Vikings At Minnesota State

Welcome Vikings Fans! 

We at MavBlog are introducing our first ever Vikings Blog, where we will provide you with daily updates, highlights and stories from the 2014 Vikings Training Camp. Join us as the Vikings return to Mankato for their 49th consecutive year and as we share our insider news with you. Let's take a look at what's happened so far. 

Going Into Camp and What to Look For 

Training camp expectations are high this season with all of the exciting new additions to the organization that will exude a fresh start and new atmosphere. The Vikings introduced Mike Zimmer, as the team’s new head coach, and Norv Turner as the new offensive coordinator. 

The next big thing everyone is watching for is the quarterback competition. The race for the starting position will be a heated battle between the three candidates, Teddy Bridgewater, Matt Cassel, and Christian Ponder. From last season, Cassel proved he's a capable starter, and is predicted to get the starting position for Minnesota’s week one game against the St. Louis Rams, however training camp will be the deciding factor.

Bridgewater, Minnesota’s first-round draft pick from Louisville, will also be in the hunt for the starting position come week one as the coaches evaluate him throughout training camp. Ponder, who has been under a lot of scrutiny over the past year still has a good shot, as Norv Turner has confidence that he has the physical ability to step up, otherwise he wouldn't be in the line-up. 

One player we’d like to focus on later this week is one of our own former Maverick football players, Adam Thielen. Last year, Thielen joined the Vikings at training camp and was named to the team’s practice squad. The coaches said he was probably the most improved player this offseason. Thielen’s work ethic, which Maverick fans are familiar with, is greatly admired. So far he has been making some catches that have amazed his teammates, coaches and fans, as he looks poised to earn a roster spot for the upcoming season.

On the offensive side, some players to watch for are second-year wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson, veteran receiver Greg Jennings, newly resigned tight end Kyle Rudolph, rookie playmaker Jerick McKinnon and of course the fan favorite, Adrian Peterson.

Not always talked about are the offensive linemen, which will play a huge role in the offense’s success for the upcoming season. Most notable are the Vikings solid left tackle Matt Kalil and right tackle Phil Loadholt. The Vikings are looking to get a solid group with good chemistry. One you’re also going to want to watch for is rookie David Yankey battling to get a starting guard position.

Some defensive players to watch for, starting with the defensive line, are second-year player Sharrif Floyd, Everson Griffen who signed a new contract in the offseason and rookie Anthony Barr who is taking reps at defensive end and outside linebacker. At the linebacker position, veteran Chad Greenway, and the battle for middle linebacker between Jasper Brinkley and Audi Cole.

For defensive backs, Captain Munnerlyn, who was acquired in free agency this off-season, and Harrison Smith. Also, watch for Xavier Rhodes to a have breakout year in his second season in a hands-on Zimmer defense.