We are getting closer to the preseason debut of the Minnesota Vikings, which will be Saturday, August 10th at U.S. Bank Stadium against the Las Vegas Raiders.
The third padded practice of training camp has concluded and I was there on Friday afternoon to observe all facets of the Vikings roster. Here are my observations.
Minnesota Vikings training camp practice observations 8/2
First look at the kickoff
The Vikings showed some looks of the new and improved kickoff for the first time. After the Hall of Fame game showed the looks for a first time, my guess is the Vikings were more comfortable showing their generic looks to the public.
Sam Darnold flashes pinpoint accuracy
We’ve heard a lot of positives about J.J. McCarthy but Darnold hasn’t gotten a lot of love. In passing drills today, Darnold flashed his arm talent.
The Vikings were running passing drills with one side of the field in use and the ball placement and accuracy Darnold displayed was really impressive. He kept the ball out of harm’s way with ease and hit spots where only the receiver could catch it.
J.J. McCarthy gets his first reps with the ones
After a lot of discussion about it, the inevitable finally happened. McCarthy got his first reps with the ones and it happened in red zone drills. It wasn’t a great day for McCarthy as he pitched an end around to Jordan Addison and nearly threw an interception to Theo Jackson. He was very inconsistent, including in the situational drive to end practice.
Brian Asamoah II continues to flash
After how much he struggled in an injury-riddled campaign, the Vikings chose to bring in Blake Cashman on a decent size contract rather than trust Asamoah. After the last three practices, it certainly feels like he’s figured it out.
In a three-play sequence, Asamoah scored a tackle for loss and a pressure on a blitz that likely would have been a sack. Later on, Asamoah blew up a screen pass. He’s been everywhere and looks like a different player.
Levi Drake Rodriguez and Jaquelin Roy get first-team reps
Over the last three practices, Roy has been slowly mixing in with the ones. It’s not a surprise, as many expect Roy to take a major step this year.
The one surprise was seeing Rodriguez getting an opportunity with the first team. Getting a chance this early is a good sign for the seventh-round pick dubbed Prospect X by Kalyn Kahler. He bull-rushed Garrett Bradbury on the one play I noticed early on and didn’t look out of place.
Theo Jackson is a starter
The Vikings have four starters at safety and Jackson is the odd man out right now. His performance was spectacular on Friday and has been throughout training camp. Once Harrison Smith calls it quits, Jackson is ready to step right in and play major snaps.
Related: Vikings training camp observations: J.J. McCarthy vs. Sam Darnold isn't what you think and top UDFA stands out
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