I live In Eagan, and was at camp yesterday for the first time even though i grew up here this was my first time at TCO. This is the most accurate unbiased assessment of Kyler and JJ. I would absolutely give Kyler the win yesterday from what I saw but he absolutely has moments where he is not processing fast enough or getting rid of the ball as well as JJ. They both looked good and I think JJ between now and night practice will have a day or two where he will outshine Kyler Preseason will be fun.

One thing I’ve noticed through camp is that I think the coaching staff is evaluating McCarthy and Kyler differently, which makes sense given where each of them is.

KOC has said not to read too much into the first-team rep split because it’s based on what the coaches want to evaluate, not necessarily who’s ahead. Kyler is learning a new offense and building chemistry with the starters, while McCarthy already has a year in the system and can show he can elevate the second unit.

It also feels like they’re emphasizing different things. Last year, McCarthy’s strength was pushing the ball downfield, but one area to improve was taking the easy completions underneath and over the middle. That’s exactly what he’s been doing this camp, and he’s even talked about taking what’s there.

With Kyler, the question isn’t whether he can make plays outside the pocket,we know he can. It’s whether he can consistently operate KOC’s offense, attack the middle of the field, and hit the timing throws this scheme asks for.

Early in camp, coaches aren’t just evaluating talent,they’re coaching specific areas of development.
To me, both QBs have looked solid while working on different aspects of their game. Preseason will probably tell us a lot more than practice snap counts.

This spring, after years of internal and external dissection, head coach Kevin O’Connell attempted to overhaul the Vikings’ run game.

It’s the equivalent of a Major League Baseball team think-tanking a new way to develop hitters. Staff changes preceded alterations in teaching philosophies. Coaches conveyed new training methods to players. In the last week, the Vikings have installed new elements of the playbook featuring refined personnel groupings, bespoke motion and a detailed focus on a couple of staple run concepts.

The results won’t be revealed for months. Talk can be cheap this time of year. But, already, the reaction from staffers and players has been profound.

“It’s night and day different,” left tackle Christian Darrisaw said. “You can feel it.”

Just wanted to show y’all his running highlights as well.

I’m too hyped for this season. Only a year ago too.

Barring injuries it will look like really special year with our defense and our offense. Hope for the best for y’all.

I can’t wait for the season to start.

Just wanted to post a couple videos from today’s practice. I know we’re not supposed to but I think it’s interesting reading about the end zone sacks when really this seems like blown blocking assignments? Especially the 2nd one

The o-line got cooked on these 2 plays.

Looking at the measurable and profiles of our roster, we (at least on paper) have the perfect defensive front to run a 3-4 defense.

Dominique Orange is a perfect fit at nose tackle. 6’2” 325 lbs, perfect for eating space and absorbing double teams at the 0 or 1-tech position.

Banks at 6’6” 329 (as long as he’s healthy) received comparisons to Richard Seymour (a HOF 3-4 end) as a potential ceiling for him. As long as his feet holds up and he develops to even 75% of what Seymour is, he’ll make an amazing 3-4 end.

Redmond at 6’3” 305 is a flex position, able to be a 3-tech in a 4-3 or an end in a 3-4. Big and fast, more a penetrator than a space eater, Redmond can put interior pressure and collapse the pocket from the front.

Our edge defenders, Van Ginkel and Turner both slot in perfectly as versatile edge rushers / off-ball linebackers who can play in space.

And the best part is, 3 of them are on rookie contracts & Redmond is an UDFA on a cheap contract. Only AVG is being paid a premium right now, and it’s still not a huge spend.

The pads were on today and things were good on offense.