Vikings Training Camp: Chaotic ‘Backers, Sizzling McCarthy/Addison Connection, and 3 Other Insights
Vikings training camp continued on Saturday, August 2nd at TCO Performance Center.
As previously mentioned, Vikings Territory was given press access. Kevin O’Connell’s team was active, participating in a chippy practice where multiple small skirmishes arose after some physical play. There’s no shortage of takeaways, so consider some of the main things from Saturday’s practice.
Vikings Training Camp: 5 Insights
1) The ‘5 Backer Look is Frightening
Not too often, folks, does the modern NFL see five linebackers on the field at the same time. Brian Flores, though, has never been bound by the trends.
At different points in the 11-on-11 periods, the Vikings’ defense put all of Andrew Van Ginkel, Dallas Turner, and Jonathan Greenard on the field. So, too, were Blake Cashman and Ivan Pace out there. The interplay between these five players is a sight to behold. Anyone of them is capable of getting into the backfield in a hurry. Needing to discern which of these players is in attack mode appears to be a tall task.
Now, there are some limitations to this look — most notably, in coverage. Pace has never been accused of being the world’s best coverage linebacker. Turner and Van Ginkel are both strong in this area, but that’s within the context of being outside linebackers within a 3-4 defense. Don’t expect either to bring back memories of Xavier Rhodes in 2017.
Regardless, the point shines through: the Flores defense looks far from passive.
2) The J.J. McCarthy/Jordan Addison Connection is For Real
J.J. McCarthy isn’t a perfect passer. He is, however, a promising passer, one who looks even more promising when he’s targeting Jordan Addison.
The sophomore QB found his third-year receiver on multiple occasions. What was so fascinating was the diversity of ways in which they were able to connect. There were fastballs and more layered throws. There were plays in 7-on-7 as well as in the full team drill. So, too, did they find each other in the redzone.
Addison may not be around in the opening games due to a possible suspension, but when he’s on the field with McCarthy there’s a strong rapport that’s being built.
3) Tyler Batty Had a Day
The Vikings list Mr. Batty as being 6’6″ and 271 pounds. No one would question those details after seeing him in person.
The monstrous edge rusher has promise. During one sequence in the day, I had him making an impact on three straight plays. The 1st down run got turned back inside after he set the edge. On the 2nd down run, Batty scraped down the line for a hustle tackle. And then on 3rd down he created pressure to help stop the offense from snagging a 1st down.
Oh, and he had a wild TFL that led to one of the day’s scuffles. He is, in short, a handful out there. Don’t be surprised if he gets onto the team as the EDGE4 or EDGE5.
4) Kicker Concern to Finish the Day
Not a great day for the sophomore kicker.
The team asked Will Reichard to attempt five kicks at the end. He missed a pair, one of which was from a short distance. The team has often expressed confidence in their young kicker but the performance today can’t be inspiring too much optimism in Eagan.
Of course, players are allowed to have bad days, a truth that applies to kickers. The concern will simply be if the struggles continue, especially when the field goals aren’t particularly deep. Those are points that must go on the board (rolling with a young passer and so on).
Will Reichard needs to bounce back.
5) Odds & Ends
Some quick thoughts:
- Justin Jefferson didn’t practice but he didn’t stray too far from the action. He had a bucket hat on his head and a football in his hand for the day.
- Jeshaun Jones is an acrobatic, gifted receiver. The battle for the WR5 spot is going to be intense.
- Myles Price does a good job of tracking the ball as both a receiver and punt returner. An issue arose when he seemingly had a pre-snap mental error in 11-on-11; coaches don’t have much patience for that sort of thing. Obvious talent but battling for a roster spot.
- Sam Howell got better as the day progressed. Initially, he was a bit timid, too often taking the underneath throw. As the day progressed, though, he made some plays in the intermediate range.
- C.J. Ham is a powerful human being. One could easily envision a world where Ham, Josh Oliver, and Jordan Mason form a pretty demoralizing trio to play against. Those three are going to punch defenders in the mouth.
- Blake Brandel was working with the backups. Rookie guard Donovan Jackson was the LG1, as the offseason hints suggested.
- No Christian Darrisaw with the first team. No reason for concern, just noting. Will Fries was out there beside Brian O’Neill.
Vikings Territory will be back at Vikings training camp over the next couple of days, so be sure to keep swinging by.
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