August 18, 2004 at 4:25 p.m.
Vikes sharp at training camp
Vikes sharp at training camp
During the first weeks of August at camp, quarterback Daunte Culpepper, in his fifth year with the Vikes, led the offense through drills during twice-a-day practices at Minnesota State University.
Culpepper looked solid, playing with the same confidence and concentration that he displays during the regular season, including his well-known habit of pointing out unguarded defensemen as he readies for the snap.
Before and after practice, a small crowd lines the fences between the practice field and the university dormitory that houses the Vikes during training camp.
As many players stop and sign at least a few autographs, Culpepper usually is immersed in either a playbook or conversation with a coach. Even wide receiver Randy Moss, in his seventh season, has started to take the time to sign a few pennants and caps and greet the crowd.
This year’s most popular additions to the squad among the fans have been wrestler-turned-football player Brock Lesnar and defensive end Kenechi Udeze. Lesnar is listed as third string while Udeze is Coach Mike Tice’s prime candidate to start at right defensive end.
During full team drills at each practice session, Lesnar didn’t see much playing time, but watched as veterans like left defensive end Kenny Mixon, in his seventh year and right defensive tackle Chris Hovan, in his fifth year, brought tremendous pressure against the offense.
Culpepper and back-up quarterbaacks Gus Frerotte and Shaun Hill were all forced to run the ball more than once during the drills after finding all of their receivers amidst heavy coverage.
Lesnar spent time after the Aug. 4 afternoon practice riding one of the official training camp bicycles near campus, cooling down with a large ice pack strapped to his right elbow. Coach Tice has said Lesnar will most likely not move off the practice squad this year.
The Vikings’ defense has been the focal point for many people this season, but at camp earlier this month all three lines looked aggressive and confident. Udeze is the only first-string rookie on defense, with an average pro playing experience of more than four years among the rest of the players.
The offense also returns nearly every starter from last season, including right guard David Dixon in his 10th year and left tackle Bryant McKinnie in his third season.
Darren Bennett from down under joins the Vikes as its top punter and Aaron Elling steps into the starting kicker slot after the second retirement of veteran Gary Anderson after last season.
Both kickers seemed comfortable wearing the purple at training camp and both were consistently booting the ball 30-40 yards with plenty of air time.
The only key player missing during most of training camp and the Vikings first preseason game was center Matt Birk, in his seventh season. Birk underwent hernia surgery Aug. 5 but is expected to be back for the first regular season game Sept. 12. Running back Moe Williams missed a few days last week to rest a sore calf, otherwise there have been only a few injuries to report out of training camp.
The atmosphere among the fans who packed the stands for practices in Mankato seemed to be one of realistic optimism and excitement, looking to move past last season’s heartbreaking finish against Arizona that left the Vikes out of the playoff picture.
The Vikes took a break from their training camp schedule to play in their first preseason game of the year Saturday, downing the Arizona Cardinals 23-6.
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