>>>ALL THINGS VIKINGS<<<

This purple cast drives me bonkers just show the damn football game

 

Ok they lost Vikings 20 Radiers 26 they can only get better I HATE THE PURPLE CAST !!!!!!!!!!! ANYWAY GO VIKINGS

 

1. Penalties sink the Vikings. The Vikings had quite a bit of turnover in the coaching staff this offseason, and based on Sunday's preseason opener the team is still adjusting to the changes. Key penalties throughout the game led to crucial missed opportunities on both sides of the ball for Minnesota. The Vikings offense was lined up first-and-goal at the 5-yard line in the second quarter, but a false start pushed them back. And after being kept out of the end zone the next three plays, they walked away with only a field goal. Then later on the Raiders' first drive of the second half, it looked like Las Vegas was going to have to punt, but Minnesota committed an illegal substitution on the play, extending the drive. The Raiders eventually scored on that possession, and what could have been a three-and-out instead resulted in six points. And in a game which was decided by only six points, these mistakes add up. Overall, the Vikings had eight penalties for 71 yards, definitely something they'll want to improve on over the next few preseason games.
2. Raiders backup RBs impress. The story of last week's Hall of Fame game was the relatively high usage of running back Josh Jacobs in a situation in which starters are usually protected. But even without Jacobs on the field this Sunday, the story of the night was still Las Vegas' running back rotation. The Raiders collected a total of 140 rushing yards in the game and utilized four different backs. Seventh-round pick Brittain Brown was impressive in his debut as he took on the most carries, rushing 14 times for 54 yards and a touchdown. Three other backs, Austin Walter, Kenyan Drake and Zamir White, also contributed at least four carries apiece, with Drake and White hauling in some catches as well. It appears Las Vegas' backfield might be even deeper than expected, giving them a lot to work with as the season progresses.

NFL.com

 

The Raiders just looked more polished than the Vikings but I'm not to worried they still got time to get it together

 

Kellen Mond stakes claim to backup job in Minnesota with a pair of touchdown passes in Las Vegas



After spending his rookie season on the bad side of former coach Mike Zimmer, Vikings quarterback Kellen Mond found himself even with Sean Mannion for the No. 2 spot on the depth chart, behind Kirk Cousins.

Mond took a big step toward taking the backup job on Sunday, throwing two touchdown passes in extended action against the Raiders.


Mannion got the start, playing three drives. Mond then carried the game into the fourth quarter, before Mannion returned to wrap things up. Mannion led the Vikings to no touchdowns.

Both of Mond’s touchdown passes went to Albert Wilson, an eight-year veteran who had a promising start to his career in Kansas City but never became what the Dolphins envisioned when signing him as a free agent in 2018. Wilson is buried on the depth chart, listed as a fifth-stringer. It will be interesting to see if that changes after today.

It also will be interesting to see if Mond’s star rises a bit. He completed nine of 14 passes for 119 yards. He finished with a passer rating of 130.7.

The touchdown throws came from the pocket, with Mond showing decisiveness and firing the ball while standing still. Perhaps the most encouraging play (despite finishing in an incompletion) came when Mond used his legs to buy time, something the Vikings haven’t enjoyed since Case Keenum in 2017.

Mond is no threat to Cousins, this year. Things could get interesting in 2023, when Cousins will enter (once again) a contract year. Will the Vikings extend him again, or will they let Cousins enter camp as the starter, recognizing that Mond could maybe take over at some point?

There’s a chance the Vikings will opt for none of the above. However, Mond’s wage-scale contract which has three years remaining gives the Vikings a chance to see whether the new regime can make the old regime (well, at least the former G.M.) look good for the decision to use a third-round pick on Mond in 2021.

PFT

 

If I had to pass judgement after just 1 game... Kellon Mond is my back-up QB.

 

Kirk Cousins returns from COVID, in time for joint practice with 49ers



Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins is back from a five-day COVID hiatus for two days of practices with the 49ers.

He met with reporters on Wednesday morning.


Cousins said he was feeling “a little lousy” last Thursday, resulting in the COVID test. By rule (as of 2022) he was required to stay away for five days. He said he didn’t know whether he would have played in the preseason opener against the Raiders, if he’d been around. He later said he would have played a half-dozen snaps, at most.

He says he’s now “feeling good” and “ready to go.” He explained that the five days fell at a good time, if he was going to miss any time during camp, given the travel to and from Nevada and the day off on Monday.

And so he’s back for sessions with a team coached by a man who knows Cousins well — so well that Kyle Shanahan didn’t scout the class of quarterbacks in 2017 (including Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson) because Shanahan believed the 49ers would sign Cousins in free agency the following year.

His best year in Minnesota ended with a thud against the 49ers in the divisional round. The perpetual challenge for the Vikings, who always are relevant, is to be good enough to compete with whichever NFC team emerges as the best of the bunch in any given year. For more than 45 years, they haven’t been able to emerge from the 14 then 15 not 16 teams as the NFC’s representative in the Super Bowl.

PFT

 

All I got to say is GO VIKINGS!

 

Can you believe it Mike Zimmer has the nerve to say at Jackson State the pay is not good but he loves Deion Hey Your Already a Millionaire,makes me wonder is your heart really in it after making that statement or did I fall victim of the click bait

 

Well, look at it this way... he couldnt land a gig in the NFL, so now he's coaching in college, lol.

 

Irv Smith on track to play in Week 1



Vikings tight end Irv Smith‘s preparations for the 2022 season were interrupted by a thumb injury that required him to have surgery early this month, but the team does not expect the injury to interfere with his availability for the start of the regular season.

Smith has started working on the side during the team’s practices and head coach Kevin O’Connell said at a Thursday press conference that the team has a plan in place to make sure that Smith remains on track to play against the Packers in Week 1.


“Yes, he is. Everything with Irv has been really positive. . . . He’s now allowed to start sweating and making sure keep his conditioning where we need it,” O’Connell said. “We’ll pick some spots over the next couple of weeks to find some time to get Irv acclimated back in that offensive huddle. Although he might not be able to catch for a few more days, we can absolutely have him out there listening to play calls, getting back in there because we want him to pick up where he left off.”

Smith had 66 catches over his first two seasons in Minnesota, but missed the entire 2021 with a knee injury and is hoping for a new beginning this year. If all remains on schedule, that process will pick up speed in the coming weeks.

 

Well I'm glad he's back another weapon for Capt Kirk cause the TE position was looking a little shaky

 

This guy is the real deal!

 

He's like Mike Boone but way better from what I have seen of him he like a mini Dalvin Cook

 

This was a good pick by Rick Spielman really hope he makes the team

 

4 Things to Watch Heading Into Week 2 vs San Francisco




The Running Backs

After last week’s performance from Ty Chandler and Kene Nwangwu, Alexander Mattison should be worried about his job.

When you are a fourth-year player with no guaranteed money left and two day three players are coming for your spot, it’s not a great position to be in especially when you aren’t the starter.

Mattison has been a successful running back when called upon in injury situations and in a backup role. He has 1,387 yards and six touchdowns on 4.2 yards per carry. His biggest issue has been seeing the field. Too often Mattison misses the hole and leaves yards on the table, most notably in the 2020 game against Seattle that cost the Vikings a victory.

On Sunday, Nwangwu and Chandler showed the one thing that Mattison doesn’t have: great vision. They saw the hole and exploded through it using their excellent burst and speed. Seeing these two continue that success could be the catalyst to Mattison potentially being on the outs for the Vikings.

Wide Receiver Battle

The top three receivers are locked in place with Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen and KJ Osborn. Afther that, there is a lot of talent.

Ihmir Smith-Marsette has seemingly secured the fourth wide receiver spot, but the group behind him is battling for 2-3 spots.

Sixth-round draft pick Jalen Nailor had a solid game against the Raiders showcasing his quickness and speed. Three other receivers had even better days.

Trishton Jackson, Myron Mitchell and Albert Wilson (who had two TDs on Sunday) have been standouts for the Vikings with the former two having shown out in camp. Getting lost in the shuffle is Olabisi Johnson and special teams standout Dan Chisena is lurking in the background as well.

With the Vikings moving to a three wide receiver-focused offense, it’s great to see the back end of the position group be this competitive.

Pass Rush

The pass rush for the Vikings this year is going to be really fun.

With Danielle Hunter and Za’Darius Smith likely to be on ice until week one, the depth of the pass rush will be on full display.

The biggest takeaway from Sunday’s game against the Raiders is that Patrick Jones II is EDGE three on this team. Leading the way with five pressures, Jones II showed real growth over last season, using improved technique and explosiveness.

On the other side of the second unit, D.J. Wonnum struggled. He still doesn’t have a cohesive pass rush plan and gets his pressures based on both the quarterback being in the pocket too long and if he’s not being blocked. For those who have reported that Wonnum has looked good in camp, he hasn’t shown that growth during the game yet.

Luigi Vilian and Zach McCloud have also shown some explosiveness on the edge. While they likely won’t make the roster, they are likely destined for the practice squad and could be contributors down the line.

On the interior, watch for Jaylen Twyman. A sixth-round pick last year, Twyman fell due to a disastrous NFL combine. I had a second-round grade on him before the testing and thought he could be a really good rotational pass rusher.

Twyman missed the 2021 season after being shot during the offseason last season and he has shown out in a big way so far this summer.

Rookies in the Secondary

The young secondary will be getting a long run on Saturday to keep getting reps.

Fourth-round selection Camryn Bynum flashed in a major way last year. He had the top PFF grade last season against the Baltimore Ravens. He was primed to get the starting safety job opposite Harrison Smith and play in the box/slot.

The selection of Lewis Cine complicated that situation but Donatell will be utilizing three safety looks consistently. Both players will be given plenty of time to play this weekend, especially Cine who needs time to acclimate.

The cornerback position will have a lot of young players. Andrew Booth Jr. needs some work in the secondary. As we saw in his time at Clemson, Booth Jr. was grabby. He got flagged for pass interference in the first quarter of Sunday’s game. Give him some time to grow and he has the chance to be lights out.

Akayleb Evans is one that also needs to have time. Playing in 31 snaps, he received a coverage grade of 51.7 in 14 coverage snaps. It is noteworthy that he didn’t get targeted once. Specializing in staying in phase, Evans has to get better with the ball in the air. That will come with more snaps.

VIKINGS WIRE

 

The secondary is still my personal main concern... even more so than the Offensive Line. They must be improved over last season and they have tonights game to really figure things out.

 

7-6, Vikings at the half.

Still not used to seeing that 3-4 defense, but it seems to be effective. Hard to gauge tho, because these arnt the greatest offensive weapons out there for the 49ers.

 

Yeah the Vikings are not showing there hand its pretty much plain Jane really don't know what to expect

 

Wow a turnover thought a 49ers TD for sure but was against the 2nd string just ieft me feeling eh..why can't the Vikings get the secondary together I'm worried