Thread: Vikings' camp to-do list

[size=18px]Vikings' camp to-do list[/size]

Kevin Seifert - Star/Tribune

Everything will work out. Such has been the polite response to questions about this seemingly critical position. But identifying a viable internal candidate for the position continues to be difficult. Do the Vikings really think Napoleon Harris, a bust in 2005, can hold down the position? Will they return E.J. Henderson to the middle, where he failed in 2004? Or will the Vikings once again be entranced by the speed of Dontarrious Thomas? Finding a serviceable middle linebacker might be the most important personnel issue for the team in training camp.

CONTINUE THE SCHEME TRANSITION

Football is football, many would say. But don't underestimate the difficulty of installing new offensive and defensive systems this offseason. It can take a full season -- or more -- to implement fully a new philosophy. Yet if the Vikings want to open the season like a playoff-caliber team, they will need to master the West Coast offense and Tampa-2 defense by the end of training camp.

DETERMINE WHETHER MATT BIRK IS HEALTHY

Birk has professed his full recovery after a series of hip and abdomen injuries, but he hasn't participated in a contact drill in 18 months. If Birk makes it through camp unscathed, the Vikings will have the makings of a much-improved offensive line. If he does not, they will be scrambling. As of now, the team's backup plan features guard/center Jason Whittle and second-round draft pick Ryan Cook.

SOLIDIFY THE PUNTING SITUATION

Incumbent Chris Kluwe hasn't punted since surgeons repaired a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his kicking leg this winter. Citing history, coach Brad Childress has expressed doubt that Kluwe will make a full recovery in time to kick this season. The Vikings certainly appear ready to give him a chance; his initial camp competition is rookie free agent John Torp, a lefty from Colorado. A veteran could work his way into the mix as the regular season approaches.

DEVELOP DISCIPLINE ... ON THE FIELD

Much has been made of the Vikings' new commitment to discipline as it relates to behavior, but the team has just as many strides to make on the field. The Vikings ranked in the NFL's bottom third in turnovers and penalties during the past four seasons, two critical variables in league success. There are no easy ways to fix that problem, but Childress has the opportunity to start from scratch. A well-organized training camp -- with strong, effective teaching that leaves players clear on their roles -- would set the appropriate tone.

Sounds good to me. They just need to get those things done.

It's all been talk up to now, but we can finally see how they perform in pads!

The team's linebacker situation continues to be scutinized, and with just reason. However, I think that with a new coaching staff, that is taking a very different approach to almost everything this team does, has the OPPORTUNITY to work with athletes that are ready and willing to do what they have to do to be successful. The linebackers in particular were a group that suffered under the tice regime, constantly being unsure of their responsibilities on and off the field, and never being awarded a justifiable chance to prove whether or not they had what it takes. I do not intend to represent myself as a blind hopeful fan, but I am certainly trying to remain in good spirits.

I remain in good spirits simply because of the defensive turn around in Indianapolis, not that the Vikings need a turn around. But just take a look at how mediocre players have become stars since the philosphy/coaching changes.

i wan't wait to see some photo's and video!!!!

someone help me out!!

DiGiTaL

stop the talking and lets get to work!! we can speculate all we want, but we need to get the job done!!!

Don't forget that Goldberg can play Center as well.

Our D came on in the second half the year.We've gotten much better on defense, paper and I'm gonna go ahead and say on the field.(Even tho its yet to be shown)I think the only real true question mark on this defense is our MLB spot. We got Leber on the Strong Side, future ROY Chad Greenway on the Weakside, and from what I see 3 potential suitors at MLB on our roster.But I'm not worried, Coaching and Schemeing plays a HUGE role in the success of a player in a position.We finally have personel that know what thier doing.Childress and Tomlin both have impressive resumes.I cant wait to get this season goin!

Training camp schedual..

FRIDAY July28
Practices: 10:30-11:40 am, 3:10-4:15 pm

SATURDAY July29

Practices: 10:30-11:40 am, 3:10-4:15 pm

Vikings Block Party, downtown Mankato, 5-11 pm

SUNDAY July 30

Practice: 10:30-11:40 am

MONDAY July 31

Practice: 3:30-4:55 pm

Veterans report

TUESDAY Aug 1

Vikings Village: 8:15 am-1 pm, 2:15-5 pm

Practices: 8:45-11:15 am, 2:45-4:40 pm

Autographs: offensive line

WEDNESDAY Aug 2

Vikings Village: 8:15 am-1 pm, 2:15-5 pm

Practices: 8:45-11:15 am, 2:45-4:40 pm

Autographs: defensive line

THURSDAY, AUG. 3

Vikings Village: 8:15 am-1 pm, 2:15-5 pm

Practices: 8:45-11:15 am, 2:45-4:40 pm

Autographs: quarterbacks and special teams

FRIDAY, AUG. 4

Vikings Village: 9:30 am-1 pm, 5-9:30 pm

Practice: 10-11 am

Night practice with Kansas City Chiefs: 6:30-8:45 pm

Autographs: defensive backs, alumni (before night practice) and cheerleaders (after night practice)

SATURDAY, AUG. 5

Vikings Village: 8:15 am-5:30 pm

Practices: 8:45-9:55 am, 2:45-5 pm

Autographs: wide receivers

SUNDAY, AUG. 6

Vikings Village: 8:15 am-3:30 pm

Practices: 8:45-11:15 am, 2:15-3:15 pm

Autographs: running backs and tight ends

MONDAY, AUG. 7

Vikings Village: 8:15 am-1 pm, 2:15-4:15 pm

Practices: 8:45-11:10 am, 2:45-3:55 pm

Autographs: offensive line

TUESDAY, AUG. 8

Vikings Village: 8:15 am-1 pm, 1:45-3:30 pm

Practices: 8:45-11:15 am, 2:15-3:15 pm

Autographs: linebackers

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 9

Vikings Village: 8:15 am-1 pm, 2:15-4:15 pm

Practices: 8:45-11:15 am, 2:45-3:55 pm

Autographs: defensive line

THURSDAY, AUG. 10

Free youth football clinic: noon-1 pm

Vikings Village: 8:15 am-3:30 pm

Practices: 8:45-11:15 am, 2:15-3:15 pm

Autographs: quarterbacks and special teams

FRIDAY, AUG. 11

Vikings Village: 8:15 am-1 pm, 1:45-3:30 pm

Practices: 8:45-11:15 am, 2:15-3:15 pm

Autographs: defensive backs

SATURDAY, AUG. 12

Morning: Vikings Vehicle Invasion

Free cheerleader clinic: 12-1 pm

Vikings Village: 8:15 am-4:15 pm

Practices: 8:45-11:15 am, 2:45-3:55 pm

Autographs: linebackers

Cheerleaders calendar signing: 4-6 pm at Pub 500

SUNDAY, AUG. 13

Closed

MONDAY, AUG. 14

Closed

Preseason game vs. Raiders, 7 pm, Metrodome

TUESDAY, AUG. 15

Closed

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 16

Vikings Village: 8:15 am-1 pm, 1:45-3:30 pm

Practices: 8:45-11:15 am, 2:15-3:15 pm

Autographs: running backs and tight ends

THURSDAY, AUG. 17

Vikings Village: 8:15 am-1 pm

Practices: 8:45-11:15 am, 2:45-3:55 pm

Autographs: wide receivers