Panic Report: Preseason Week Two
With the first preseason game under their belt, the Minnesota Vikings players and coaches seem to be pleased with their performance in Denver and are looking forward to playing Jacksonville this Saturday. Vikings fans were googling things like “hotels near Mercedes-Benz stadium” and “how expensive are Super Bowl tickets?” after the 42-28 victory over Case Keenum and the Denver Broncos. I will admit, the Vikings did look pretty good but there is still plenty to be worried about going into this season. There always is!
Everson Griffen’s infected cut
A cut on the leg of Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen is now infected and will cause him to miss practice time. He cut it ON A TABLE. I know that sometimes strange things happen and off the field injuries do occur from time to time, but an infected table-wound? That sounds more like a curse or voodoo to me. I am not very familiar with the supernatural but let’s keep our eyes on this developing situation because something seems fishy.
The Kicking situation
Daniel Carlson made a 57 yard kick in Denver and suddenly there is nothing to be concerned about here? Three of the four longest kicks in NFL history were kicked in Denver, they are all over 60 yard kicks. I am not going to act like I understand why but it’s just easier to kick there. It’s science. Let’s not make Carlson the 10-year plan at kicker just yet. Remember: Blair Walsh was 4/4 and kicked a 55 yarder to tie the game as time expired in his NFL debut in Jacksonville in 2012. That kind of stat line I could get excited about. Daniel Carlson just kicked a 57 yarder in Denver… in the preseason.
The ongoing Offensive line situation
The regular season is only 23 days away and Kirk Cousins has not taken a snap from the starting center. Pat Elflein has been rehabbing all camp but we have no real idea if he is close to returning and he remains on the PUP list. Mike Remmers still isn’t practicing during the padded portions of practice. In addition to the players getting healthy, there will also be some likely reshuffling of the starting group once everyone is practicing. Will those changes bleed into the regular season? It sure seems to look that way.
The Offensive coordinator
Kirk Cousins threw a dime to Stefon Diggs and audibled into the play that resulted in a touchdown completion. The running game looked pretty good but can we really give credit to the offensive coordinator for calling a running play? There is still a chance this torpedoes, thus it remains on the list.