Vikings

Minnesota Vikings Practice Report Day 2: A Strong Day For the Secondary

Photo Credit: Brad Rempel (USA Today Sports)

In the Minnesota Vikings’ final practice before the pads come on, the defense had an encouraging day despite missing one of its premier talents.

With Danielle Hunter (undisclosed) the lone non-participant at Sunday’s practice, the Vikings defense still seemed a step ahead of the offense. While this has been a common trend in the Mike Zimmer Era thanks to five years of unprecedented defensive continuity from 2015-19, it wasn’t expected this year as the offense returned nine of 11 starters while the defense lost five of 11 starters and a number of depth pieces.

The secondary on Sunday was particularly impressive. It’s only one practice, yes, but there were flashes of a young and hungry group with myriad players determined to make a name for themselves. (It helps, too, that the receiver position is largely unproven.) Pass breakups were bountiful: Nate Meadors recorded an interception off Jake Browning, and Harrison Hand nearly had one against Sean Mannion. Most of the big plays were followed by roars from the purple-clad defensive players observing from the sideline.

Rookie Jeff Gladney made his first appearance at an open practice after missing Friday for undisclosed reasons. He worked in the nickel with the 1s while occasionally subbing out for Cameron Dantzler. When Dantzler entered, he played on the boundary with Mike Hughes moving inside. Presumably, Gladney will be cross-trained as a slot and outside corner, as the Vikings have done with their rookies in the past.

The Vikings offense did have one notable victory over the defense. In a two-minute situation, the Vikings were given the ball at the 18-yard line, trailing by four. After a six-yard run, Kirk Cousins hit Irv Smith Jr. on the second play of the drive for an impressive touchdown connection in the back-right corner of the end zone.

Here are the rest of the primary takeaways from full-team practice No. 2:

  • For a second straight practice, Dalvin Cook did limited work during full-team drills. This is not thought to be injury related, but rather a compromise regarding his contract status. Cook has been vocal about not holding out and intends to play Week 1, but for his own sake and the team’s, it seems like the right thing to do to reduce Cook’s workload, even during light-contact practices.
  • Garrett Bradbury appeared limited after getting his right wrist/hand taped midway through practice. He was replaced with the 1s by Brett Jones for the majority of practice.
  • Speaking of the offensive line, the first two units looked similar to Friday. Aviante Collins and Dakota Dozier rotated with the 1s at left guard with Ezra Cleveland taking snaps with the 2s.
  • With Hunter out, converted defensive end Jalyn Holmes took first-team reps. Shamar Stephen returned with the 1s after missing Friday’s practice for personal reasons and was joined by Jaleel Johnson at 3-technique.
  • Justin Jefferson saw an elevation in status from Friday, getting first-team reps in the slot out of three-receiver sets.
  • Veterans Eddie Yarbrough and Anthony Zettel got second-team defensive end reps with Hercules Mata’afa and Armon Watts lining up inside at defensive tackle.
  • The Vikings’ second linebacker unit was awfully raw, featuring three rookies on Sunday. With Cameron Smith out for the year (heart surgery) and Ben Gedeon on the PUP list (undisclosed), first-year players Troy Dye, Jordan Fehr and Blake Lynch were the top three reserves. Recent acquisition and second-year player Quentin Poling is also on the roster but may not be very familiar with the system.

Monday’s padded practice starts at 2:15 and will be aired locally on FOX 9.

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