08-29-2020, 12:44 PM
https://www.twincities.com/2020/08/28/five-observations-from-the-vikings-scrimmage-at-u-s-bank-stadium/?utm_source=twitter.com&utm_medium=social&utm_content=tw-PioneerPress&utm_campaign=socialflow
With a Week 1 game against the Green Bay Packers approaching, and no preseason to get acclimated, Vikings coach Mike Zimmer scheduled Friday’s practice at U.S. Bank Stadium to get his players ready for what they will face on game day
The day was set up like a scrimmage, and while the players weren’t allowed to tackle, and thus it wasn’t as intense as an actual game, it provided the Vikings a barometer of what they need to improve upon in the coming weeks. It also provided some clarity on certain position battles with training camp in the books.
Here are five observations from Friday’s scrimmage at U.S. Bank Stadium:
THIELEN SHINESAdam Thielen was the best player on the field during Friday’s scrimmage. While the Vikings won’t have Stefon Diggs to complement him anymore, Thielen continues to prove he will be able to hold down the fort without his best bud around. He caught a few passes with relative easy, including a circus catch over presumed starter Holton Hill. He also proved to be security blanket for quarterback Kirk Cousins whenever the play broke down, like he has multiple times over the past couple of seasons.
HUGHES ROTATESMike Hughes might have been the busiest man on the field Friday. He started as an outside cornerback opposite Hill when the Vikings were in their base defense, then moved inside to the slot when they shifted to their nickel defense. That rotating for Hughes was notable because it likely provided a look at how the Vikings will use him during games this season. He is someone Zimmer has lauded for his ability to play both positions, and it looks like that’s what he’ll be doing this fall. Meanwhile, rookie Cameron Dantzler was the other outside corner whenever Hughes was in the slot. He seems to be separating himself from fellow rookie Jeff Gladney, at least for the time being.
JEFFERSON EMERGESJustin Jefferson was the slot receiver with the first-team offense, with Thielen and Bisi Johnson playing on the outside. That came after Jefferson spent a good chunk of training camp with the second-team offense. It felt like only a matter of time before Jefferson passed the likes Chad Beebe and Tajae Sharpe, especially considering he was a first-round draft pick this spring. It will be interesting to see if the Vikings continue that rotation during practices in the coming weeks.
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With a Week 1 game against the Green Bay Packers approaching, and no preseason to get acclimated, Vikings coach Mike Zimmer scheduled Friday’s practice at U.S. Bank Stadium to get his players ready for what they will face on game day
The day was set up like a scrimmage, and while the players weren’t allowed to tackle, and thus it wasn’t as intense as an actual game, it provided the Vikings a barometer of what they need to improve upon in the coming weeks. It also provided some clarity on certain position battles with training camp in the books.
Here are five observations from Friday’s scrimmage at U.S. Bank Stadium:
THIELEN SHINESAdam Thielen was the best player on the field during Friday’s scrimmage. While the Vikings won’t have Stefon Diggs to complement him anymore, Thielen continues to prove he will be able to hold down the fort without his best bud around. He caught a few passes with relative easy, including a circus catch over presumed starter Holton Hill. He also proved to be security blanket for quarterback Kirk Cousins whenever the play broke down, like he has multiple times over the past couple of seasons.
HUGHES ROTATESMike Hughes might have been the busiest man on the field Friday. He started as an outside cornerback opposite Hill when the Vikings were in their base defense, then moved inside to the slot when they shifted to their nickel defense. That rotating for Hughes was notable because it likely provided a look at how the Vikings will use him during games this season. He is someone Zimmer has lauded for his ability to play both positions, and it looks like that’s what he’ll be doing this fall. Meanwhile, rookie Cameron Dantzler was the other outside corner whenever Hughes was in the slot. He seems to be separating himself from fellow rookie Jeff Gladney, at least for the time being.
JEFFERSON EMERGESJustin Jefferson was the slot receiver with the first-team offense, with Thielen and Bisi Johnson playing on the outside. That came after Jefferson spent a good chunk of training camp with the second-team offense. It felt like only a matter of time before Jefferson passed the likes Chad Beebe and Tajae Sharpe, especially considering he was a first-round draft pick this spring. It will be interesting to see if the Vikings continue that rotation during practices in the coming weeks.
more at link...