAY, DEC. 11 Arizona at St. Louis

7:30pm

SUNDAY, DEC. 14 Pittsburgh at Atlanta Jacksonville at Baltimore Green Bay at Buffalo Tampa Bay at Carolina Cincinnati at Cleveland Minnesota at Detroit Houston at Indianapolis Oakland at Kansas City Miami at New England Washington at N.Y. Giants Denver at San Diego N.Y. Jets at Tennessee San Francisco at Seattle Dallas at Philadelphia

12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 12:00pm 3:00pm 3:00pm 3:30pm 7:30pm

MONDAY, DEC. 15 New Orleans at Chicago

7:30pm

WEEK #16 THURSDAY, DEC. 18 Tennessee at Jacksonville

7:30pm

SATURDAY, DEC. 20 San Diego at San Francisco

3:30 or 7:15pm Philadelphia at Washington

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MINNESOTA VIKINGS TRAINING CAMP ISSUE | 2014

MSU REPORTER • 25

Round two for Cordarrelle Patterson CORDARRELLE PATTERSON Born: March 17, 1991 College: Tennessee Drafted: 2013 1st Round (29th pick overall) 2013 Stats: 45 Receptions, 469 Yards, 4 TD, 79 Long 2013 Kick Return Stats: 43 Att., 1,393 Yards, 2 TD, 109 Long Patterson and Improving Routes: “I noticed that I needed to work on my routes. My routes were not that good, and this year, I have just been staying in shape. I have been working hard and working with Matt, and he has been working me, which I appreciate.”

GM Rick Spielman: “Cordarrelle has made tremendous strides this offseason, and I can’t commend enough the work ethic that he has, and the approach he has taken.”

yards.

RYAN LUND But while the expectations of Special Reporter Contributor Patterson have increased heading into his sophomore campaign, When the Minnesota Vikings the flashy receiver is taking the parted ways with star wide re- spotlight in stride. ceiver Percy Harvin in exchange “It does not make me nervous for a trio of draft selections, the at all,” Patterson said. “It kind of team immediately went to work inspires me, but you have to go in in an attempt to replace the of- expecting big things out of yourfensively versatile speedster. self.”

A draft day swap with the And with Mike Zimmer and New England Patriots during Norv Turner ushering in a new the first round of the 2013 NFL era for the Vikings passing atDraft bought the Vikings another tack, Patterson is excited at the first round pick, one that the Vi- opportunity to improve on his kings successfully parlayed into rookie success.

Harvin’s successor, former Ten“I am excited, and I know that nessee standout Cordarrelle Pat- everybody is excited about what terson. [coach Zimmer] has brought to And after just one season in our team,” Patterson said. “He Minnesota, Patterson has already has an offensive mindset so we begun to make Percy Harvin a feel like he is going to do a lot of thing of the past. great things this year.”

“He brings that explosiveConsidered a raw talent comness and that excitement,” rookie ing out of Tennessee, questions quarterback Teddy Bridgewater about Patterson’s ability to run said of Patterson. “You never routes and process the more know what to expect with Cor- technical aspects of the position darrelle.” have followed the speedy receivPatterson exploded onto the er since his college days, but acscene as a rookie, logging an cording to quarterback Matt CasNFL-record 109-yard kickoff re- sel, Patterson has made strides turn during his first meeting with during his first full offseason the Green Bay Packers on Octo- with the team. ber 27, eventually becoming the “He has made great improveonly player in league history to ment from last season in his record a 100-yard kick return, a route-running and his ability to 75-yard touchdown catch and a understand coverages,” Cassel 50-yard rushing touchdown in a said. “He is still a young player; single season. he only played one year of junior The former first-round pick college and one year at Tennesenters his second NFL season see so he is still learning.”

The Vikings quarterbacks after posting 2,020 all-purpose yards as a rookie, including often struggled to put the ball in 469 receiving yards, 158 rushPATTERSON • Page 31 ing yards, and 1,393 kick return

Michael Huerkamp • MSU Reporter The 2nd great receiver to wear no. 84 showed great promise in his rookie campaign and is now ready to break out his sophomore year.

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MINNESOTA VIKINGS TRAINING CAMP ISSUE | 2014

Loeffler lives on consistency DEREK LAMBERT THE LONG Staff Writer

SNAPPER

In all team sports there are superstars who dazzle the crowd and light up the scoreboard. In football, the attention is often directed towards the quarterbacks, running backs, and receivers who put points on the board. But every team needs role players -guys who are unsung heroes who contribute in their own way to help the team win, but ultimately fly under the radar. Cullen Loeffler is one of those players.

CULLEN LOEFFLER Born: January 27, 1981 College: Texas Acquired: Undrafted free agent

Loeffler is a long snapper, hiking the ball to the placeholder for kicker Blair Walsh to split the uprights on field goal attempts.

While settling for field goals is often seen as a failed offensive drive up the field, they can also help a team win games and can be crucial. Though his job may seem miniscule to many, Loeffler’s job can have a major impact on the outcome of a game.

“I started doing it my sophomore year in college when he had some special teams issues,” said Loeffler. “Fortunately, I was able to transition into it and have been doing it since.”

Undrafted out of the University of Texas, Loeffler debuted for the Vikings in 2004 and has been with the team ever since. Heading into his eleventh season with Minnesota, he’s made a pretty good career for himself at a position that is often overlooked, and seems to be content here in Minnesota.

“The weather has been great these 10 years.” he said. “Being able to have two days this time of year in under 100 degree heat is pretty nice.”

In his 10 seasons with the Vikings, Loeffler has played in 155

games, the most for a long snapper in Vikings history. Loeffler has also been the long snapper for 10 of the 11 longest field goals in Vikings history, while the five games he missed in 2011 due to injury are the only games he’s missed in his decade long career.

It’s an interesting position that requires a different kind of training. While position play-

ers work on their agility, speed, and their hands, Loeffler’s job is specifically to work on his ball snapping.

“It’s a lot different from regular snapping with the timing you need,” Loeffler said. “It has to be a good snap for everything to go right.”

Though an undervalued position in the game, Loeffler has

proven that every position plays an important role for a team. The 33 year old from Texas is in the last year of his three year contract, meaning his career may be closing in on its end, but as an undrafted long snapper to play over a decade in the NFL, he’s made every snap count.

Michael Huerkamp • MSU Reporter Loeffler’s career made it to 11 years because he’s one of the most consistent long snappers in the NFL.

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MINNESOTA VIKINGS TRAINING CAMP ISSUE | 2014

MSU REPORTER • 27

Lee’s Vikings fantasy predictions Once again, Charles (70 LEE HANDEL Special Reporter Contributor catches) and McCoy (52 catches) are elite dual-threat backs. This As sure as the sun rising ev- means they get far more touches ery day, the Minnesota Vikings’ out of the backfield in the passing fantasy outlook has always be- game that backs like Peterson (29 gun with superstar running back catches) simply don’t get. If your Adrian Peterson since the day league settings cater to recepthe Purple drafted him back in tions, you would probably be best 2007. served going after pass-catching At this time last year, A.P. backs and passing on A.P. firmly held the top spot on nearly You also can’t look past the everyone across the globe’s draft fact that every Vikings fantasy board after posting one of the option has to adjust to playing greatest fantasy seasons of all- outdoors at TCF Bank Stadium, time during his historic pursuit their home venue for the next two of Eric Dickerson’s single-season seasons.

NFL rushing record in 2012.

Peterson was so unstoppable After accumulating “only” on the Metrodome turf that the 1266 yards on the ground to go potentially frozen TCF tundra along with 11 total trips to the end is cause for concern, but not a zone last season, Peterson opens deal breaker by any means given the 2014 fantasy campaign third how many huge rushing totals overall on the draft board behind that have been posted around the dual-threat backs Jamaal Charles league in snow the past couple of Kansas City and LeSean Mc- years.

If you are in a standard scorCoy of the Philadelphia Eagles.

His “down” year in 2013 may ing league, All Day will likely go have cost A.P. this season’s top off the board in the top five overdog status, but it didn’t hurt his all picks and if he is still there fantasy owners until he missed after five selections, TAKE HIM. two of the last three games of the Peterson is one of the most sure season due to injury and the Pur- things going in fantasy right now ple falling out of contention, end- and will likely reward his owners ing many owners’ playoff runs in for using their top pick on him. the process.

The only players that have an Although Peterson appears argument to be taken over A.P. fully healthy moving forward, are running backs Charles, Mcthere are a couple things to pon- Coy and Matt Forte of the Bears. der before selecting “All Day” Reigning NFL MVP and 2013 with complete confidence over fantasy legend Peyton Manning the aforementioned Charles and is the only other player worth McCoy in your upcoming fan- considering over All Day. tasy drafts.

Peterson Prediction: 1,600

Photo Courtesy of Brian Denton No doubt that Adrian Peterson will be the first Viking to get drafted in fantasy football, but in what round should you take him?

yards and 13 touchdowns A.P. has some company in the top 50 player rankings for a change, as second-year phenom Cordarrelle Patterson checks in at number 48 after a breakout rookie campaign that didn’t even pick up steam until the second half of the season.

Patterson is the ultimate “upside” fantasy player and is capable of taking it the distance every time he touches the ball, which

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MINNESOTA VIKINGS TRAINING CAMP ISSUE | 2014

Carolina connection: together again CAROLINA CONNECTION Linebacker Jasper Brinkley #54 Born: July 12, 1985 College: South Carolina Drafted: 2009 5th Round (150th Overall) by Vikings 2013 Stats: 27 Tackles, 1 pass deflection Cornerback Captain Munnerlyn #24 Born: April 10, 1988 College: South Carolina Drafted: 2009 7th Round (216th Overall) by Carolina 2013 Stats: 74 Tackles, 3.5 sacks, 2 INT, 12 Pass Deflections

Web Photos Captain Munnerlyn (left) and Jasper Brinkley (right) reunited this spring and are now ready to show the Vikings what playing for the University of South Carolina has taught them.

JOEY DENTON Sports Editor I haven’t graduated college yet, but I couldn’t imagine the feeling of being out of college for five years and finding out I get to work along side one of my old college buddies in the job I love. That’s what linebacker Jasper Brinkley and cornerback Captain Munnerlyn get to experience in their six season in the NFL. The two wreaked havoc in the SEC for the South Carolina Gamecocks and now they get to

bring their school fire to the Vikings organization in the NFL. With the loss of Chris Cook, the Vikings searched for a no.

2 or possible no. 1 cornerback and found Munnerlyn, which excited Brinkley.

“It’s like the old college days,” Brinkley said. “A lot of jokes going on, but when it’s time serious, we come out ready to work.”

Munnerlyn just came off his best season with the Carolina Panthers, arguably the best defense in 2013, with 74 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 12 pass deflections and 2 interceptions, so he’s

coming here to make a difference.

If he plays like Brinkley remembers at South Carolina, NFC North receivers could start having nightmares about running into the secondary abyss that contains Munnerlyn.

“Ever since I’ve known Captain he’s been very physical.

He’s always been a physical guy that’s not scared to stick his head in there,” Brinkley said.

According to Brinkley, when you step off the University of South Carolina campus you have learned to be physical, and that has helped both guys

not only stay in the NFL but have some success. The two are both products of South Carolina physicality.

They also played in the SEC, which is undoubtedly the toughest college football conference in the country. The speed and strength of the players is nothing like the other conferences, and Brinkley feels like it’s helped their jump from division I college football to the NFL. “I feel like the SEC definitely prepared us to the NFL.

CAROLINA • Page 32

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MINNESOTA VIKINGS TRAINING CAMP ISSUE | 2014

MSU REPORTER • 29

Receivers & Tight Ends: Locked n’ loaded RECEIVERS & TIGHT ENDS Projected Depth Chart

Left Wing Receivers: 1) Greg Jennings #15 2) Jerome Simpson #81 playing for a spot Rodney Smith #83 Erik Lora #14 Donte Foster #2 Right Wing Receivers: 1) Cordarrelle Patterson #84 2) Jarius Wright #17 playing for a spot Adam Thielen #19 Kamar Jorden #12 Ty Walker #11 Kain Colter #13 Andy Cruse #8 Tight Ends: 1) Kyle Rudolph #82 2) Rhett Ellison #40 Allen Reinser #87 AC Leonard #89 Mike Higgins #00 Chase Ford #86

Yohanes Ashenafi • MSU Reporter Once again, Jerome Simpson shows off his athletic ability.

JORDAN YESS Staff Writer A more experienced receiving core spells better things for the Vikings offense. With no signings of any other receivers, this receiving core will hopefully progress with a veteran in Greg Jennings, the sizable and athletic Jerome Simpson, and the always-threatening Cordarrelle Patterson.

Jerome Simpson signed an extension for his third consecutive one-year deal after a very produc-

tive year. He had 48 catches for 726 years with one touchdown. I only expect those numbers to improve, given his size and athleticism.

General Manager Rick Spielman is excited in the progress made by wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson.

“Cordarrelle has made tremendous strides this offseason and I can’t commend enough the work ethic that he has, and the approach he has taken,” Spielman said. “To see how Coach Stewart and Coach

Turner have worked with him, and refining his routes, we are expecting big things from him, and not just in the return game.”

Cordarrelle Patterson is taking the stress of such high expectations with surprising grace.

“It does not make me nervous at all,” said Patterson. “It kind of inspires me, but you have to go in expecting big things out of yourself. Do not let other people do it for you.”

Patterson doesn’t have numbers in mind but wants to bring his best

game in and game out.

“I just want to be out there and play every game that I can play, stay injury-free, go out there and give it my best,” said Patterson. “I just want to continue how I played last year. I want to continue to build off of that and I hope my game gets better and better each week.”

The question mark around Patterson is can he stay healthy? He has been pretty limited in training camp this summer so far with limited participation in full practices.

He is still participating in the walk through.

On the Tight end of things, competition is heating up for the second spot. Kyle Rudolph has the top spot all but sewn up and a nice five-year extension worth $36 million.

“I love Minnesota,” said Rudolph. “It’s a dream come true.”

Last season, Rudolph had 30 catches for 310 yards, and three touchdowns, leading all tight ends in each of those categories on the Vikings.

The battle rages on between Rhett Ellison and Chase Ford with the departure of John Carlson. Ford is currently on the PUP (Players Unable to Perform) list, which may force the Vikings to look at Ellison for the start of the season.

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30 • MSU REPORTER

MINNESOTA VIKINGS TRAINING CAMP ISSUE | 2014

FANTASY PREDICTIONS “Cordarrelle’s role is likely to change a little bit under new head coach Mike Zimmer and offensive coordinator Norv Turner. His 45 receptions should increase a bit and all signs appear to be pointing towards greater production across the board with offensive mastermind Turner at the controls.” continued from 27

Mike Huerkamp • MSU Reporter According to NFL.com, Matt Cassel (16) is ranked the 35th best quarterbacks in fantasy football. Teddy Bridgewater (5) is 31st.

is a very valuable commodity in fantasy circles.

The wideout did a little bit of everything for the Purple as a rookie, managing to find the end zone four times as a receiver, three times as a rusher and two times as a return specialist for the Vikings while looking twice as fast as everyone else on the

field.

Cordarrelle’s role is likely to change a little bit under new head coach Mike Zimmer and offensive coordinator Norv Turner.

His 45 receptions should increase a bit and all signs appear to be pointing towards greater production across the board with offensive mastermind Turner at

the controls.

Patterson may be impacted more negatively than anyone by the demolition of the Metrodome, as he seemed to be in his element on the Dome’s turf last winter.

It will be interesting to see if the coaching staff keeps Cordarrelle in a return role if he develops

into a franchise cornerstone, but fantasy owners shouldn’t have a problem with “CDP” returning kicks as long as he avoids injury.

Patterson is ranked surprisingly high in the fantasy ranks and has some lofty expectations to live up to in order for an owner to justify using one of their top five picks on him. But with all that potential and Christian Ponder nowhere to be found, would you bet against him?

Patterson Prediction: 60 catches, 900 yards receiving, 200 yards rushing, 10 touchdowns Tight end Kyle Rudolph, who just re-signed for five years and $36 million, checks in next on the draft board for the Purple, sneaking into the top 100 overall players with an Average Draft Position (ADP) of 97 despite playing in only eight games last season.

The Golden-Domer somewhat underachieved in those eight games, hauling in just 30 passes for 313 yards and three touchdowns, making ninthranked Rudolph the perfect “buy low” candidate and a steal at the tight end position.

Despite “tight end guru” Bill Musgrave no longer running the

offense, OC Norv Turner was running the show for the Chargers for some of Antonio Gates’ great campaigns and all signs are pointing towards a huge season for Rudolph, who is a red zone magnet and will likely be a topfive tight end as a result.

Rudolph Prediction: 70 catches, 825 yards receiving, 10 touchdowns After “The Big Three” Vikings are off the board, the rest of the squad will likely be drafted as bench players to round out rosters and make the occasional spot start if provided a good matchup.

Starting wide receiver Greg Jennings is somewhat of a sleeper pick with an ADP of 142 overall. Jennings actually had pretty decent number last season all things considered, and will likely benefit most if Matt Cassel holds onto the starting job deep into the season.

Cassel targeted Jennings a ton last season, as Greg caught 68 balls for 804 yards and four scores, doing most of his damage with Cassel at the helm.

If Teddy Bridgewater takes over, Jennings figures to see sig-

FANTASY • Page 42

MINNESOTA VIKINGS TRAINING CAMP ISSUE | 2014

MSU REPORTER • 31

PATTERSON “‘He brings that explosiveness and that excitement,” rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater said of Patterson. ‘You never know what to expect with Cordarrelle.’” continued from 25 Patterson’s hands last season, but he feels confident in Bridgewater’s ability to lead the offense.

“I have had the opportunity to go with him a few times; he is looking good,” Patterson said.

“He is a young guy and I feel like

he is going to be the star of this team one of these years.”

But despite the changes Patterson says that he doesn’t intend to change how he approaches his game once the season gets underway.

“Zimmer is a different coach than the last coach, but I try not to play differently,” Patterson said. “I want everything to stay the same; I will just get out there and do what I do best.”

Photo Courtesy of Associated Press Cordarrelle Patterson (84) catches a pass over wide receiver Adam Thielen.

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32 • MSU REPORTER

MINNESOTA VIKINGS TRAINING CAMP ISSUE | 2014

CAROLINA CONNECTION “‘It’s like the old college days,” Brinkley said. ‘A lot of jokes going on, but when it’s time serious, we come out ready to work.’”continued from 28

It’s America’s best conference,” Brinkley said.

Brinkley stated his goal in camp is to compete.

“I want to let the coaches know that I can still play and make it a hard decision for the coaches. I’m going to go out and put my best foot forward,” Brinkley said.

The 6-foot-1, 252 lb. linebacker had 27 tackles and one pass deflection in 2013, but in 2012 he had 99 tackles with

three pass deflections.

So far in camp, Brinkley has been playing inside linebacker.

Audie Cole is giving him a run for his money as far as inside linebackers go, and it’s going to be fun watching those two compete. He finished the 2013 season with 45 tackles and a sack. Brinkley is smart enough to fluctuate between inside and outside, and he doesn’t prefer one or the other.

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that will keep me on the roster.”

Munnerlyn is strictly a cornerback, but we will see if the Vikings decide is the best man to cover the no. 1 receivers for at least 16 games. The only problem is he hasn’t been able to show what he can do yet due to an injury and being in the PUP list.

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MINNESOTA VIKINGS TRAINING CAMP ISSUE | 2014

MSU REPORTER • 33

Defensive Line: Finding a new sack king DEFENSIVE LINE Projected Depth Chart Left Defensive End: 1) Brian Robison #96 2) Scott Crichton #95 3) Justin Trattou #92 4) Jake Snyder #78 Nose Tackle: 1) Linval Joseph #98 2) Fred Evans #90 3) Chase Baker #91 4) Shamar Stephen #93 Defensive Tackle: 1) Sharrif Floyd #73 2) Tom Johnson #92 3) Kheeston Randall #79 4) Isame Faciane #76 Right Defensive End: 1) Everson Griffen #97 2) Corey Wootton #99 3) Rakim Cox #68 4) Tyler Scott #64 Biggest Postion Battle: Linval Joseph (2013 Stats: 59 Tackles, 3 Sacks, 1 Forced Fumble) vs.

Fred Evans (20 Tackles, 1 Forced Fumble, 3 Pass Deflections)

With Jared Allen gone, the Minnesota Vikings are looking for a new guy to lasso quarterbacks on a regular basis.

DEREK LAMBERT Staff Writer

was a starter for the Giants in the past three seasons, so expect to see him on the line when the season opener at Detroit comes around.

On the other side, it looks like Sharrif Floyd and Fred Evans will likely split time at defensive tackle. In 2013, Floyd and Evans combined for two forced fumbles, 25 tackles, and 2.5 sacks. Neither would be a clear favorite to start, but both are capable of getting the job done. Some of the new guys in the room will give these five a run for their money, though.

Corey Wootton comes to the Vikings as a free agent from the Chicago Bears. At 6’6”, he’s got tremendous height for a defensive end and boasts some impressive stats. Last season, Wootton had 28 tackles, three sacks, two fumble recoveries, and five blocked passes. For a team that gave up the second most pass yards in the NFL last season, he could definitely be an asset.

The rest of the depth chart is quite uncertain at this point. Defensive end Tom Johnson from the New Orleans Saints brings four years of NFL experience to the table, and recorded two sacks last season. He could challenge for reps, though as an end, he has

The Minnesota Vikings had one of the worst defenses in the NFL during the 2013 season.

They finished in the bottom two of the league in points against and yards against. Though there is reason to be optimistic.

With new defensive coordinator George Edwards coming in to shake things up, and the players returning, there’s no reason the Vikings defense shouldn’t make big strides this season.

The loss of Jared Allen at defensive end hurts but Minnesota should still be okay with what they have.

Brian Robison and Everson Griffin return on defensive end with 64 tackles and 14.5 sacks between the two in 2013. It seems likely that these will be the guys playing the majority of snaps on the ends. From there, it looks like there might be a variety of players splitting time among each other.

Linval Joseph comes to Minnesota from the New York Giants. The 6’4”, 323 lb. defensive tackle brings monstrous size to the line and some good experience. Joseph had 33 tackles in 2013 to go along with a fumble recovery and three sacks. He DEFENSIVE LINE • Page 41

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Trevor Cokley • MSU Reporter Defensive end Scott Crichton has been a very hard worker at training camp, hoping to land a starting spot.

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MINNESOTA VIKINGS TRAINING CAMP ISSUE | 2014

Jennings ready to lead young receivers GREG JENNINGS

Born: September 21, 1983 College: Western Michigan Drafted: 2006 2nd Round (52nd overall)

by Green Bay 2013 Stats: 68 Rec., 804 Yards, 4 TD, (70 Long) Strengths: Being a leader, great hands, route running, athletic Questions: Can he help Cordarrelle Patterson make a big jump in his sophomore season?

Will he be used as much as he was at the end of the 2013 season?

Photo Courtesy of Brian Denton

DEREK LAMBERT Staff Writer Last summer saw some anticipation building to see what long time Green Bay Packer Greg Jennings could bring to the Minnesota Vikings lineup. The 30-year-old wide receiver was a thorn in the side of Vikings fans for years when he was playing for the rival Packers from 20062012. But when Jennings came to Minnesota, he didn’t quite give Vikings fans the results they were hoping for.

Struggling to find a go to guy at the quarterback position, Jennings couldn’t find the chemistry

he was hoping to when on the field. In 15 starts during the 2013 season, Jennings collected 68 receptions for a season total of 804 yards and four touchdowns.

Not bad numbers by any means, but not great either, despite the fact that he led Vikings receivers. With the quarterback situation looking to be more stable in 2014, Jennings hopes the offense can make improvements this season.

“It’s our main job to put stress on the defense instead of letting them put the stress on us,” said Jennings.

Now about to start his second season in Minnesota, Jennings is excited about the new coaching

staff, which carries a different attitude.

“What Mike Zimmer brings is a winning mindset,” said Jennings. “And it’s not just a mindset, it’s put into action. Everyone is held accountable and, with that attitude, we’ll be successful.”

But it’s not just Zimmer who can help Jennings rebound this season -- there’s also new offensive coordinator Norv Turner, who brings in a fresh, new start to an offense that struggled at times throughout the 2013 season. As a receiver who has surpassed the 1,000 yard barrier during three separate seasons, the shakeup in the offense this season may be just what he needs to have a great season.

“We’ll be successful,” said Jennings. “How many games we’ll win, we don’t know. But we’ll all be accountable and have some success.”

That success has already been shown in training camp with rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater connecting with Jennings on the field. As a veteran of the NFL, Jennings playing mentor to young receivers such as Cordarrelle Patterson also plays a role in the success the offense will have.

“If I’m having success, it’s go-

ing to open up the door for success for other guys,” Jennings said. “If Cordarrelle’s having success, it’s going to open up the door for a lot of other guys, as well.”

Jennings also knows that while he is still valuable to the Vikings, showing the way for emerging stars is also important, and eventually the torch will have to be passed.

“For me, it was making sure that he understands that he has to be a professional. He has to be a pro’s pro when he steps foot [on the field].”

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Defensive Backs: New faces, new roles

-

o

n

MSU REPORTER • 35

DEFENSIVE BACKS Projected Depth Chart Left Cornerback: 1) Xavier Rhodes #29 2) Josh Robinson #21 3) Marcus Sherels #35 playing for a Spot Derek Cox #37 Kendall James #40 Jabari Price #39 Strong Safety: 1) Jamarca Sanford #33 2) Mistral Raymond #41 Free Safety: 1) Harrison Smith #22 2) Robert Blanton #36 3) Kurt Coleman #20 4) Brandan Bishop #30 Right Cornerback: 1) Shaun Prater #27 2) Antone Exum #32 3) Robert Steeples #26 4) Julian Posey #00 Big Position Battle: Jamarca Sanford (2013 Stats: 75 Tackles, 2 Forced Fumbles, 1 Fumble Recovery) vs.

Mistral Raymond (15 Tackles)

TIGE HUTCHESON Special Reporter Contributor There may not be a single player on the entire roster that better symbolized the disappointment that was the 2013 Minnesota Vikings than now-third year cornerback Josh Robinson. As a rookie, Robinson showed promise in limited minutes. In fact, the Vikings were so impressed with what they saw in Robinson’s rookie season that they pulled the trigger on the dismissal of Antoine Winfield, a fan-favorite and legitimate superstar that had held down the Vikings secondary for just short of a decade.

But to say Robinson took a step back in 2013 would be an understatement. The speedster out of Central Florida was labeled as a weak spot by opposing defenses early in the season, and was constantly picked on for being out of position. The Vikings would up with the second-worst pass defense in the league (4595 yards given up in the air) as they skidded to an NFC North-worst 5-10-1 after making the playoffs just one season prior.

In a nutshell, the Vikings learned an important lesson: potential doesn’t win football games.

So when asked what he needs to do in order to help a secondary that drastically needs it in 2014, Josh Robinson’s short and seemingly obvious answer pretty much hits the nail right on the head.

“Make plays,” said Robinson.

“We just have to make plays.”

Photo Courtesy of Brian Denton The secondary will be tested this season with the Vikings’ schedule and being in the NFC North.

He’s not wrong. In fact, new defensive coordinator George Edwards paints the picture that fixing the secondary isn’t exactly rocket science either.

“Well, schematically, I think we are going to be a little different. We’re up there. We are trying to challenge routes each and every time. But the big thing is, you know like Coach Zimmer says, is tackling. You’ve got to

DEFENSIVE BACKS • Page 39

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MINNESOTA VIKINGS TRAINING CAMP ISSUE | 2014

AP always ready for a new season JORDAN YESS Staff Writer

ADRIAN PETERSON Born: March 21, 1985 College: Oklahoma Drafted: 2007 1st Round (7th Overall) 2013 Stats: 1,266 Rushing Yards, 4.5 YPA, 78 Long, 10 TD, 3 Fumbles AP on hopefully playing a full season: “It’s important. It is really important to me. Taking these past two years, I have missed a couple of the last games and I have not been able to be a part of everything and fight through all of it. Personally, it is very important for me to do the small things and keep my body healthy and making sure I make it through the entire season.”

Adrian Peterson ended last season with 1,266 yards on 279 carries while recording 10 touchdowns. In some people’s mind, that was mediocre. In Peterson’s mind, that’s not what he wanted or expected, promising he would shoot for a 2,500-yard season.

“I feel pretty good about our chances,” said Peterson. “I feel like we have a great coaching staff and a good group of guys.

It is going to be all about building and making sure that we are all on the same page in terms of what we are trying to accomplish and what it is going to take to accomplish that.”

For Peterson, arriving in Mankato was the point where it all dawned on him.

“Driving here, I wasn’t excited, not going to lie,” said Peterson. “ But once I made it to Mankato, like the previous seven years, I started feeling the butterflies and getting more excited about the upcoming season.”

On new head coach Mike Zimmer, Peterson knows to expect a more hardedge approach and embraces it. “ I expect him to be tough,” said Peterson. “He is a hard-

headed guy, and he expects the best from us. I definitely expect the intensity to be a little higher than normal. A little more contact than normal just off the feel of what I have of Coach Zimmer and what I feel like he would expect during training camp. Me personally, I am all in for that.”

But outside of Vikings life, Peterson is just coming off tying the knot with his fiancée, Ashley Brown. The couple was wed on July 19 in a low-key ceremony.

“We were engaged July 4th, and that was an exciting and explosive night. We were talking about going to the court to get married, but we did something more intimate at the house and tried to keep it in the wrap,” said Peterson. “That did not last too long, but yes, I am official. I am a married man. Only about twenty family members were there. Some of my brothers did not even make it because it was supposed to be something small and we wanted to do something later.”

No doubt Adrian Peterson will be a vital part to our offensive success. Watching him out there, he does not play like he is 30 years old. I expect big things coming from Peterson this year.

Maybe 2,500 yards this season?

Trevor Cokley • MSU Reporter Can he reach 2,500 rushing yards this season?

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MINNESOTA VIKINGS TRAINING CAMP ISSUE | 2014

MSU REPORTER • 37

Welcome to Minnesota George Edwards

“...he is going to be paying attention to details, he’s going to compete, he’s going to know what’s going on...”

DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR Born: January 16, 1967

- on Jamarca Sanford

Teams he’s coached: Dallas Cowboys (Linebackers Coach) Washington Redskins (Linebackers/ Defensive Coordinator) Cleveland Browns (Linebackers Coach) Miami Dolphins (Linebackers Coach) Buffalo Bills (Defensive Coordinator) Miami Dolphins (Linebackers Coach Minnesota Vikings (Defensive Coordinator)

George Edwards: “I know it is early in the process, and we have some r unaswered questions on our side of the ball, but we are pleased at where the guys have come in and where they are working at right now. We are excited to get out here for another good day today and hopefully get better.”

Web Photo Defensive Coordinator George Edwards will be a great mentor for Anthony Barr as a linebacker

“We want to see him be able to transition from run into pass, be able to get pressured in the pocket, up inside against the quarterback making him move his feet...”

“...they both have bought into what we were asking them to do fundamentally and technique wise so from that aspect we are excited where we are.”

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MINNESOTA VIKINGS TRAINING CAMP ISSUE | 2014

Running Backs: Who’s backing up AP? JOEY DENTON Sports Editor

RUNNING BACKS Projected Depth Chart Running Backs: 1) Adrian Peterson #28 2) Matt Asiata #44 3) Jerick McKinnon #31 4) Joe Banyard #23 5) Dominique Williams #43 Fullbacks: 1) Jerome Felton #42 2) Zach Line #48 Jerick McKinnon: “I think we are physically talented, can make cuts.

All of us have speed, and I think each one of us is dynamic in our own ways.”

Since 2007 the talk about the running back situation goes like this: There’s Adrian Peterson, so who’s backing him up?

It always fluctuates though.

The 2012 training camp was echoed with murmurs of whether he was going to be ready for week one. He barely did anything at training camp or in preseason games, so people were wondering if the smart man out of Stanford Toby Gearhart was finally going to get his shot. That season turned out to be AP’s best one yet, running for 2,097 yards and averaging and unprecedented six yards per carry.

The 2013 training camp had a lot of hope with such a young team and AP, the MVP, was viewed as a god. The question on everyone’s mind was ‘can he get to 2,500 rushing yards?

Can he break the single season record?’ That didn’t go as well as hoped with 1,266 rushing yards.

This training camp there isn’t much of a change as who is going to receive 80-90 percent of the carries—that’s a no brainer. But with Toby Gear-

Mike Huerkamp • MSU Reporter AP can’t take every handoff. Matt Asiata and Jerick McKinnon will be fighting for carries this training camp.

hart moving to the Jacksonville Jaguars for his shot at fame, who is backing up AP? There are two legitimate guys playing for that spot in three-year man Matt Asiata and the 2014 3rd round draft pick Jerick McKinnon. Asiata got his moment to shine last season when AP missed the 48-30 victory over the Phila-

delphia Eagles. He didn’t rush yards a carry. for many yards, 51 to be exact, He may be the front-runner but he hunkered down at the due to his experience and abilgoal line and punched in three ity to get a three-yard run in touchdowns, making it look a cloud of dust, but there was pretty easy in the red zone. The a reason why McKinnon was previous game that he had to drafted in the third round—he make an emergency appear- can run the football.

Standing at 5-foot-9 208 lbs., ance with AP leaving with an injury, he rushed 14 times for 115 yards, averaging 8.2 RUNNING BACKS • Page 39

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MINNESOTA VIKINGS TRAINING CAMP ISSUE | 2014

D-BACKS “In a nutshell, the Vikings learned an important lesson: potential doesn’t win football games.” continued from 35 be able to get on and off blocks and make tackles and limit the gain after first contact, limit the gain after if they do catch the ball,” Edwards said early in camp. “In that aspect, those are the things that we are emphasizing, the fundamentals and techniques of really trying to get in good position to go compete for

every ball.”

However, unlike 2013, the cupboard isn’t completely dry.

In 2013, #29 overall pick Xavier Rhodes proved himself as more than just blind potential. He showed flashes of “shutdown corner” status more and more as the year went on, finishing out the season as a vital cog and un-

disputed starter in the Vikings defense. Of course, ask Robinson how much all that means if you regress in year two.

Even more important was the free agent acquisition of 26-year old cornerback Captain Munnerlyn from the Carolina Panthers. Munnerlyn spent 2013 coming on strong as a third cor-

RUNNING BACKS “But with Toby Gearhart moving to the Jacksonville Jaguars for his shot at fame, who is backing up AP?” continued from 38

the Georgia Southern product resembles a skinnier Maurice Jones-Drew. He’s speedy but he can run up the gut and push the pile as well. He’s great at finding the running seem, and his 4.37 40-time at the NFL Combine shows that he can break away for that 80-yard touchdown.

9 His senior year he rushed 161 times for 1,116 yards, giving him a 6.5 yards per carry average. Averaging 105 yards a game, he also scored 12 touchdowns on the ground.

He’s only been in the NFL for a few months, but he already sees the potential in this season’s running back corps.

“I think we are physically talented, can make cuts. All of us have speed, and I think each one of us is dynamic in our own ways,” McKinnon said.

Sunday July 27 was the first day of pads for the rookie, and that day he got his “welcome the NFL hit” trying to pass block and saw pro-bowl linebacker Chad Greenway in the way.

“It’s something that you have to be ready for as a running back,” McKinnon said.

“You can’t be too conservative.”

For the third straight season, AP will be running behind the great wall of Jerome

Felton. Since he’s presence in purple and white, he’s lead the best running back in the league and he has a lot to do with his success. The pro-bowler has been the league since 2008 but hasn’t yet scored a touchdown.

Fullbacks aren’t known for their rushing, but hopefully he can have some fun and score a touchdown or two this season—he deserves it.

“I don’t know what my role is going to be, but whatever it is, whatever is placed on me I’m going to do it to my fullest potential.”

MSU REPORTER • 39

nerback for the team that embarrassed the Vikings 35-10, largely with an aerial assault, in week six. The Captain brings grit and promise, no doubt, but again, promise alone won’t win football games.

There’s a ton of potential.

Marcus Sherels reminded us in 2013 that he may never be a star, but he will never be completely counted out either. Safeties Robert Blanton, whose improvement has already drawn the praise of Zimmer, and 2012 rookie standout Harrison Smith (if he can remain healthy) will be set to don the purple and gold instead of Fighting Irish blue and metallic for the third year in a row. Midseason pickup and Hawkeye journeyman cornerback Shaun Prater will enter his third season as a pro with his third home after starting three games last season. Heck, safety Jamarca Sanford is set to represent the oldest member of the entire Vikings secondary at a lively 28-years-young.

But Coach Zimmer isn’t messing around. Neither is Edwards. And while both natural-

s r

r

TM

ly have to expect improvement to take a little time, neither one seem to have a lot of patience for “potential” at its root.

The Vikings have the raw talent to take a big step forward on defense in 2014. With The Captain at the helm and prized former draft picks Xavier Rhodes and Harrison Smith by his side, it seems the sky is the limit. I mean, with the secondworst passing defense in the NFL, there’s not really anywhere else to go but up, right?

The roster oozes with potential, grit, and promise; the front office has done its part by responding to struggles by investing the future of the franchise largely in these youngsters to improve quickly and put the team in a position to win immediately. But unlike 2013, it’s more important than ever before for the Vikings secondary to finally blast off and see just how high that ceiling can be.

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MINNESOTA VIKINGS TRAINING CAMP ISSUE | 2014

Take your coat off, stay awhile Mr. Rudolph After a Pro Bowl MVP award and three productive seasons, the Vikings have resigned their tight end for the future.

JOEY DENTON Sports Editor When NFL players start pulling into to respective campuses for training camp, they need and want to have everything be just about getting better at the game of football. But some of them unfortunately have this “this is the end of my contract year, why haven’t I signed a new contract yet” mentality if they start to see the checkered flag to their contract.

Not Vikings’ tight end Kyle Rudolph though.

There was speculation that he was coming to camp on his last season of his contract, but you couldn’t tell by how focused and determined he looked on the practice fields.

“Right now we have so much going on football wise, trying to get as far in to this new offense as possible and as comfortable as I can to before we play our first preseason game,” Rudolph said.

“I have plenty of to worry about

with that stuff to worry about anything else.”

And the work was finished.

Just a few days into camp, Rudolph happily found out he is going to be a Viking for at least the next six seasons. With a five-year deal worth a minimum of $36.5, the former Notre Dame standout feels appreciative towards the team that believed in him since the 2011 draft.

“Being in an organization that took a chance on me out of the draft being hurt at the time and still drafting me when they did, and now giving me this extension, it shows the faith they have in me,” Rudolph said.

Along with being the Pro Bowl MVP in 2013, he has 109 career receptions for 1,055 career receiving yards.

Being the quiet, humble guy that he is, he’s writing his first big check to his former high school, Elder High School, in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Mike Huerkamp • MSU Reporter

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MSU REPORTER • 41

DEFENSIVE LINE “On the other side, it looks like Sharrif Floyd and Fred Evans will likely split time at defensive tackle. ” continued from 33

some pretty good players ahead of him. 2014 draft picks Scott Crichton and Shamar Stephen both bring some size to the roster, but their youth may limit their reps during their rookie season.

Edwards believes there will be improvements in the Vikings defensive line now that he is at the helm, and that’s exactly what they need.

“There was a lot of holes there when we first came in here,” said Edwards. “We’ve added some new players to that position. One thing you always like to see is guys working together and trying to help each other, and you see that group right now coaching each other when we’re not around, helping each other, trying to talk about pointers, trying to talk about the message that we’re trying to get accomplished, what we’re trying to do schematically, defensively the fundamentals and techniques of it.”

MSU Reporter Archives Jared Allen (left) will always be missed by Vikings fans, but it opened up the door for the next sack king. Who wants it?

42 • MSU REPORTER

MINNESOTA VIKINGS TRAINING CAMP ISSUE | 2014

FANTASY “The Viking defense may not improve much from a yards allowed standpoint, but the Mike Zimmer hire should make a dramatic difference from a fantasy perspective. ” continued from 30 over, Jennings figures to see water situation unless they have a significantly less targets than tasty matchup as a bye-week fillPatterson and Rudolph. But if in from the free agent pool.

Cassel and his intermediate passHowever, in two QB leagues I ing tendencies hold onto the job, would recommend drafting them Jennings could see more targets both and using whichever one than Patterson for sure and may is starting as a solid QB2 to go be worth using frequently in a along with your Peyton Manning, flex spot.

Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees and Fellow wideouts Jerome Tony Romo’s of the world.

Simpson and Jarius Wright are Cassel Prediction: 2,200 still in the picture for targets as yards passing with 15 touchwell, but should both be pretty downs and 12 interceptions irrelevant fantasy-wise with PatBridgewater Prediction: terson’s likely emergence.

1,300 yards passing with nine Wide Receiver Predictions: touchdowns and four intercepJennings- 60 catches, 750 tions yards, four touchdowns As far as the kicking game

goes, third-year pro Blair Walsh

Simpson- 20 catches, is still one of the best kickers 250 yards, two touchdowns in fantasy due to his ability to connect from 50-plus yards out.

Wright- 25 catches, 250 yards, However, the TCF Bank Stadium factor is in play again as Walsh two touchdowns The quarterback position is will no longer get eight games very tricky for the Purple from kicking in the comforts of a a fantasy perspective. In one QB stuffy dome.

Walsh Prediction: 25 field leagues, fantasy owners would be wise to avoid the Cassel/Bridge- goals made, five from 50+, 46

WELCOME VIKINGS FANS!

extra points The Viking defense may not improve much from a yards allowed standpoint, but the Mike Zimmer hire should make a dramatic difference from a fantasy perspective.

The days of the “bend but don’t break” defensive scheme appear to be over, as Zimmer’s Bengals teams were known for taking chances, forcing turn-

overs and bringing down the quarterback.

With the loss of Jared Allen, the Vikings are unlikely to improve much upon their 41 sacks last season, but they should force way more turnovers than the 20 they mustered last season.

That being said, you’d be wise to avoid the Viking D completely unless they are playing a thirdstring quarterback at TCF Bank

sometime in November or December, which is actually a good possibility in today’s NFL. As far as Individual Defensive Players go for all you big-time fantasy geeks out there, safety Harrison Smith, linebacker Chad Greenway and defensive end Everson Griffen should all be good IDPs this season.

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44 • MSU REPORTER

MINNESOTA VIKINGS TRAINING CAMP ISSUE | 2014