Final Takes From Vikings Minicamp – Day 3

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Jun 15, 2017
Image courtesy of Vikings.com
Image courtesy of Vikings.com

Recap Of Vikings Minicamp – Day 3

The Minnesota Vikings wrapped up their three-day Minicamp Thursday. The team’s one-hour practice included individual drills, situational training, and more red zone work.

A very “cordial” Mike Zimmer seemed happy with the current state of the team. It should be noted, however, that the head coach may have been in good mood because of some news he received from his doctor.

Zimmer’s Eye Healing

“I had an eye doctor appointment yesterday. The retina is perfect. The pressure is great. [The doctor] said he would be absolutely shocked if anything else happened to this eye the way it is now. I’m just about out of the woods. I probably can’t fly for 7 to 14 days. My daughter is getting married next Sunday so I’m going to have to drive to Dallas.” – Mike Zimmer on his right eye that’s been operated on eight times.

Hopefully, this is not the eye of the hurricane and we are finally done reporting on Zimmer’s optic troubles. Too soon?

Offense Improving

“I felt like offensively we’ve improved, I think the additions that we’ve we had this spring have helped. I like the mentality of our guys.” – Mike Zimmer.

“I think I’ve learned a lot the past couple weeks just about coverages, blitzes, really everything that the defense tries to do to stop an offense.” – Sam Bradford on his and Zimmer’s recent communication.

Zimmer, who watched a lot of tape during his recent time away, has been more involved with the offense this spring. “Part of it is I want them to know I got their back,” Zimmer said. Another part is communication. The defensive scholar has been using his knowledge of blitzes, disguises and coverage to give pointers to his players on offense.

From the Vikings Twitter feed:

Offensive Line Taking Shape

“I love those guys up front. It’s a really fun group to be around. When they come to work every day it’s time to go to work. You can just tell by their attitude. […] It’s nice to know that they’re taking things serious and they want to get things right.” – Sam Bradford.

Assuming the players in this unit stay healthy, Riley Reiff and Mike Remmers have solidified their roles as starting tackles. Alex Boone and Joe Berger will man the guard spots, and either Pat Elflein or Nick Easton will start at center. The backups will be determined in training camp.

Dalvin Cook Has Impressed Zimmer

“I think he’s got a chance to be special. […] He’s got some things he needs to work on like all young backs but I’ve been very impressed with him this spring. It was a great pick by Rick.” – Mike Zimmer.

On a side note, Zimmer expects running back Latavius Murray to be ready to go for training camp. He said all three running backs will receive ample carries in Mankato.

Zimmer Minicamp Presser Quotes

“I thought it was a good spring. The guys worked real hard. A lot of different things we tried to get done. It’s about teaching and technique and growing as a football team. I like how they work. I like this football team.”

“I don’t know that there’s any issues. Once we get into pads we’ll have a better evaluation. Especially the lineman.”

“It was great yesterday to have Ahmad Rashad and Randy Moss out here. […] Randy Moss killed me on so many occasions,” Zimmer said as he chuckled. “I was glad when he retired.”

Now that the Vikings Minicamp has ended, the players will get a break from team activities until training camp begins in late July.