Newcomer Jerome Simpson pushes Percy Harvin: Percy Harvin was far and beyond the Vikings best wide receiver last season.  Although Harvin is still likely the number one receiver, Jerome Simpson has the ability to push Harvin to be better.

“It’s been great to have Jerome here,” Ponder said Thursday, Aug. 2. “He’s been pushing Percy a little bit. I think Percy’s been a lot better. It’s almost like a competition to see who’s the better receiver. They’ve got a great relationship. They’re hanging out a lot off the field. They both look good. It’s exciting.”

Greg Childs with the play of the day on offense: “With the second unit offense and defense on the field, Childs’ 26-yard touchdown catch from Joe Webb came on a play during which cornerback Brandon Burton had near-perfect coverage..Childs leaped, reached both arms around Burton and managed to pin the ball on the cornerback’s back long enough to haul it in,” as described by Dan Wiedner.

Added head coach Leslie Frazier: “That was a nice play. We saw him do that in college as well. That was a real nice play. Great concentration. That’s what we need. We need a guy to make that hard catch for us even when he’s covered. That’s good to see.”

Chris Cook the standout on defense: Cook stood out on 11-on-11 drills where he intercepted Christian Ponder on a pass intended for Percy Harvin.  Then in drill work, Cook picked off a Sage Rosenfels pass for Jarius Wright.

» Continue reading “Vikings Training Camp News Bulletin: August 2nd”

Credit: Aj Mansour (KFAN)

Ponder earns VCF Rookie of the Year Award: The Vikings honored QB Christian Ponder on Wednesday with their first Vikings’ Children Fund Rookie of the Year award.  A $5,000 donation will also be made in Ponder’s name to the University of Minnesota Amplatz Children’s Hospital, according to Vikings.com.

“Christian showed great poise and leadership during his rookie season,” said Vikings Head Coach Leslie Frazier. “His presence in the locker room and his willingness to help teammates speaks to his character.”

“I’m honored to receive this award and hope to build a strong tradition of young players being involved in the community,” Ponder said. “As players we have the chance to make a difference in the lives of kids and families. I hope next year’s winner is as humbled by this as I am.”

The Vikings VCF Rookie of the Year award will be presented each year to a rookie from the previous season who best represented himself and the Vikings organization on and off the field.

Veteran players remain M.I.A. in voluntary workouts: Since being able to partake in his first practice since shoulder surgery, Vikings WR Percy Harvin hasn’t shown up for the past three practices.  CB Antoine Winfield and DE Jared Allen have also elected to not participate in the voluntary sessions.  RB Adrian Peterson is said to be continuing his knee rehab in Houston.  Middle LB Jasper Brinkley, who is assumed to take over the starting position after Vikings chose not to re-sign E.J. Henderson, has been out since last week following a groin strain while attempting to break-up a pass.   One positive note on the health side: WR Greg Childs,who had an injury-plagued college career, was back in action this week.  Childs has been out since suffering a calf strain at Rookie camp.

» Continue reading “Catching Up On Vikings Headlines From The Week So Far”

AP and Harvin racing for rehab | Credit: KFAN

Adrian Peterson has rehab partner: Percy Harvin returned to Minnesota for off-season workouts, but is still rehabbing from offseason shoulder surgery.  According to reporters in attendance, Percy and Adrian were racing off to the side on an incline hill.

“We’re just competing, trying to make each other better,” Harvin said. “I think the first couple I won. AP kind of smiled and said, ‘You know I’m trying to beat you.’ I said, ‘I wouldn’t want it (any)other way.’”

Harvin tried to convince the Vikings coaching staff to let him take part in Tuesday’s practice, but the wide receiver was told that wasn’t going to happen. “I’m hoping the next week or two, definitely,” Harvin said when asked about his return. “I’m pushing forward for the next few days. Hopefully next week, early week, I should know a little something more.”

Percy Harvin is thrilled to have another WR-threat on the team — I sense a new friendship blooming:

» Continue reading “News Bulletin: Minnesota Vikings Begin OTAs”

Chris Kluwe is the Minnesota Vikings punter and one of the most interesting people on twitter (seriously, go follow him!).  Below he talks about the Vikings, the NFL, life, music, and video games. Enjoy!

What are your thoughts on the new Vikings stadium? 

Chris Kluwe: I’m just happy that it’s finally been resolved.  It’s been almost 10 years now that the Vikings have been trying to get t his thing figured out and it’s nice to get some closure.

What are your expectations going into the 2012 season?  What’s the vibe around the locker room and around the team heading into off-season workouts?

CK: Hopefully to be atop the NFC North at the end of the year with a chance at the Super Bowl.  It’s going to take a lot of hard work, since the division is pretty tough this year, but I know guys are going to try their best to be ready.

What’s your thoughts on the Vikings mind-set of getting younger?  You lost some veteran presence in the locker room, including your friend Ryan Longwell, how does that affect the locker room?

CK: That kind of thing happens every off-season, and while it’s sad to see Ryan go, it’s an unfortunate part of the business.  We just have to move on and help make this new kicker (Blair Walsh) be the best he can be.

Workouts have begun at Winter Park and OTAs start at the end of the month, but it’s still the “off-season.”  What do you have planned for the rest of your off-season before training camp?

CK: I’m back in Minnesota until June 25 when OTAs end, then I’ll head to California for a month or so.  After that, it’s fall camp into the season.

What are your thoughts on the two years of having Brett Favre on your team?  What kind of presence was he in the locker room?  It was rumored in New York he was a “bad teammate,” was that the case in Minnesota?

CK: I thought it was a lot of fun having Brett around, he was a good guy and I didn’t get any sense of him being a bad teammate.  You could tell he really loved playing the game, and was out there to win every time he stepped on the field.

I know you’re not a kicker, but you must have an opinion on the ever-changing kick-off position and the rumors of the NFL potentially doing away with kick-offs all together? How would that change the game?

CK: It would take a lot of excitement out of the game, but if that’s something they think will make the game a lot safer then it’s hard to oppose getting rid of it.  They’ll have to come up with something to replace it though.

What are your thoughts on Bryan Anger getting drafted in the third round?  Seemed to shock a lot of people.

CK:  A lot of people minimize the kicking game, but a lot of people also don’t understand just how much the kicking game can affect everything else that goes on.  Whether it be your offense starting backed up, your defense having to hold an opponent from mid-field instead of the other 20, or even making field goals; all that stuff affects the outcome of the game.  It’s subtle, but just because it’s subtle doesn’t mean it’s not there.  Punters don’t normally go in the third round but the Jaguars felt they had a need at the position and they felt that Anger was good enough to justify that pick; now it’s on him to perform.

People often discount your comments/rants by saying, “You’re just a punter.”  Tell them why punters are still football players, I mean you are they few players that actually use their foot to play.  (My comeback is usually, well he’s more of a football player than you, who is sitting on your couch..BOOM!)

CK:  I ask them, “Do you make fun of quarterbacks because they can’t play d-line?  Do you laugh at linebackers because they can’t run routes?”  Everyone has a role to play, and to say someone is not a football player just because they do a job you don’t understand is kind of stupid.  Also, feel free to come and take it from me at any time.  Seriously, if it’s that easy to do, come on out to Winter Park and take my spot.  I’ll get to spend more time with my kids.

The Saints bounty issue and the NFLPA has been a hot topic in your twitter rants.  What’s your opinions on the NFLPA’s current stance on the bounty situation? 

CK: The guys accused of placing the bounties deserve an appeal, as that’s their right, but if the evidence against them is airtight then I think it’s best if they just accept their punishment and not try to weasel out of it.  That being said, the NFL needs to produce the evidence, because right now they’ve told everyone they have it but we haven’t had a chance to see it yet.  I don’t think the NFL would make those kind of accusations without proper proof, but you never know, sometimes mix-ups happen.

What’s your stance on the concussion issue in the NFL? Do you believe the NFL is on the right track to bettering the game and making it safer? 

CK: I think you have to do everything in your power to make the game as safe as possible within the constraints of football.  We all know the risks when we step out on the field, and we choose to accept them; the challenge is mitigating those risks as best as we can without taking away from the intensity of the game.  I think the NFL is on the right path, not just from a safety standpoint, but also to avoid future lawsuits.

Roddy White tweeted his stance on making the game safer by saying the former players are killing the game by suing the NFL and that he won’t care if he isn’t able to walk at the age of 50 because of the game.  Any comments?

CK: That’s Roddy White’s choice.  I don’t think the NFL is killing the game by making sure guys have the chance at a certain quality of life after they’re done playing that doesn’t involve drooling from the mouth and falling over.

Two hypothetical questions:    1) What would you do if you were the NFL commissioner?   AND    2) What would you do if you were elected president?

CK: 1) Fine everyone $10,000 and use it to build myself a moonbase.
2) Tax everyone $100 and use it to build myself a moonbase.

For one of the most interesting person on Twitter, what is it like being Chris Kluwe?

CK: Mainly long boring episodes filled with sheer moments of absolute terror.

Any updates with your band?

CK: We released our latest CD at TrippingIcarus.net, and we’re recording another one this May. Listen to it!

You’re an avid gamer, what are you into these days?  And one of my fellow writers wants to know if you have ever played Starcraft?

CK:  Started playing Tera, which is a lot of fun, and of course I’m going to be jumping into Diablo 3 when it comes out Tuesday.  I have played Starcraft (both 1 and 2) but never really competitively or multiplayer, I mainly enjoy going through the campaigns.

Thank you soo much Chris!

CK: No problemo

According to 1500 ESPN, the Vikings have cut ties with K Ryan Longwell.  The Vikings re-signed Longwell to a four year contract before last season, with him receiving a $3.8 million bonus.

During the 2011 season, Longwell made 22-of-28 field goal attempts (78.6%), which was a drop off in numbers.

Per Vikings Mike Wobschall:

“Ryan has meant a great deal to the Vikings organization both on and off field over the past six seasons,” Vikings Head Coach Leslie Frazier said. “We wish him all the best in the future and thank him for his service to the Minnesota Vikings.”

Well, Vikings fans now have the answer as to why the Vikings drafted a kicker.

Matt Kalil | Credit: KFAN

The Minnesota Vikings are currently in the middle of having their three day rookie mini camp at Winter Park.  There are 71 players in attendance: 10 draft picks, 15 undrafted free-agent signees,  seven players signed before the draft, and 39 tryout players. The Vikings even had some veterans on the sidelines looking at their new teammates.

Below are some nuggets of information people in attendance have noted.

Matt Kalil is awesome and makes Christian Ponder smile:

The rookie receiving the most attention at camp is the fourth overall pick, Matt Kalil.

“Really impressed with how he moves,” said right tackle Phil Loadholt.

“He’s a big man,” said Frazier of Kalil, who stands 6 feet 7 and 310 pounds.  ”You can see why we have high hopes for him.  He was excellent for us today.  His ability to pick up information is encouraging as well.”

Christian Ponder was even in attendance to look at his future left tackle and blind-side protector for years to come.  During open workouts on Wednesday, Ponder admitted he was happy with the Vikings selection of Kalil.

“[Me and Adrian Peterson] cracked a pretty big smile,” Ponder said.

Kalil….is expected to start immediately at left tackle.  That’ll move Charlie Johnson to left guard, upgrading the protection unit if everything goes to plan.

And no one would benefit more from that than Ponder, whose struggles as a rookie were magnified by an increasing tendency to stare down the rush, rather than keeping his eyes down field.

“It is huge,” Ponder said. “A lot of time last year, it didn’t necessarily have to do with the protection.  A lot of time I wasn’t comfortable getting to my third, fourth reads, checking the ball down.  Instead of just checking it down when a guy is wide open, I’d just run.

“That’s something I have to get away from.  It’s easy to break the habit.  It’s just going to make it so much better having full confidence in the protection.  Offensive line is looking good.  They got stacked up pretty quickly and they’ve got a lot of depth now. I’m excited about that as a quarterback.”

With the addition of Kalil to the offensive line, I will look for Ponder to make a huge step forward this upcoming season.

Greg Childs and Jarius Wright are a package deal, so it seems:

Childs and Wright played high school football together.  Then they both went to Arkansas.  Then they were both drafted in the fourth round by the Minnesota Vikings. Oh, and they both play wide receiver, but excel at different aspects.

“We always do things together.  This just makes us get even closer,” Childs said Friday as they both began their NFL careers at Minnesota Vikings rookie minicamp.

….

They grew up together and became two of the four players from Warren High School to sign with the University of Arkansas in 2008.  The 6-foot-3, 219-pound Childs blossomed first, leading the Razorbacks in nearly every receiving  category as a sophomore in 2009, including 48 catches for 894 yards and seven touchdowns.

He was on track for an even bigger junior year with 46 catches for 659 yards when he tore the patella tendon in his right knee in the eight game against Vanderbilt.  His senior year was rough after, he later acknowledged, he returned too soon.  The Vikings watched him fall down the draft board, anticipating his bounce-back season will be this one.

“If that’s the case, we’ll be the beneficiaries and he could be the steal of the draft,” Frazier said.

Childs said he has a “very big chip” on his shoulder.

“Before I got hurt I was considered one of the top receivers.  Since I got hurt I might not have gone in the round I wanted to go in, but I’m going to come out here and give it my all,” he said.

Wright is only 5-foot-9 and 182 pounds, but he has exceptional speed and the ability to return punts and kickoffs as well.  His breakout came last season, including a 13-catch, 281-yard game against Texas A&M  for a season total of 1,117 yards and 12 touchdowns.  He spoke eagerly about joining and learning from Percy Harvin, one of his inspirations

Childs is considered an outside threat, while Wright is one in the inside game.  Wright will likely back-up his inspiration in Percy Harvin.

Veterans look-on | Credit: Aj Mansour of KFAN

Day 1 nuggets (only day open to media):

• WR Jarius Wright sat out Friday’s second practice after hitting his head in the morning practice

“I’m doing good,” Wright said after the conclusion of the first day of practices.  ”No real problems with the head.  I was feeling a little sick earlier so for precautionary reasons they didn’t want me coming back out here and getting sick again .”

• Marks Lesie Frazier’s first “official” off-season with his players.  Last year, the Vikings were burned due to the lockout and never had proper a off-season.

“The coaches and I have talked about that repeatedly,” Frazier said.  ”We were in meetings yesterday just going through some of the final touches for this camp that we’re having and we just looked at one another, to be able to have this discussion and know it’s going to happen, it’s a big deal for us to be able to come on the field with so many players that we think are going to be able to help us and to spend time with them.”

• Veterans in attendance, included QB Christian Ponder and Joe Webb, TEs John Carlson and Kyle Rudolph, OL Brandon Fusco, Charlie Johnson, Phil Loadholt, DeMarcus Love and John Sullivan, DL Everson Griffen, WR Manny Arceneaux and RB Jordan Todman

“Some of (the veterans) asked me about it,” Frazier said.  ”They wanted to be able to come out and watch and we said, ‘Come out and look.  Just make sure you don’t jump in a drill or pick up a dummy or anything like that.’ It’s good that they want to come out and watch.  They’re hungry to get out there as well.

“The participation we’ve had in the offseason program has been superb.  The fact they want to come out here when they could leave and do other things on a Friday, that’s a good sign.”

• CB Josh Robinson is F-A-S-T!!!

“I was watching the guys return punts this morning,” Frazier said, “and we still have those cheat sheets with the guys numbers (on them).  Josh caught a punt and he took off like a guy shot out of a rocket.  I thought, ‘Man, that guy has a nice little burst, let me see who that is.’

“It was Josh Robinson and I said, ‘That’s a good sign.” That burst, it sticks out.  You can see why he ran a 4.2, 4.3 40(-yard dash) at the combine.  He can get from A to B pretty quickly.  So that’s encouraging.”

• Kickers Galore! Vikings picked Georgia kicker Blair Walsh in the sixth round, when they signed Ryan Longwell to a four-year,$12 million deal last season

Frazier said he does not know if the Vikings will keep two kickers — the possibility would be to start off Walsh as a kickoff specialist — and added that’s “not in the game plan right now.”

Asked about evaluating Walsh, Frazier said: “We are obviously going to take a close look at him.  Obviously, when you draft a kicker you are drafting for a reason.”

• Minicamp invitees on a tryout basis include LB coach Mike Singletary’s son Matt Signletary and Arizona Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald’s brother, Marcus Fitzgerald.

The Vikings had two more practices today and one final practice on Sunday.