**Official '12 Vikings Training Camp Thread

[Cliff]

What in the world does that mean? They going to have fans throw snowballs at Walsh while he practices field goals?

I guess trying to get fans involved to simulate a game day situation where they're making a lot of noise and possibly doing distracting things? I dunno.

[Eli]

I liked this, from Pelissero's column yesterday:

One NFL scout's take on ... Blair Walsh

"There's an old theory here that sometimes in scouting the player that you need in this kind of situation in the present may not currently be on your roster. He may be on someone else's roster. I would safely assume they're allowing this guy every chance to compete for the job, but if there's nobody on campus, a Blair Walsh type may very well be competing with Player B that three or four other NFL teams who is currently competing in a kick-off with another player."
-- AFC executive

http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/Scou ... _NFL072612

They don't really need to have any competition in camp for Walsh. He's a kicker, for crying out loud. He either makes kicks or he doesn't. If he doesn't, the Vikings just grab someone who's been released by another team.

[dead_poet]

Michael Jenkins looks better than he did in minicamp I guess. Still just not much explosion, not really dropping weight through breaks.

Tom Pelissero on Twitter

[dead_poet]

Ridiculous video from '10: Jared Allen's training camp dorm: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWyA24naJYo

[dead_poet]

Everson Griffen playing will LB with 3s, immediately gets a sack. #Vikings

[dead_poet]

Jerome Simpson just destroyed Chris Cook on a go. Not a good matchup if Cook's not jamming. Jenkins just beat him on an in too.

Uh oh. Josh Robinson jus pulled up lame. Looks like a hammy. Grimacing as he walks back with a trainer. Was chasing Jarius Wright up the sideline when the tire blew.

[dead_poet]

Meanwhile Robert Blanton had an impressive interception in coverage of Kerry Taylor. One on ones over. Back to team.

[dead_poet]

@TomPelissero: Meanwhile every time I look back at the 7 on 7 field (or anywhere else) Ponder seems to be completing another pass to Rudolph. #Vikings

@TomPelissero: First full practice over. Solid day for Ponder. Better than any he had last year I'd say. Still early but that's encouraging. #Vikings

[mossbutt]

Thanks Poet, good stuff.

[dead_poet]

Christian Ponder was 16-of-17 passing today in team (11-on-11) drills. Not a bad day's work. #Vikings

Joe Webb, on the other hand, started 0-for-6 before completing his next five. Sage Rosenfels was 6-for-8. #Vikings

In coordinator Bill Musgrave’s tight end-friendly offense, it’s no surprise that Ponder was especially sharp connecting with the big fellas, especially Kyle Rudolph, who caught several passes, including a deep ball between the No. 1 safeties.

"Tight ends are a quarterback’s best friend," Ponder said. "So they’re going to catch a lot of balls this year. I’ve built up a lot of chemistry with Kyle. I think we just click. He finds ways to get open and I have a lot of confidence throwing to him."

[dead_poet]

The Vikings leaned on the 22-year-old legs of Jordan Todman quite a bit during Friday’s practice. That gave the second-year pro ample opportunities to display the speed and quickness he hopes will land the No. 3 running back job.

On one particular play, Todman broke free and decided to keep sprinting 80 yards as veteran cornerback Zack Bowman tried -- and failed -- to catch him. After running through the end zone, Todman quickly jogged back as Bowman used a reporter’s shoulder to lean on while trying to catch his breath.

"He’s fast," Bowman said of Todman. "He was fresh. I was fresh. Now, I’m not so fresh anymore."

[dead_poet]

Quote of the Day

"There’s nothing friendly about it. I’ll win that any day of the week."
--Jared Allen, when asked if he has a "friendly" sack competition with fellow defensive end and close friend Brian Robison.

[dead_poet]

ESPN1500 guys evaluate Day 1 (VIDEO): http://www.1500espn.com/videos/vikings_ ... s_on_day_1

Kind of funny how Judd dogs Berrian at the end. Worth the listen.

[Rus]

Man, it's great to see Ponder doing well...but I really expected with a full training camp and a year to work with guys that he'd get a whole lot better. They really have to figure out a way to utilize Webb, though. You don't want one of your better athletes warming the bench.

[jackal]

that was a slam on Berrian .. good for him