DAILY CLIPS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2018 LOCAL NEWS: Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Star Tribune

Vikings cut kicker Kai Forbath By Andrew Krammer http://www.startribune.com/vikings-cut-kicker-kai-forbath/491269791/

Who's in? Who's out? A 53-man roster projection for the Vikings By Andrew Krammer http://www.startribune.com/whos-in-whos-out-a-53-man-roster-projection-for-the-vikings-2/491259341/

Shorthanded Vikings sign Kobe McCrary, Kareem Are By Ben Goessling http://www.startribune.com/shorthanded-vikings-sign-kobe-mccrary-kareem-are/491303151/

NFL officials face impossible task enforcing new tackle rules By Chip Scoggins http://www.startribune.com/nfl-officials-face-impossible-task-enforcing-new-tackle-rules/491313571/

Vikings' first training camp in Eagan plays to (mostly) positive reviews By Ben Goessling http://www.startribune.com/vikings-first-training-camp-in-eagan-plays-to-mostly-positive-reviews/491265741/

Despite initial worries, Eagan got a kick out of training camp By Erin Adler http://www.startribune.com/despite-initial-worries-egan-got-a-kick-out-of-training-camp/491319171/

Vikings.com

NOTEBOOK: Carlson Confident After Winning Vikings Kicking Battle By Eric Smith https://www.vikings.com/news/notebook-carlson-confident-after-winning-vikings-kicking-battle

Zimmer, Smith: Rules Changes Could Be Game-Changers By Craig Peters https://www.vikings.com/news/zimmer-smith-rules-changes-could-be-game-changers

3 Observations: Cousins Finds Rudolph for Last-Second Touchdown By Eric Smith https://www.vikings.com/news/3-observations-cousins-finds-rudolph-for-last-second-touchdown

Early Look: Vikings vs. Seahawks By Eric Smith https://www.vikings.com/news/early-look-vikings-vs-seahawks

3 Stats That Stood Out: Vikings-Jaguars By Craig Peters https://www.vikings.com/news/3-stats-that-stood-out-vikings-jaguars

Presser Points: Zimmer on Kickers, Punt Coverage and Defensive Linemen By Eric Smith https://www.vikings.com/news/presser-points-zimmer-on-kickers-punt-coverage-and-defensive-linemen

Lunchbreak: Big Days by Boone, Thomas Part of Stiff Competition By Eric Smith https://www.vikings.com/news/lunchbreak-big-days-by-boone-thomas-part-of-stiff-competition

Vikings Release Forbath, Place Aruna on IR, Announce Other Moves By Eric Smith https://www.vikings.com/news/vikings-release-forbath-place-aruna-on-ir-announce-other-moves

VIKING Update

Zimmer impressed by Carlson’s leg, ‘calm’ By Tim Yotter https://247sports.com/nfl/minnesota-vikings/Article/Daniel-Carlsons-leg-calm-demeanor-impress-Mike-Zimmer-120852948/

Notebook: Hunter’s now-refined skills showing up regularly By Tim Yotter https://247sports.com/nfl/minnesota-vikings/Article/Danielle-Hunters-now-refined-skills-showing-up-regularly-for-Vikings- 120864435/

Vikings players, coaches all ‘confused’ by new helmet rule By Tim Yotter https://247sports.com/nfl/minnesota-vikings/Article/NFLs-helmet-rule-causing-great-confusion-among-Vikings-players- coaches-120862545/

1500 ESPN

Which offensive line combination will the Vikings land on? By Matthew Coller http://www.1500espn.com/vikings-2/2018/08/offensive-line-combination-will-vikings-land/

Preseason flags have Vikings on uneasy ground with rules By Matthew Coller http://www.1500espn.com/vikings-2/2018/08/preseason-flags-vikings-uneasy-ground-rules/

Zulgad: Vikings’ willingness to gamble on rookie kicker a surprise given the stakes By Judd Zulgad http://www.1500espn.com/vikings-2/2018/08/zulgad-vikings-willingness-gamble-rookie-kicker-surprise-given-stakes/

Vikings release kicker Kai Forbath By Matthew Coller http://www.1500espn.com/vikings-2/2018/08/vikings-release-kicker-kai-forbath/

The Athletic

Vikings position-group breakdowns: Building a title-worthy defensive line By Arif Hasan https://theathletic.com/480098/2018/08/20/vikings-position-group-previews-defensive-line-linval-joseph-everson-griffen- danielle-hunter/

NATIONAL NEWS: Tuesday, August 21, 2018

ESPN

Coaches, players confused by implementation of helmet rule By Courtney Cronin http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/24429528/mike-zimmer-minnesota-vikings-helmet-rule-cost-some-people-jobs

Vikings cut kicker Kai Forbath, give job to rookie By Courtney Cronin http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/24426578/minnesota-vikings-cut-kicker-kai-forbath-give-job-rookie-daniel-carlson

Vikings rookies show promise in bid to replace Jerick McKinnon By Courtney Cronin http://www.espn.com/blog/minnesota-vikings/post/_/id/26854/vikings-rookies-show-promise-in-bid-to-replace-jerick-mckinnon

USA Today

Vikes cut kicker Kai Forbath; rookie Daniel Carlson gets job By AP https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2018/08/20/vikes-cut-kicker-kai-forbath-rookie-daniel-carlson-gets-job/37545089/ NFL.com

Mike Zimmer: Helmet hit rule will cost people 'jobs' By Herbie Teope http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000949660/article/mike-zimmer-helmet-hit-rule-will-cost-people-jobs

Vikings go with Daniel Carlson at kicker, cut Forbath By Herbie Teope http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000949583/article/vikings-go-with-daniel-carlson-at-kicker-cut-forbath

PUBLICATION: Star Tribune DATE: 8/21/18

Vikings cut kicker Kai Forbath

By Andrew Krammer

Rookie Daniel Carlson will be the Vikings’ third kicker in three seasons.

The Vikings released veteran Kai Forbath on Monday, two days after he missed a 41-yard field-goal attempt off the right post in a preseason loss to Jacksonville. The Vikings kicker competition lasted until Aug. 20, and Carlson said the pressure should help his dive into the tension-filled NFL.

“That’s one of the things competition really helps,” Carlson said Monday. “Every kick is a pressure kick when your job is on the line. It’s probably going to be decided on a few different kicks.”

So begins the Carlson era in purple, less than two years after the Vikings cut former All-Pro Blair Walsh. Forbath, 30, stepped in during the middle of the 2016 season and went on to convert 50 of 57 field-goal attempts — including two fourth-quarter field goals against New Orleans in January’s NFC divisional match that became the Vikings’ first playoff victory since 2009.

However, Forbath missed eight 33-yard extra-point attempts in 1½ seasons, and he didn’t possess the leg strength the Vikings desired on kickoffs and long field-goal attempts. Forbath went 1-for-2 on field-goals Saturday against the Jaguars. Carlson made all six of his kicks — four extra points, two field goals — during the preseason opener at Denver.

“We just figured it was getting close to the last couple of preseason games,” Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said. “Kai did a great job while he was here. He’s a great kid. We just decided to go with Daniel.”

The writing was on the wall for Forbath after the Vikings drafted Carlson this spring. The Vikings traded up to draft Carlson in the fifth round (167th overall), sending two sixth-round picks to the Jets while acquiring an additional seventh-round pick. Carlson is the highest-drafted kicker in franchise history, selected eight spots earlier than the No. 175 pick the Vikings used to select Walsh in 2012.

Now Carlson, the Auburn record holder and SEC’s all-time leading scorer, begins in earnest his role as Vikings kicker that comes with an infamous history and expectations. The 23-year-old said he’s not going to ignore pressure that comes with a team that made the NFC Championship Game last season.

“Definitely embrace,” Carlson said. “I think you want to be on a winning team. I came into a situation where, with what they did last season, I’m just going to take that and run with it. Do my job one day at a time and hopefully be a part of that success. As a kicker, I hope I get lots of extra points. When we get some big field goals, I’ll be ready.”

The early signs of Carlson’s psyche have been positive, according to Zimmer.

“He’s been pretty calm all along,” Zimmer said. “It was nice to see him in Denver go out and kick those, but it’ll be a little bit different when we’re playing San Francisco [in the season opener], I’m sure. We’ll see how it goes, you know?”

What the Vikings know for fact is Carlson’s leg strength and his track record of making pressure kicks. Carlson was the only Auburn player to score when the unranked Tigers beat No. 18 Louisiana State 18-13 in September 2016. His six field goals included an opening 51-yard kick and two fourth-quarter field goals, one to take the late 15-13 lead.

Almost two years later, Carlson drilled a 57-yard field goal against the Broncos in his NFL preseason debut.

His leg strength was a deciding factor for the Vikings in both the draft pick and competition over Forbath. On kickoffs, he can force a touchback at will. That’s important as Vikings brass anticipates touchbacks to be more valuable with 2018 kickoff rule changes forcing more blockers to line up closer to the kickoff, creating a more wide-open return atmosphere.

Zimmer still didn’t hand over the job to Carlson, waiting until three weeks before the Sept. 9 opener against the 49ers to settle on his latest kicker.

“You make your decision and live with it,” Zimmer said. PUBLICATION: Star Tribune DATE: 8/21/18

Who's in? Who's out? A 53-man roster projection for the Vikings

By Andrew Krammer

Deliberations are ongoing at TCO Performance Center in Eagan as the Vikings prepare for exhibition No. 3 on Friday. Among the decisions to be made are which intriguing reserves will get the most playing time to prove themselves in Friday’s second half and the preseason finale Aug. 30 in Nashville.

Less than 48 hours after the Titans game, the Vikings will have to cut 37 players to form the initial regular season roster. Even more will be waived if general manager Rick Spielman trades for — or acquires from another team’s cuts — let’s say, offensive line help.

So, armed with half the preseason and entire training camp of evaluations, here is the Star Tribune’s first 53-man roster projection for the Vikings.

Quarterbacks (2)

QB , QB Trevor Siemian

Waived: QB Kyle Sloter, QB Peter Pujals

Why: The past two seasons, the Vikings have kept two active quarterbacks and one on the practice squad. Sloter is again a prime practice squad candidate, if he clears waivers, after looking serviceable in two preseason outings to date. The Vikings should want to see better practices from Sloter before using a third roster spot on the quarterback.

Running backs/fullback (4)

RB , RB Latavius Murray, FB C.J. Ham and RB Roc Thomas

Waived: RB Mack Brown, RB Mike Boone, FB Johnny Stanton

Why: Perhaps the roster’s most difficult decision will be made at running back, where Roc Thomas and Mike Boone have proven worthy of roster spots in two exhibitions. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Vikings go with either Brown, Thomas or Boone. But Thomas’ upside, especially as an elusive athlete in the open field, should intrigue John DeFilippo too much to let him go. Thomas has also shown improvement in pass protection, where Boone has struggled despite a hard running style that impressed against the Jaguars. However… Boone has proven the most durable this summer, with both Thomas and Brown nursing injuries. So, we’ll see. At fullback, Ham is very versatile and the group’s best pass protector next to Murray.

Receivers (6)

WR , WR , WR Laquon Treadwell, WR Kendall Wright, WR Stacy Coley and WR Brandon Zylstra

Waived: WR Tavarres King, WR Korey Robertson, WR Chad Beebe, WR Jake Wieneke and WR Jeff Badet

Suspended: WR Cayleb Jones

Why: The receiver battle hasn’t been as competitive as the Vikings expected, especially since the decision on the top bubble player — Cayleb Jones — is postponed four weeks due to his suspension for PEDs. Zylstra and Coley have battled injuries, but neither King nor Robertson have made strong pushes for their spots. When they’re healthy, both Zylstra and Coley are expected to contribute a lot on special teams. Coley has been perhaps the most disappointing due to a trio of offseason injuries, including the latest leg injury that has kept him out of the preseason. Still, the Vikings liked how he looked in the spring entering Year 2. Treadwell earned the No. 3 spot in practices over Wright.

Tight ends (4)

TE Kyle Rudolph, TE David Morgan, TE Blake Bell and TE

Waived: TE Tyler Hoppes

Why: Reserve Josiah Price is headed for I.R. after suffering a season-ending knee injury in practice last week. Conklin’s upside as a receiving threat gives the rookie an edge. Bell, the veteran blocking tight end, should warrant consideration as a special teams contributor even though he’s nursing an injury now. Besides, blocking tight ends become even more valuable when an offense has line issues.

Offensive linemen (9)

LT Riley Reiff, LG Tom Compton, C Pat Elflein, RG Mike Remmers, RT , OT Brian O’Neill, OT Aviante Collins, G Danny Isidora and C Cornelius Edison

Waived: G , C J.P. Quinn, OT Storm Norton, OT Dieugot Joseph, C/G Josh Andrews, G Kaleb Johnson

Why: Reserve guard Cedrick Lang is headed for I.R. after suffering a season-ending leg injury on Saturday. Nick Easton’s season-ending neck injury opens the door for Edison, who has started at center since Easton went down in training camp. Still, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Vikings scan the waiver wire for other additions and/or make a trade for interior line depth.

Defensive linemen (9)

DE Everson Griffen, DE , DE Brian Robison, DE , DE Tashawn Bower, NT Linval Joseph, DT , DT Jaleel Johnson, DT

Waived: DL Ifeadi Odenigbo, NT David Parry, DE Ade Aruna, DT Curtis Cothran, DE Jonathan Wynn

Why: The second-year Odenigbo made a strong case with his splash plays against Jaguars tackle Josh Wells, but the Vikings have a logjam at defensive end — where Odenigbo starred Saturday when Minnesota found itself down three ends (Griffen/Bower didn’t play and Aruna was injured). He’s added weight and moved inside, where the Vikings need reserve help. The rookie Holmes has shown promise as an interior pass rusher and pairs well as a backup with Johnson, who has been strong against the run this preseason.

Linebackers (6)

OLB Anthony Barr, LB , LB , OLB Eric Wilson, OLB Reshard Cliett and OLB Antwione Williams

Suspended: LB Kentrell Brothers

Waived: LB , LB Garret Dooley, OLB Mike Needham, OLB Brett Taylor

Why: Cliett and Williams have separated themselves from the pack as sure tacklers heavily involved on special teams this preseason. Wilson, the undrafted Cincinnati product, has made a big improvement in Year 2 and could even be involved in a defensive subpackage this season. Downs, the seventh-round pick from Cal, is likely a priority addition to the practice squad.

Defensive backs (10)

CB Xavier Rhodes, CB Trae Waynes, CB , CB Terence Newman, CB Mike Hughes, CB Marcus Sherels, S Harrison Smith, S Andrew Sendejo, S Anthony Harris and S Jayron Kearse

Waived: CB Holton Hill, CB Horace Richardson, CB Trevon Mathis, CB Craig James, S Jack Tocho, S Tray Matthews

Why: Hill, the pricey and talented undrafted addition, hasn’t shown enough to warrant a roster spot over the six corners listed. He’ll likely be a priority for the practice squad. Richardson has gotten reps over Hill in practice but could be headed for the practice squad in a second straight season. Sherels, in his ninth NFL season, should survive cuts again as the sure-handed punt returner while the Vikings work on ball security with Hughes, the first-round rookie who is the expected kick returner.

Specialists (3)

K Daniel Carlson, P Ryan Quigley, LS Kevin McDermott

Waived: K Kai Forbath

Why: Mike Zimmer spoke highly of Carlson after his NFL debut in Denver, which included six converted kicks (two field goals, four extra points) followed by another extra point against the Jaguars. Meanwhile Forbath, who has nearly kept pace in practices, missed a 41-yard field goal Saturday off the right post. PUBLICATION: Star Tribune DATE: 8/21/18

Shorthanded Vikings sign Kobe McCrary, Kareem Are

By Ben Goessling

After a preseason game Saturday left the Vikings dealing with a slew of injuries, their first order of business Monday was to clear four injured players off their 90-man roster, while holding another nine out of practice.

The team placed defensive end Ade Aruna on injured reserve after the sixth-round pick tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in Saturday’s loss to Jacksonville. The Vikings put offensive lineman Cedrick Lang, tight end Josiah Price and fullback Johnny Stanton on the waived/injured list, signing former Gophers fullback Kobe McCrary and ex-Oakland guard Kareem Are to fill two of their open roster spots.

McCrary, who joined the Vikings for practice Monday, had tried out for the team during its rookie camp in May. He had returned to his hometown in Florida, taking a job filling bed comforters with stuffing. He said he would get off work at 3:30 p.m. each day, and head home to work out in an effort to keep himself in shape in case an NFL team called.

In addition to the players the Vikings removed from their roster, they kept nine out of practice Monday. Cornerback Mackensie Alexander, who injured his left ankle Saturday, went through rehab with his foot in a walking boot. Coach Mike Zimmer said he expects Alexander’s injury to be a short-term issue, but added, “Everybody is different, so I really don’t know.”

Defensive end Everson Griffen remained out after slicing his leg on the end of a table last week, while Jeff Badet remained in the NFL concussion protocol. Wide receiver Stacy Coley, running back Mack Brown, offensive lineman Curtis Cothran, linebacker Kentrell Brothers and defensive backs Horace Richardson and Jack Tocho also sat out.

Guard Mike Remmers and tackle Rashod Hill returned to individual drills Monday, but did not take part in 11-on-11 work, where Aviante Collins and Brian O’Neill took snaps with the first-team offense at right tackle.

Happy for AP

News broke during afternoon practice that Adrian Peterson had signed with Washington, landing with his third team since parting ways with the Vikings in 2017.

Only a handful of players on the current Vikings roster spent more than a season or two with Peterson when he was still one of the NFL’s dominant players, but defensive end Brian Robison — who came into the league with Peterson as part of the Vikings’ 2007 draft class — wished the 2012 NFL MVP well with the Redskins.

“I think he’s a great person that obviously is going to go down as one of the best running backs to play this game,” Robison said. “I’m happy for him.”

Boosting the line

While the Vikings offensive line remained in flux Monday, it’s possible help could be on the way in the form of the team’s starting center.

Zimmer said Saturday that Pat Elflein, who has been on the physically-unable-to-perform list as he rehabs from offseason ankle and shoulder surgeries, could be back at practice in the near future.

If the Vikings are able to get Elflein back in the preseason — when the center has yet to work with new quarterback Kirk Cousins or left guard Tom Compton — it could help their starting five build some continuity before the start of the season. Elflein’s athletic ability, too, would be a big boost to the line, Zimmer said.

“I think the quickness that he has in there will be really important for some of the plays that we’re trying to run,” Zimmer said. “He can reach a guy that’s shaded to the side that he’s trying to get to with his quickness. Obviously he has very, very few mental errors.”

PUBLICATION: Star Tribune DATE: 8/21/18

NFL officials face impossible task enforcing new tackle rules

By Chip Scoggins

In order to make sense of the NFL’s rulebook, former Vikings coach Brad Childress thought a test should be used on certain occasions.

Ask 50 drunks in a bar their opinion. The answer is most likely the obvious, and thus correct, call.

Was that a catch? Ask 50 drunks.

That standard would work well for the NFL’s new helmet rule being implemented this season. Judging by early interpretation, the changes make a person want to belly-up to the bar, too.

It’s going to be a painfully long season if the NFL and its officials insist on flagging what look like textbook tackles.

The new rules are so murky that Vikings coach Mike Zimmer sent a note to the league office asking for clarification on why a Jacksonville defender was called for a penalty in Saturday’s game because it looked like a clean, proper-form tackle. Fifty drunks likely would agree.

This is not meant to slam the NFL’s intent in trying to make the game safer. The long-term health of players should be paramount in how the league governs the game. Reckless hits in which players show blatant disregard for their opponents or themselves should never be tolerated.

But football is inherently dangerous and there’s no way to legislate the physical aspect completely out of the game. It doesn’t make someone a Neanderthal to expect football to look like football.

What we saw in preseason games this past weekend stretches credibility with those competing and those watching.

“We’re not resistant to these changes,” Vikings safety Harrison Smith said. “They just need to be physically possible, I guess.”

That drew a laugh from reporters, but he’s right. And that’s the crux of the problem. The new rule prevents players from lowering their helmet to strike an opponent. Players aren’t stationary tackling dummies though. They are moving at warp speed, and their target is constantly changing. Even tackles that look normal are being flagged.

Officials face an impossible task of trying to discern technique in that split second.

“I think when they are the egregious, the head down, the linear posture, yes, I get it with those,” Smith said. “There are other ones that I think from a rational standpoint, they don’t make sense. I think those need to continue to be worked on. Otherwise, it is going to be almost every play.”

The league distributed an instructional video and had officials meet with teams to outline what constitutes legal hits. Even that was confusing, Smith said, because some of the tackles looked textbook.

“It was almost like they put every type of tackle on there to cover all the bases,” Smith said. “I think that is where it’s at right now, to be honest.”

Hopefully this is merely a case of NFL officials acting like a stern teacher on the first day of school. Make a point in the preseason by over-officiating and then become less vigilant or nitpicky once the regular starts.

Continuing down this path will only invite more anger and controversy. Fan patience will disappear quickly if games become an endless stream of flags, especially if penalties are called on what look like routine tackles.

And, worse, wait until the new rule results in a critical penalty that decides a game’s outcome.

“It’s going to cost some people some jobs,” Zimmer said. “Playoffs, jobs, the whole bit, I’m guessing.”

Said Smith: “I don’t fear it. It is going to happen. It is going to change games.”

The league can’t pretend this isn’t a problem. Some have suggested a replay tweak that allows coaches to challenge lowering-the-helmet penalties. Replay stoppages tend to serve as mood killers, but if it prevents officiating mistakes that could alter a game or leave you cursing in anger, maybe it’s worth exploring.

A violent sport is less violent now thanks to medical research and greater acknowledgment and adherence to rules designed to protect players. The league should have zero tolerance for dangerous plays. Hits that drew personal foul penalties in the Vikings game fell into a different category.

They didn’t look dangerous or dirty. Instead, they looked like normal, routine football tackles. PUBLICATION: Star Tribune DATE: 8/21/18

Vikings' first training camp in Eagan plays to (mostly) positive reviews

By Ben Goessling

The Vikings’ first training camp in Eagan concluded on Thursday, at the end of a three-week program that ran a week longer than recent camps in Mankato, put the kickoff of the season in the metro area for the first time in team history — and seemed to reduce the number of opportunities fans had for up-close interactions with players.

But on balance, many of you appear to be happy with the change, or are at least willing to give the Vikings’ new training camp arrangement time to play out.

I decided to take a Twitter poll at the end of camp to see how fans felt about their experience in Eagan compared to the one they had in Mankato. Insofar as a one-question Twitter poll represents a scientific sampling of the fanbase, a plurality of Vikings fans said they preferred training camp in Eagan.

Ben Goessling ✔ @GoesslingStrib The Vikings' first training camp in Eagan is in the books, and I'm curious what you all thought of it. If you attended a day of camp in Eagan, how was your experience compared to Mankato? Feel free to expand on your vote in the comments.

7:04 PM - Aug 16, 2018 48%Better 13%Worse 8%The same 31%Ask again in a year 1,612 votes • Final results

The Vikings say they heard largely positive reviews, too; team VP of strategic and corporate communications Jeff Anderson said the Vikings emailed daily surveys to fans who attended camp, and feedback “consistently reached scores of 8 or higher out of 10,” Anderson said.

In its first training camp in Eagan, Anderson said, the team had three goals: to host training camp in a way that did not impede the football team’s ability to get ready for the season, provide a “tremendous fan experience” and minimize impact on residents and businesses neighboring the Vikings’ facility. “We can confidently say we achieved those goals,” he said.

The facility won plaudits from many of you for its ease of access and the additional activities it offered beyond just watching practice; the Vikings opened up TCO Stadium each day for a variety of games, kids’ events and space to play. Fans with camp tickets were also able to attend the team’s new museum, and a number of you mentioned that as a highlight of your day at camp.

Unlike Mankato, which had restaurants within walking distance to camp, the Vikings’ new facility had few food options in the immediate area. That’s likely to change in future years, but several of you said you appreciated the relative affordability of basic concessions ($3 hot dogs, $1 bottled water, etc.).

Of course, there were bound to be hiccups in Year 1, and Vikings camp was certain to have a different feel on the team’s sprawling new campus than it did in a Division II college town. Many of you mentioned fewer opportunities to interact with players; whereas camp in Mankato offered spots to hang out near a fence in hopes of scoring an autograph or see players riding by on their bicycles, occasions for spontaneous interaction with players were fewer and further between in Eagan.

The Vikings designated one day in camp for each position group to sign autographs — as they did in Mankato — and lines for more popular players formed several hours before the autograph sessions started (which, again, likely wasn’t much different than Mankato). The team also brought a number of children onto the field each day for autographs through its kids’ club, and had afternoon autograph sessions with special needs kids through its community outreach programs. Fans could also win autographed items through the “Chuck for Charity” game the team had in TCO Stadium. But without the Vikings’ official channels, there seemed to be fewer chances to catch a player’s attention, short of lining up near a rope off the corner of the practice fields and hoping players would go out of their way to sign autographs on the way back to the weight room or locker room.

It’s worth pointing out here that the Vikings’ facility is going to change dramatically in the next decade or so. The team has talked about building a hotel as part of its future development plans for the 200-acre site. Assuming players eventually stay at that hotel, opportunities to catch them riding bicycles to their rooms between practices could return.

In the meantime, things are bound to have a different feel than they did in Mankato. Anderson said it’s too early to say what the Vikings might change about the autograph process for future camps, but said the team will certainly discuss it before the 2019 camp.

The Vikings, Anderson said, drew about 63,000 fans for their first year of training camp in Eagan — which was similar to the team’s approximate attendance figures in recent years in Mankato. The team has said it drew roughly 68,000 fans during the final year in Mankato, and routinely drew between 50,000 and 65,000 fans to Minnesota State University, depending on the length of camp. The Vikings had an extra week of open practices in Eagan, and fans claimed roughly 90,000 tickets for this year’s practices.

With roughly 72,000 of those seats available for free, though, fans could reserve them ahead of time and decide not to attend practice; Anderson said the Vikings often saw fans reserve four tickets for a daily practice session, and only use one or two of them. The Vikings released additional tickets during training camp, once they had a better handle on security processes and daily attendance rates, and the way they handle ticketing could change for 2019; Anderson said the team will look at the no-show rate and adjust for future years to make sure more fans can attend and more seats are full.

The Vikings’ 52-year run in Mankato meant several generations of fans had formed traditions there, and there’s no precise way for those to be replaced in a facility that’s markedly different from where the team had trained since 1966. But given the amenities for players and coaches in Eagan — not to mention the Vikings’ opportunities for future development — it’s safe to say training camp isn’t going anywhere. And whether it was through proximity to home or the team’s gleaming new facilities, many of you said you were either happy with camp in Eagan, or at least willing to give it a chance. PUBLICATION: Star Tribune DATE: 8/21/18

Despite initial worries, Eagan got a kick out of training camp

By Erin Adler

Mendota Heights resident Nancy Commerford once compared the lights illuminating the Vikings Eagan training facility to a circus.

Neighbors howled and the team agreed to turn off the lights after 11 p.m. Commerford said the team kept its promise.

With the inaugural training camp winding down, residents say their new neighbors kept traffic at bay, problems to a minimum and brought crowds streaming to local businesses.

The early verdict is that the Vikings training camp did not cause the massive disruptions that prompted early fears.

And some residents said they weren’t even aware that the three-week session was underway, while others found plenty to gawk at. “Everyone’s always abuzz with, ‘Do you know where so-and-so lives?’ ” said Lisa Nelson of Eagan. “In fact, I may or may not have biked by Kirk Cousins’ house.”

Ultan Duggan, a Mendota Heights City Council member who had expressed concern, said the impact has been limited.

“People created a storm in a teacup,” said Duggan.

Local businesses, especially restaurants, saw more customers. Around town, residents spotted more fancy cars and occasionally even Vikings players themselves at places like the grocery store.

“To me it’s been thrilling,” said Dakota County Commissioner Tom Egan, who represents Eagan and Mendota Heights. “It’s so endearing to see the level of exposure that Eagan has gotten” from this.

Just one thing surprised the Vikings: The number of people who reserved free online tickets for training camp but didn’t show up.

The team, which gave out 5,000 free tickets for each day of camp, released hundreds more tickets during the camp’s last week so other fans could scoop them up, said Jeff Anderson, the Vikings’ vice president of strategic and corporate communications. The preseason practices brought in 63,000 people, Anderson said, though 90,000 tickets were initially given out.

“It’s been an incredible experience,” he said. “There’s been an elevated energy level, I think, from our fans.”

Some residents did report an uptick in highway traffic, though they weren’t certain whether to chalk it up to road construction or training camp. One Eagan resident groused online about the loud airhorns. People at Trinity School at River Ridge encountered a group of drunk fans in their parking lot.

But Tom Caneff, president of People of Praise, the group that runs the school, said the Vikings thought of everything from signage to port-a-potties by their overflow parking lot. “We have seen nothing but graciousness,” he said.

Planning and preparation

Much of the concern among neighbors centered on worries about overtaxed roads. Some living in Sunfish Lake thought that congestion might keep Mendota Heights’ volunteer fire department, which serves their tiny city, from reaching fires fast enough. Dan O’Leary, a Sunfish Lake City Council member, said concerns remain.

Possible congestion at Hwys. 149 and 62 (old Hwy. 110) had worried Mendota Heights residents, since a traffic study showed that intersection already saw more cars than it could handle.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation worked with the Vikings and Eagan to make sure traffic moved smoothly, said Jon Solberg, MnDOT’s south metro planner. MnDOT staffers tracked the Vikings’ schedule and modified traffic signals as necessary at 13 intersections along the Hwy. 55 and Hwy. 149 corridors. “Things went really well,” Solberg said.

Traffic counts on segments of Delaware Avenue and Hwy. 149 in Mendota Heights were close to the daily average, Solberg said.

Planning also helped make training camp uneventful for Eagan police, said Officer Aaron Machtemes. Officers attended to just a few medical calls, and made no arrests. The Vikings hired four to 11 Eagan officers to work at the camp each day, Machtemes said, adding that “not one cent of the city budget” went to providing those officers.

Local impact

Though the numbers aren’t in yet, Eagan businesses appear to have done well during the camp, said Brent Cory, president and CEO of the Eagan Convention and Visitors Bureau. The bureau launched an online tool called UTrip to help fans plan local itineraries to nearby attractions such as the Mall of America and the Minnesota Zoo, he said.

Eagan brewery Union 32 Craft House had its biggest sales night since opening last year during training camp, said bar manager Rebecca Zimmerman. Bar owners started a shuttle to take patrons the half-mile to and from the Vikings’ campus.

“It’s really been one of the more beneficial expenses,” Zimmerman said, adding that the bar also hired 15 to 20 extra workers.

Mary O’Neill, who lives a half-mile from the Vikings’ facility, said training camp “worked phenomenally” and praised the team’s planning, which included “no parking” signs near her house and limited access to her neighborhood.

But like others, she said the jury’s still out on how development of the entire 200-acre Viking Lakes site will affect the area. Housing, retail and possibly a hotel are planned.

“You can call us in five years … and see what we think,” O’Neill said. PUBLICATION: Vikings.com DATE: 8/21/18

NOTEBOOK: Carlson Confident After Winning Vikings Kicking Battle

By Eric Smith

EAGAN, Minn. — Daniel Carlson will be the Vikings kicker in Week 1 of the 2018 season.

The team essentially made a decision on its kicker battle Monday by releasing Kai Forbath, giving all indications the Carlson will be the main man this season.

The rookie is ready for the attention.

“I don’t think I’m going to change anything. I’m going to come to practice and compete against myself every day,” Carlson said. “I think now it’s good to kind of have a little assurance and confidence from the coaching staff and everybody with the Vikings organization, that they trust in me, and I’m going to go out every day and prove them right.

“You want to be on a winning team, and I came into a situation where, with what they did last season, I’m just going to take that and run with it – do my job one day at a time and hopefully be a part of that success,” Carlson added about embracing expectations. “As a kicker, I hope I get lots of extra points, and when we get some big field goals, I’ll be ready.”

The Vikings spent a fifth-round pick on Carlson, trading up to draft the Auburn product who hit 23 of 31 field goals in his senior season.

Carlson has been impressive so far in the preseason, making all five of his extra points and both field goal tries, including a 57-yard attempt in Denver.

“I think that’s a first step, and I’m going to take it one game at a time and one kick at a time,” Carlson said of his success so far. “Each game I’m hoping to get better and better and more comfortable in the NFL experience, but at the end of the day I’m going to take it every kick, whether it’s preseason or regular season, even in practice, take those serious and do my best to help this team in every situation.”

Carlson handled field goals and extra points in the preseason opener while Forbath was on kickoff duty. The pair switched for Saturday’s preseason game at U.S. Bank Stadium, although Carlson did attempt an extra point.

And even though Forbath missed a 41-yard try against the Jaguars, Carlson said he expected the roster battle to go down to the wire.

“It came as bit of a surprise this morning,” Carlson said. “Obviously Kai’s given me a run for my money, and he’s had a lot of success here and elsewhere, so it was a great competition versus him and I was able to learn a few things from someone who has a lot more experience than I do in the NFL.

“I met with him after I had heard the news and obviously after he had heard the news, and we talked, and he was great about it,” Carlson said. “Wish him nothing but the best but excited to be sticking around here and get ready for the real work.”

Forbath, who had been with the Vikings since November of 2016, made 47 of his 53 career field goals with Minnesota. He was 45 on 53 extra points during that time.

Carlson praised the veteran for his guidance in helping the rookie transition to the NFL.

“There’s a lot of things, just the ins and outs of the NFL,” Carlson said of Forbath’s advice. “Being a kicker’s a different job for a lot of reasons, so he did a great job of giving me tips here and there.

“From experience of things he’s learned over the years, just on both sides. He’s been cut, he’s had other guys cut that he competed against,” Carlson added. “He did a great job of navigating me through this, and along the way, obviously, we were also able to talk a lot of football and just working on different technical things while we were also competing.”

Newman at nickel

Terence Newman is the oldest defensive player in the NFL, but might be the most versatile defensive back on the Vikings roster.

The 39-year-old Newman, a first-round draft pick in 2003, can play outside cornerback, safety or at slot cornerback in Minnesota’s defense.

It’s the latter position where Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer said Newman could get more action going forward.

Zimmer said that with cornerback Mackensie Alexander nursing an injury from Saturday, the Vikings could put the 16-year veteran inside at the nickel spot on more plays.

“We’ve been taking care of him with a lot of things, but he’ll probably get a little bit more work at the nickel this week,” Zimmer said.

Welcome back, Kobe

The Vikings added fullback Kobe McCrary to the roster on Monday, two days after fullback Johnny Stanton was injured in a preseason game against Jacksonville.

McCrary spent rookie minicamp with the Vikings in early May, but was released after the weekend was over.

The 24-year-old said he has been hard at work — on and off the field — since being let go by Minnesota.

“I actually went back home and got a job working 10 hours a day,” McCrary said. “After I’d get off about 3:30 p.m., I’d rest about an hour and then go work out and do some stuff by myself.”

McCrary said he was filling bed comforters with cotton as his day job.

McCrary spent the past two seasons playing for the University of Minnesota, where he rushed for 738 yards and 11 touchdowns in two seasons with the Gophers. He led the team with 5.3 yards per carry as a senior.

“I love the city of Minneapolis,” said McCrary, who was in Florida when the Vikings called. “It’s a good feeling to come back.” PUBLICATION: Vikings.com DATE: 8/21/18

Zimmer, Smith: Rules Changes Could Be Game-Changers

By Craig Peters

EAGAN, Minn. — The preseason offers teams with multiple opportunities to learn about players, schemes and — in 2018, particularly — new rules.

The Vikings were awarded a 15-yard penalty on Saturday when officials ruled that cornerback A.J. Bouye led with his helmet to initiate contact with fullback C.J. Ham after a pass completion.

The penalty turned a second-and-21 into a first-and-10 at the Jacksonville 26-yard line and moved the Vikings within field-goal range.

Asked if he had a better understanding of the new rules, Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer said, “No, quite honestly, no.”

Zimmer told media members Monday that — even though Minnesota benefited from the call — he submitted that play to the NFL for a deeper explanation of the ruling.

“The guy is tackling him around his legs, and he had his head to the side for the most part,” Zimmer said. “I actually sent that in, to ask them, ‘Why was this called?’ Then you see other places, because I go through the tape with the other coaches, I said, ‘I wonder if this is a penalty, I wonder if this is a penalty.’ ”

Zimmer referenced Vikings VP of Football and Media Communications Bob Hagan, who was standing to the coach’s left, to make his point.

“I think it’s very hard to tackle a guy, you know, Bob is running down here and I try to tackle him around his thigh or his waist, my head is probably going to go down,” Zimmer said. “I’m going to get it to the side, but it’s probably going to make contact with something.”

Zimmer then brought up other potential plays where the helmet rule may or may not come into effect, like an offensive lineman cut blocking at the line of scrimmage or blocking for a screen.

“A lineman runs out on a screen, and he goes and cuts the linebacker or the safety, is that a penalty? Because I don’t know how you can dive like that,” Zimmer said.

Safety Harrison Smith was asked if Bouye could have done anything differently and said, “I don’t really think so.”

“I want to drive home the point that, especially as defensive players and as ball carriers, we want to make the game as safe as you can make it,” Smith immediately added. “No matter what, it is football and we are out there hitting. It’s not always going to be possible. We’re not resistant to these changes; they just need to be physically possible, I guess.”

Smith said he understands penalties for “egregious” plays when a player has his head down and is in a linear posture.

“There are other ones that I think from a rational standpoint, they don’t make sense,” Smith said. “I think those needs to continue to be worked on. Otherwise, it is going to be almost every play.”

Smith had an opportunity on a blitz to hit Jacksonville quarterback Blake Bortles but appeared to have a slight hesitation.

Asked about the play Monday, he said, “No, just trying to figure out to get my hands up or not.”

“I could have done that better, definitely,” Smith said. “As far as the rule goes, we want to adjust to things. We want to adapt and do it the right way, but you can’t let it slow you down, as well, because you still have to go make your plays. If you are doing everything in your power to play within those rules, even though they are very muddy right now, you still have to play full speed.”

As for Vikings offensive players, Adam Thielen said he hasn’t been a huge fan of the new helmet rule. Thielen said he’s been more affected so far by watching Minnesota’s defense and wondering if a flag will be thrown.

“Every tackle kind of gives you a weird feeling, which is not great, it’s not my favorite thing,” Thielen said.

“I think the biggest thing about it that worries me is in critical game situations,” Thielen said. “Your defense makes a big stop and all of a sudden, boom, there’s a flag thrown for something that shouldn’t be a flag. That’s the stuff that really worries me. You’re hoping that it’s just because it’s the preseason that there are all these flags thrown and that they’re trying to make a point, and in the regular season they’ll try to not throw as many, but you just don’t really know.”

The only certainty for Smith is the belief that the helmet rule will change outcomes of games.

“It is going to happen. Without a doubt, that is going to happen,” Smith said. “If you get a big sack, that changes field position, that changes, maybe getting a guy out of field goal range, get them on third-and- long or something like that, or get off the field on third down. Then it’s a whole new set of downs. It is going to change games.”

Defensive tackle Linval Joseph concurred.

“A big play at a critical time of a game can cost a game,” Joseph said. “A sack that is miscalled or overcalled and give up that sack and give them a first down, it could be a critical play of a game – and any team can lose a game with that.”

The Vikings haven’t had a helmet penalty called against them in two preseason games, but they have seen plenty around the league. The team used part of Monday’s practice to work on the approved tackling technique.

“Yeah, it’s going to cost some people some jobs,” Zimmer said. “Playoffs, jobs, the whole bit, I’m guessing. We haven’t had any called on us so far. It’s just hard to figure out. No one has ever said to me, ‘Hey, don’t worry, we’re going to call less,’ or ‘We’re going to straighten out in the regular season,’ or ‘We’re going to come up with a revised rule.’ No one has ever said that.

“Sometimes, with the illegal contact a few years ago, in the preseason there were hundreds of flags, and then they backed off of it a little bit,” Zimmer said. “I don’t know if that’s what they’ll do or not.” PUBLICATION: Vikings.com DATE: 8/21/18

3 Observations: Cousins Finds Rudolph for Last-Second Touchdown

By Eric Smith

EAGAN, Minn. — This Vikings hit the practice fields on Monday afternoon for the first time since training camp ended.

Minnesota practiced in helmets, shoulder pads and shorts for just under two hours on an overcast day at Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center.

The Vikings are on a short week before their third preseason game, which is at U.S. Bank Stadium at 7 p.m. (CT) Friday against the Seahawks.

Here are three observations from Monday’s session:

* 1. Late-game heroics*

Quarterback Kirk Cousins and tight end Kyle Rudolph came up clutch on Monday.

Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer put his first-team offense in a late-game situation against the first-team defense, with the offense trailing 16-10 with 12 seconds left in the fourth quarter, so it was touchdown or bust. The offense, which had one time out, had the ball on the defense’s 20-yard line.

The situation started on third-and-10 with Cousins hitting Rudolph for eight yards as Zimmer burned the offense’s lone time out.

Cousins then hit wide receiver Laquon Treadwell for seven yards on fourth-and-4. The receiver made it out of bounds to set up the final play of the game.

With the offense facing first-and-goal from the 5-yard line with just four seconds left, Cousins lofted a perfect pass to an open Rudolph in the middle of the end zone to tie the game at 16 and presumable give the offense a one-point win.

2. Plenty of 3rd-down work

One of the biggest talking points from Zimmer after Saturday’s preseason game was that there would be plenty of third-down work this week, especially since the offense went 0-for-12 against the Jaguars.

Zimmer was right, as both sides of the ball went at it on third downs for a sizable chunk on Monday’s practice.

Cousins found wide receiver Adam Thielen early on in practice to convert on three of four third-down tries. (Cousins chucked the ball out of bounds on the other play, with the quarterback heaving it onto the street adjacent to the practice field to make sure it got far out of play).

The Vikings worked on moving the chains on third- downs later in practice, too, with the defense making some plays of its own. Defensive end Brian Robison would have had a sack and tackle for no gain on back-to-back plays. Safety Harrison Smith would have also notched a sack.

Cousins also found Diggs for a third-down conversion. A screen pass to running back Mike Boone likely would have gone for a big gain.

3. Work that form

Much of the discussion of Zimmer’s Monday morning press conference centered around the NFL’s new helmet rule and how it could affect the league.

The Vikings then made sure they are using the correct teaching points, as a portion of Monday’s practice was spent on gunners working on form tackling on punt returners.

Treadwell, Marcus Sherels, Holton Hill, Chad Beebe, Korey Robertson, Craig James and Trevon Mathis were among those who wrapped up a large foam pad onto a landing pad.

Vikings special teams assistant Ryan Ficken worked with players in that group while Vikings Special Teams Coordinator Mike Priefer worked on punt coverage with other players. PUBLICATION: Vikings.com DATE: 8/21/18

Early Look: Vikings vs. Seahawks

By Eric Smith

EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings will play their third preseason game Friday night at 7 p.m. (CT) at U.S. Bank Stadium against the Seahawks, who happen to be Minnesota’s Week 14 opponent on ESPN’s .

While teams who play in the regular season don’t often meet in the preseason, it does happen from time to time. This is the third consecutive year Minnesota and Seattle have met in exhibition play, with the previous two meetings occurring in Seattle.

The Vikings have split their first two preseason contests of 2018. Minnesota went on the road and earned a 42-28 win in Denver, but fell 14-10 at home to the Jaguars on Saturday.

The Seahawks have lost their first two preseason games. Seattle fell 19-17 at home to Indianapolis in Week 1 before losing 24-14 on the road against the Chargers on Saturday.

The Vikings will finish up the preseason slate at Tennessee on Aug. 30.

Here’s a look at Minnesota’s home preseason tilt against Seattle:

Passing: Quarterback Kirk Cousins and the Vikings offense struggled to get going Saturday against the Jaguars. Cousins completed three of eight passes for 12 yards and was sacked once for an 11-yard loss.

After the game, Cousins said he looked forward to growing and learning from his performance. He was spot on in Minnesota’s preseason opener, completing all four passes for 42 yards and a touchdown.

Cousins and the Vikings offense will likely get extended work against Seattle and could play into the third quarter.

Trevor Siemian completed five of 10 passes for 46 yards and was sacked once, while Kyle Sloter completed 10 of 15 passes for 82 yards.

Russell Wilson has been Seattle’s starter for the past six seasons, and has a record of 65-30-1. He has completed 17 of 26 passes for 236 yards and a touchdown in two preseason contests.

Austin Davis is Seattle’s backup. Alex McGough, a 2018 seventh-round pick, is also on the roster.

Rushing: Dalvin Cook sat out for the second straight preseason contest while Latavius Murray had 12 yards on six carries.

Rookie Mike Boone was the star of Saturday’s game, rushing for 91 yards on 13 carries along with a 1- yard touchdown run. Roc Thomas had five carries for 25 yards.

Seattle’s first-round pick, running back Rashaad Penny, is out with a finger injury. Chris Carson, Mike Davis and C.J. Prosise are all in the Seahawks running backs room.

Receiving: Wide receiver Laquon Treadwell had two catches for eight yards, and fullback C.J. Ham had one reception for four yards for the first-team offense in Saturday’s game against the Jaguars.

Stefon Diggs, Adam Thielen and Kyle Rudolph were each targeted once but did not have a catch.

Cayleb Jones led the Vikings with 23 receiving yards on two catche. Jake Wieneke had three catches for 21 yards. Chad Beebe had a 14-yard reception. Jeff Badet and Tavarres King each had one catch for 13 yards.

Doug Baldwin, Brandon Marshall and Tyler Lockett are Seattle’s top receivers.

Jaron Brown and David Moore each had two receptions for 70-plus yards in Seattle’s most recent preseason game.

Defense: Minnesota’s first-team defense played well against Jacksonville, minus a few screen passes to Jaguars running backs.

All-Pro safety Harrison Smith had an interception, and defensive end Danielle Hunter had an impressive sack of Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles.

The Vikings second-team defense was also strong, primarily in the pass rush. Ifeadi Odenigbo had a pair of sacks. Eric Wilson and Anthony Harris each had one. Stephen Weatherly and Ben Gedeon split a sack.

Wilson and Jaleel Johnson each forced a fumble in the game. Both of Jacksonville’s touchdowns were on 1-yard touchdown runs.

Seattle’s defense looks a bit different than in recent years. Cornerback Richard Sherman is now in San Francisco, safety Earl Thomas did not report to training camp and safety Kam Chancellor is on the Reserve/Physcially Unable to Perform list.

The defense is still led by linebacker Bobby Wagner, who is a three-time All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowl selection.

The Seahawks finished in the top half of the league in points and yards allowed in 2017.

Special Teams: The Vikings released kicker Kai Forbath on Monday, awarding the job to rookie Daniel Carlson.

Forbath made one of two field goal attempts against the Jaguars. Carlson handled kickoffs and made an extra point. Carlson has made both field goal tries in the preseason.

Kickers Sebastian Janikowski and Jason Meyers are dueling it out for Seattle, and each made a field goal attempt in Week 2 of the preseason.

Vikings Ryan Quigley averaged 45.1 yards on seven punts, but the coverage unit struggled again. A week after giving up a punt return for a touchdown in Denver, the Vikings allowed a 56-yard return against Jacksonville that set up the Jaguars for the eventual game-winning touchdown.

Mike Hughes had two kickoff returns for 53 total yards, and also a punt return for seven yards. Marcus Sherels and Chad Beebe both had two punt returns Saturday, with each having a long of 10 yards.

Over The Years

The Vikings are 5-10 all-time against Seattle in 14 regular-season games and one playoff matchup.

Seattle has had the upper hand of late, defeating Minnesota in each of the past four meetings.

Last meeting: Seahawks 10, Vikings 9, Jan. 10, 2016, in Minneapolis

It was hard to tell which was more bitter on this Sunday afternoon in January — the weather or the ending.

The Vikings and Seahawks met on a historically cold day in the Wild Card Round of the NFL playoffs. The temperature was minus-6 degrees Fahrenheit at kickoff with a wind chill of minus-25 degrees, making it the third-coldest game in league history.

Minnesota built a 9-0 lead on three field goals in the first three quarters.

Seattle, however, rallied with a touchdown and field goal in less than four minutes in the fourth quarter.

A late rally by the Vikings was undone when a last-minute field goal try went wide left.

PUBLICATION: Vikings. com DATE: 8/21/18

3 Stats That Stood Out: Vikings-Jaguars

By Craig Peters

The Vikings fell to the Jaguars 14-10 on Saturday in the second preseason contest for both teams.

Minnesota (1-1) will host Seattle (0-2) at 7 p.m. (CT) Friday as the preseason continues.

Head Coach Mike Zimmer opted to play offensive starters four series against the Jaguars, and the unit netted 13 yards on 16 total plays. The group never found its rhythm before tagging in the second-team offense, who faced Jacksonville’s starters the rest of the first half.

As the day unfolded with some sputters and missed opportunities, it brought back memory of the Vikings only home loss in 2017, a 14-7 defeat at the hands of the .

While a preseason outing and regular-season game aren’t the same, there were some similar stats between those two games.

1. Lack of third-down conversions

The Vikings were 0-for-12 on third downs against the Jaguars. A conversion or two along the way could have helped generate some continuity and build momentum. (Minnesota was 3-for-10 on third downs last season against Detroit).

A significant factor was that Minnesota’s multiple negative plays during drives put the offense behind the chains. Of the 12, only one was a third-and-3. The rest were third-and-5 or longer. Half of the third downs the Vikings faced required 10 or more yards for a new set of downs, including two third-and-19s.

2. Completions hard to come by

A week after Vikings passers combined to complete 24 of 32 passes (75 percent) in Denver, quarterbacks Kirk Cousins, Trevor Siemian and Kyle Sloter were a combined 18 of 33 passes (54.5 percent) against Jacksonville.

In the Detroit game last season, Case Keenum was 16-of-30 passing (53.3 percent) in his third start with the Vikings.

3. Time of possession

Related to the first two categories, the Vikings only held the ball for 23:54 out of a possible 60 minutes against the Jaguars.

Minnesota’s time of possession against Detroit at home was just 23:33.

PUBLICATION: Vikings.com DATE: 8/21/18

Presser Points: Zimmer on Kickers, Punt Coverage and Defensive Linemen

By Eric Smith

EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings have settled on their kicker.

Minnesota announced Monday they released Kai Forbath, leaving rookie Daniel Carlson as the only kicker on the Vikings roster.

Carlson, a rookie fifth-round pick out of Auburn, has made both of his field goal attempts and all five extra point tries in preseason play. His kicks include a 57-yarder against the Broncos in Denver.

“Probably his leg strength, he’s got a really strong leg,” Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer said when asked about what he’s been impressed with about Carlson. “Kickoffs are really good, been pretty accurate on the field goals.”

Zimmer added that he’s not worried about handing over the reins to the kicking job to a rookie.

“He’s been pretty calm all along. Time will tell on that,” Zimmer said. “It was nice to see him in Denver go out and kick those.

“It’ll be a little bit different when we’re playing San Francisco [in Week 1], I’m sure,” Zimmer added. “So, we’ll just see how it goes. You make your decision and you live with it.”

Forbath, who had been with the Vikings since November of 2016, made 47 of his 53 career field goals with Minnesota. He was 45 on 53 extra points during that time.

“Well, we just figured it was getting close to the last couple preseason games,” Zimmer said of the roster move. “Kai did a great job while he was here. He’s a good kid. We just decided to go with Daniel.”

Here are four other takeaways from Zimmer’s podium session Monday:

1. Cleaning up punt coverage

The Vikings have allowed two lengthy punt returns in two preseason games, including one for a touchdown.

Minnesota’s punt coverage unit allowed a 78-yard scoring return in Denver, and gave up a 56-yard return against Jacksonville that led to the go-ahead touchdown.

Zimmer broke down the big returns on Monday.

“They’ve all been to our right side. They’ve all basically been with young guys, but we need to get that fixed,” Zimmer said. “We had a guy start in the right place and then comes back when he thinks the guy is going the other way, so we’re going to have to fix that.”

Zimmer later added that he appreciated the effort, but the technique and timing could be a little better.

“They’re trying to get to the ball, and then they’re over aggressive jumping to the inside and that’s not their responsibility,” Zimmer said. “It’s just more of a timing thing. They get down there and they see the guy inside, and so they’re going to try and work back to the inside and not to the level of where they need to be. They can’t go inside until they get to where they have contain on the football.”

2. An update on Aruna

The Vikings placed defensive end Ade Aruna on Injured Reserve on Monday after the defensive end suffered a leg injury in Saturday’s game against the Jaguars.

Zimmer said that although Aruna won’t be on the field, he thinks the Nigerian native can learn the intricacies of the league in the classroom going forward.

“He’s a very, very talented kid. It’ll set him back some but on the same token, we’re going to keep him here for all of the meetings, rehab and do that,” Zimmer said. “I think that part will be good for him because the change to the NFL game was probably his biggest adjustment to make.

“He’s really talented in everything he can do that way,” Zimmer said. “It’ll be exciting to get him back next year.”

Aruna had a dozen career sacks at Tulane.

3. Praise for the offensive line

The final numbers in the running game from Saturday’s game were positive for the Vikings.

Minnesota had 128 total rushing yards and a touchdown on 24 carries, good for an average of 5.3 yards per attempt. Rookie Mike Boone did most of the damage with 91 yards on 13 attempts.

Zimmer said the push started up front and credited the offensive line group for opening holes for the running backs.

“I thought we had some good runs in there. One of Latavius’ [Murray] fumbles was a pretty good run,” Zimmer said. “Yeah, I thought we moved the ball well that way. [Mike] Boone got a couple, that was with the second group.

“Yeah, I think they’re coming off the ball well,” Zimmer said. “We need to continue to get better, pass protection, work on some of those things. They blitzed us a good amount, so we need to shore up some of the blitz stuff a little bit.”

4. Mixing and matching

Vikings defensive lineman Ifeadi Odenigbo was all over the field — and the defensive line — on Saturday.

Odenigbo played both defensive tackle and defensive end, and led the way with a pair of sacks.

Fellow lineman Jaleel Johnson also had a strong game, playing at both defensive tackle spots — nose tackle and the three-technique.

Zimmer said the versatility those players bring to the roster are an added bonus because they can slide to multiple spots on the line and not miss a beat.

And, Zimmer noted, they’re more valuable when the Vikings get in a pinch like they did Saturday.

“Yeah, it’s important,” Zimmer said. “For a guy on game day to be able to play three or four positions, that’s important.

“A lot of things happen like [injuries] the other day,” Zimmer added. “We have to be prepared for all of those scenarios.”

PUBLICATION: Vikings.com DATE: 8/21/18

Lunchbreak: Big Days by Boone, Thomas Part of Stiff Competition

By Lindsey Young

A week after running back Roc Thomas racked up 102 receiving yards, Mike Boone led the Vikings with 91 yards rushing.

The battle for Minnesota’s third running back spot rages on. Mack Brown, Thomas and Boone have been vying for the spot over the spring and summer, and now each of the undrafted rookies have had an impressive outing.

NFL.com recently posted a “What we learned” article writers’ roundtable that summarized Saturday’s preseason games across the league; one of the items from the Vikings-Jaguars contest at U.S. Bank Stadium highlighted Boone and Thomas:

The Cincinnati product (Boone) ran with bombastic power, good speed to the edge and violent finishes. He finished with 91 rushing yards on 13 carries (7.0 average) and a TD, looking like an early-career Chris Ivory. Roc Thomas, who flashed last week, looked solid again. The versatile tailback compiled 25 rushing yards on five carries and two receptions for 12 yards.

[…]

The two rookies should get plenty of reps the rest of the preseason in a battle to see which will make the roster. Saturday's tilt, however, showed that each should be on an NFL team somewhere.

Collins stepping up as ‘utility man’ for Vikings

Second-year offensive lineman Aviante Collins played three different positions against the Jaguars in the Vikings second preseason game Saturday.

Collins told Dane Mizutani of the Pioneer Press that he’s had experience switching from right tackle to left tackle or vice versa in a game, but it was “definitely a first” to also take reps at left guard. Mizutani wrote:

With left guard Nick Easton out for the season after neck surgery, center Pat Elflein still on the PUP list, right guard Mike Remmers working his way back from an ankle injury and right tackle Rashod Hill also out, the Vikings entered Saturday’s game already devoid of healthy players on the offensive line.

That depth, or lack thereof, took another hit when reserve offensive linemen Cedrick Lang and Josh Andrews left the game because of injuries.

Collins said that it’s challenging to move around but that he has to “be prepared for everything.”

“Just being versatile in general helps out the whole team,” Collins said. “It’s valuable to have somebody like that. We have had people like that in the past with someone like Jeremiah Sirles who was able to play multiple positions. You know, Nick Easton, Joe Berger and even Pat [Elflein], they all can play multiple positions. It just helps out the team having those people that can do that.”

Chad Beebe trying to maximize reps

Perhaps one of the most “acrobatic” moves during the Vikings game against the Jaguars Saturday was put on tape by Chad Beebe, who was “flipped,” rather than tackled, by a Jacksonville defender.

But Beebe hopes he’ll be remembered for more than just a fluke flip. The receiver who signed with Minnesota as an undrafted rookie is garnering some attention during the preseason, scoring his first NFL touchdown just over a week ago at Denver.

Matthew Coller of 1500ESPN noted that Beebe entered Saturday’s game against Jacksonville in the second quarter with the second-string offense. He wrote:

Beebe, a 5-foot-10 rookie from Northern Illinois, caught a touchdown pass in the Vikings’ preseason opener against Denver, which likely propelled him to more playing time in the second warm-up contest of the year. Against the Jags he was targeted four times, came down with a 14-yard reception and returned two punts for 12 yards.

Coller added that Beebe probably isn’t in line to win the punt returner job behind Marcus Sherels and Mike Hughes but that he has “shown he can contribute in other areas of special teams.”

“It’s a pretty big adjustment, I played a little bit in college my freshman and sophomore year as far as kickoff and whatnot, so yeah, it’s a little new to me but I love it,” Beebe told Coller. “It’s something I’m getting used to and learning how to do it the correct way.”

Beebe, who said he prefers playing the slot, has been watching Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs throughout camp and gleaning all he can from the Vikings starting duo.

“They know the game so well,” Beebe said. “They know the coverages that they have in front of them, which kind of changes their route depending on how they’re going to play you as far as defense goes. That’s something they do really well and that’s something I’m trying to learn. I’m trying to ask them questions.”

PUBLICATION: Vikings.com DATE: 8/21/18

Vikings Release Forbath, Place Aruna on IR, Announce Other Moves

By Eric Smith

EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings made a handful of roster moves on Monday, including the release of kicker Kai Forbath.

Forbath, who had been with the Vikings since November of 2016, made 47 of his 53 career field goals with Minnesota. He was 45 on 53 extra points during that time.

Forbath had been battling rookie kicker Daniel Carlson for the starting job. Forbath made one of two field goal attempts against the Jaguars, making a 44-yard try but hitting the right upright on a 41-yard try.

Carlson was a fifth-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft out of Auburn.

Minnesota also placed defensive end Ade Aruna on Injured Reserve. Aruna, a sixth-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, was injured in Saturday’s preseason game against Jacksonville.

The Vikings also waived offensive lineman Cedrick Lang, tight end Josiah Price and fullback Johnny Stanton with injury designations.

Lang and Stanton were injured Saturday against the Jaguars, while Price was injured last week in a joint practice with Jacksonville.

PUBLICATION: Viking Update DATE: 8/21/18

Zimmer impressed by Carlson’s leg, ‘calm’

By Tim Yotter

Head coach Mike Zimmer and the are ready to give the kicking job to rookie Daniel Carlson after seeing two preseason games with him and veteran Kai Forbath battling for the job.

The team released Forbath on Monday morning, two days after he connected on a 44-yard field goal but sent his second field goal attempt, that one from 41 yards, off the right upright for the miss.

“We just figured it was getting close to the last couple preseason games. Kai did a great job while he was here. He’s a great kid,” Zimmer said. “We just decided to go with Daniel.”

In the first preseason game, Carlson handled the field goal and extra-point duties, but in the second preseason game it was Forbath handling the field goal duties while Carlson kicked off and connected on his one point-after-touchdown attempt. In the opener at Denver, Carlson was 2-for-2 on field goals, including a 57-yarder, and connected on all four of his PAT attempts.

“He’s got a really strong leg. Kickoffs were really good,” Zimmer said of Carlson’s training camp and preseason. “Pretty accurate on the field goals.” The biggest question will be how Carlson handles the pressure of the regular season. He might have the strongest leg of any kicker in team history and he’s hit big kicks in his college career. The stage, however, will be big as a rookie kicker. Carlson said he has a routine for handling the pressure.

“There are certain mental things and training techniques with breathing and different things you kind of learn over experience and feeding off other kickers and see what works for them,” Carlson said earlier this month. “Just not get overwhelmed in the big moments and make sure you’re able to perform at your best and make sure you’re in control and not letting the adrenaline take over. Saying a quick prayer goes a long way for me. You treat every kick the same, whether it’s out here at practice or in a playoff game or the game’s on the line. Whatever it is, you’re just trying to compose yourself and do your technique and what you’ve done a million times.” After Carlson heard the news that Forbath had been released, he said he met with him and the two talked. Carlson credited Forbath for sharing some of what he has learned from six years in the NFL, but it was clear the Vikings liked the added the distance that Carlson’s leg could provide.

“We’re very different kickers, just build. Kickoffs, there’s some differences there,” Carlson said. “And field goals, I think at the end of the day it’s who can make the important kicks and who the team has confidence in, so I feel really good that the coaches and the staff have entrusted me with that confidence, and I think I’ve just got to earn that and prove it again and again.”

In his six-year NFL career, Forbath has seven game-winning kicks, including one each of the last three seasons. Last year, he connected on 32 of 38 regular-season field goals but missed five extra points. He also hit a 53-yard field goal late in the game against New Orleans in January that gave the Vikings a lead.

But Zimmer believes Carlson has the mentality to handle big kicks, admitting, however, that they will have to wait and see how their decision Monday plays out over time.

“He’s been pretty calm all along. Time will tell on that. It was nice seeing him in Denver, going out and kick those. It will be a little bit different when we’re playing San Francisco, I’m sure,” Zimmer said. “We’ll just see how it goes. You make your decision and live with it.” PUBLICATION: Viking Update DATE: 8/21/18

Notebook: Hunter’s now-refined skills showing up regularly

By Tim Yotter

The Minnesota Vikings may have been ahead of the curve in extending the contract of Danielle Hunter before what one teammate anticipates could be a breakout season.

The Minnesota Vikings defensive end signed a five-year, $72 million contract with $40 million in guarantees a month before training camp started this year, but it’s possible that will look like a team- friendly deal if Hunter continues to dominate like he has in training camp and the preseason.

Despite playing only 19 snaps Saturday against the , Hunter finished with a sack, two tackles and one for a loss.

“I knew Danielle when he was 20 years old and I knew he had a motor and I knew he wanted to be great. Him getting this money … is making him even more better as a student of the game,” nose tackle Linval Joseph said. “He wants to be great. He wants to get a Super Bowl. He wants to go to the Pro Bowl. He wants to be All-Pro. So he’s still got a lot to prove and he’s showing it each and every day. I have a feeling this is going to be a great season for him.”

Hunter has regularly been a thorn in the side of the Vikings offense during training camp. On Monday, his long arms came into play in not only defeating his block but knocking down a Kirk Cousins pass to the sideline.

Hunter normally plays left defensive end, but with Everson Griffen out on Saturday with a non-football injury to his leg, Hunter was at right end and Brian Robison was back in the starting lineup at left end. Being on the right side of the defensive line allowed Hunter to rush from the quarterback’s blind side and he regularly defeated Cam Robinson’s one-on-one attempts to contain him.

When Hunter entered the league as a third-round draft pick from LSU in 2015, his athleticism was obvious. His production, however, was missing. Now that’s no longer the case.

“He’s got a great coach. He’s got a great D-line room and he’s willing to take notes and ask questions. For him, I think that’s been the biggest key,” Robison said. “A lot of rookies don’t know what questions to ask. They don’t know how to take coaching and he’s been very, very good at that. For him to come in, from Year 1 he was always writing notes down, asking the veterans certain questions and things like that to help him get better. I think along with that, just him mentally knowing the game a little bit better has helped him tremendously.”

It has also helped coaches put his versatility to the test, moving him to the right side when Griffen was out.

“Any time Everson hasn’t been here, he’s been on that side, so it really didn’t have anything to do with a matchup,” head coach Mike Zimmer said. “He’s rushed good from over there. I’m sure he’ll get some rushes on that side this year.”

Analytics site Pro Football Focus credited Hunter with only one pressure (his sack) on quarterback Blake Bortles in 13 pass-rushing snaps, but the site pointed out that “he was a much more productive pass rusher than this would suggest: on three occasions he defeated Cam Robinson’s block but didn’t record a pressure due to a quick release from Blake Bortles.”

It was a wise tactic employed by the Jaguars and one that could be necessary for many of the Vikings’ opponents, especially once Griffen is fully recovered from his injury.

After entering the NFL as one of the youngest rookies, he registered six sacks. In his second season, he became the youngest player in Vikings history to lead the team in sacks with 12½, the most by a defensive end in 2016 and tied for third-most in the league that year.

Joseph said three years in the league learning have allowed Hunter to turn athleticism into production. Joseph compared it to learning to read and having to think about every word rather than just flowing through a book with ease.

“He was 20 years old when he started picking everything up. Now he’s actually learning the defense, he actually knows what almost every position is doing,” Joseph said. “… He’s really in sync and that’s a good thing for our defense and that’s a good thing for him.”

PETERSON FINDS A NEW TEAM The Washington Redskins signed former Vikings Pro Bowl running back Adrian Peterson on Monday after injuries cut down depth in their offensive backfield. The Redskins lost rookie Derrius Guice, Samaje Perine and Byron Marshall to injuries already this preseason.

Splitting time between the New Orleans Saints and last year, Peterson averaged a career-low (for a season of four games of more) 3.4 yards per carry.

“I’m happy for him,” Robison said. “Adrian’s a great back and we wish him the best and I think he’s a great person that obviously is going to go down as one of the best running backs to play this game, so I’m happy for him.”

MONDAY PRACTICE NOTES  Although Griffen was back at TCO Performance Center on Monday, he was limited to observing practice, not participating.  In addition to Griffen, CB Mackensie Alexander, CB Horace Richarson, S Jack Tocho, WR Jeff Badet, WR Stacy Coley, LB Kentrell Brothers, RB Mack Brown and DT Curtis Cothran weren’t practicing. RT Rashod Hill, RG Mike Remmers, DE Tashawn Bower and WR Brandon Zylstra participated in individual drills but not in full-team work.  The Vikings released veteran kicker Kai Forbath, giving rookie Daniel Carlson the job.  The team also placed DE Ade Aruna (knee) on injured reserve and waived OL Cedrick Lang, TE Josiah Price and FB Johnny Stanton with an injury designation.  With five roster spots opened up between those moves, the Vikings signed FB Kolby McCrary and G Kareem Are. McCrary, who went undrafted out of the University of Minnesota, was in rookie minicamp on a tryout basis. He rushed for 738 yards and 11 touchdowns in two seasons with the Gophers, averaging 5.3 yards per carry as a senior. Are was with the Raiders last offseason after blocking for Dalvin Cook at Florida State.  CB Xavier Rhodes went down during practice after getting twisted up with a receiver and clutched his right leg in pain. After being tended to by the medical staff, he was jogging on the sideline a few minutes later and eventually returned to practice.  Aviante Collins and rookie Brian O’Neill split first-team reps at right tackle.  Kirk Cousins hit Kyle Rudolph for a touchdown during red zone work and again to end a situational drill. Trevor Siemian connected with Tyler Conklin and Stacy Coley for touchdowns during the red zone session.  The defensive line and linebackers were busy in the offensive backfield. Hunter knocked down one pass, Anthony Barr blitzed for a sack, and Jaleel Johnson burst through for a tackle for loss. PUBLICATION: Viking Update DATE: 8/21/18

Vikings players, coaches all ‘confused’ by new helmet rule

By Tim Yotter

The Minnesota Vikings have been the beneficiary of the NFL’s new rule penalizing players who initiate contact with the helmet. Even so, players and coaches alike are confused about what will be a penalty, how to avoid getting penalized and how much those questionable calls could alter games.

According to an NFL release, the so-called helmet rule “makes lowering the head and initiating contact with the helmet a foul” and authorizes the Senior Vice President of Officiating to instruct on-field game officials to disqualify a player for a flagrant non-football act when a foul for that act is called on the field.

Vikings safety Harrison Smith said he doesn’t “fear” that the new rule will cost teams games this season – he knows it will.

“That’s going to happen. Without a doubt, that’s going to happen,” he said. “You get a big sack, that changes field position, that changes maybe get a guy out of field goal range, get them in third-and-long or something like that or get off the field on third down and then it’s a whole new set of downs. That’s going to change games.”

In the first quarter of the Vikings’ 14-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Vikings were backed up to first-and-25 after Danny Isidora was called for a chop block. On the next play, fullback C.J. Ham took a short pass 6 yards before Jacksonville CB A.J. Bouye lowered his helmet to go low on a tackle against Ham. Bouye was flagged for lowering his head to initiate contact.

“The one that they had called on them, the guy is tackling around his legs and he had his head to the side for the most part. I actually sent that in to ask them, ‘Why was this called?’” Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said. “Then you see other places, because I go through the tape, and I’m saying, ‘I wonder if this is a penalty. I wonder if this is a penalty.’”

Fans wonder the same thing. So do players. And coaches could lose their jobs if a couple questionable calls alter the outcome of a season.

“It’s going to cost some people some jobs – playoffs, jobs, the whole bit I’m guessing,” Zimmer said. “We haven’t had any called on us so far. It’s just hard to figure out. No one has ever said to me, ‘Hey. Don’t worry about it, we’re going to call it less or we’ll get it straightened out in the regular season. Or we’re going to come up with a revised rule.’ No one has ever said that.”

Referee Pete Morelli admitted during training camp – in a session with the media – that officials would probably emphasize the new rule with greater force during the preseason. But even if that’s the case, players and coaches remain perplexed about what they can and can’t do in making a tackle.

“I think when they’re the egregious, the head down, the linear posture – I get it with those and then there’s other ones that I think from a rational standpoint, there’s really … they don’t make sense. I think that needs to continue to be worked on otherwise it’s going to be almost every play,” Smith said.

“I hate to say hope for the best because you want to prepare for those things and practice them, but even if you’re striking with your shoulder, your head is going to be out in front of the shoulder. You can’t pull it back.”

The NFL has partnered with USA Football to teach “heads-up tackling” at the youth level and different rules draw greater emphasis during different seasons. But Smith believes this could be the most difficult rule for players to adapt to and figure out what is a penalty and what isn’t.

Smith and other players said they want to adapt to the new rule; they just aren’t sure how. The examples the NFL showed players on film during training camp didn’t offer much clarity.

“There was a good amount of them where it was the head down, the linear posture and we were like, ‘OK, yeah, definitely.’ We don’t want that to be part of the game, second guy in, coming in with the head, stuff like that,” Smith said. “But then there was a couple just tackles. There was one on the sideline that, in my opinion, was a great form tackle. Head was to the side, wrap up, and they said that would be a penalty. It was almost like just they put every type of tackle on there to cover all the bases. So I think that’s where it’s at right now.”

Bouye’s tackle of Ham seemed to fit that description this year. In years past, and even this preseason, it looked like a standard tackle with no malice intended.

“I think I’m as baffled as anyone else. We look at some of the stuff on tape, the explanations of which ones are fouls and which ones aren’t and some of them you look at and [think], how is that a foul?” defensive lineman Brian Robison said. “And some of them you look at and you’re like, ‘OK, I see that one.’ To me it’s just one of those things that you just go play ball and let the chips fall where they may. At the end of the day, it’s a very confusing rule.”

Zimmer admitted that sometimes officials relax the calls once the regular season begins, pointing to a greater preseason emphasis on illegal contact a few years ago. He agreed that perhaps reviewing the play would help, but he also said the NFL indicated that fewer plays would be overturned by review this year.

More missed tackles could be a byproduct of the increased enforcement, Zimmer admitted, and Smith said, if it continues, players may have adapt a tackling style closer to rugby.

Linval Joseph and Robison say they will have to keep playing their game and not worry too much about the rule. However, all players hope that a questionable call doesn’t cost them a game.

“A big play at a critical time could cost a game. A sack that is miscalled or [overturned] or give up that sack or give them a first down could give them a first down and we could lose,” Joseph said. “Any team could lose a game with that.”

The NFL has big preseason problem, but Smith reiterated that players don’t disagree with trying to make the game safer. However, the rules still have to be reasonable – and executable.

“I do want to drive home the point that, especially as defensive players and as ball carriers, we do want to make the game as safe as you can make it, no matter what,” Smith said. “It is football and we’re out there hitting, so it’s not always going to be possible, but we’re not resistant to these changes. They just need to be physically possible, I guess.” PUBLICATION: 1500 ESPN DATE: 8/21/18

Which offensive line combination will the Vikings land on?

By Matthew Coller

As we analyze the Minnesota Vikings’ offensive line troubles during the preseason, it’s worth remembering they started a line combination in Week 1 last year that had never played together in the preseason. And for most of the 2017 season, the Vikings’ line was somewhere between good and average until late- season injuries finally caught up with them.

So there isn’t yet reason to be mashing the panic button, but following Saturday’s rough first-team performance against the Jacksonville Jaguars, head coach Mike ZImmer acknowledged that the line needs to get its issues resolved within the next few weeks.

“We’ve got to get on the stick here pretty quick,” Zimmer said. “I think Remmers will be back next week, which will be good. I think [Pat] Elflein has a chance to get back here pretty soon, that will help. I don’t know about Rashod yet, so we’ll see. But, yeah, it’s tough. We’re not the only ones in the league to be having these issues, I’m sure. We just have a few more than we should have at this point in time. It’s life.”

Following Saturday’s game, the Vikings’ QB praised the players who have been able to step in during the preseason and talked about his approach to handling changes up front.

“It’s not ideal but I’ve never gone into a season expecting ideal circumstances or ideal outcomes,” Cousins said. “You learn to just roll with the punches in this league. You can’t start to say, ‘Well that’s not how you drew it up so now we are not going to plan on doing great things.'”

On Monday, Remmers and Hill did not participate in 11-on-11s, though they were both in pads. There is still no sign yet of Pat Elflein, who was outstanding as a rookie last season. When the former Ohio State star returns, the O-line should see instant improvement.

“I think the quickness that he has in there will be really important for some of the plays that we’re trying to run,” Zimmer said of Elflein. “He can reach a guy that’s shaded to the side that he’s trying to get to with his quickness. Obviously he has very, very few mental errors.”

When Elflein, Remmers and injured right tackle Rashod Hill come back, the Vikings will have plenty of options to mix and match. Rookie Brian O’Neill has not allowed a QB pressure in two preseason games, though he matched up against second-teamers in both contests. O’Neill was splitting reps in Monday’s practice with Aviante Collins, who started Saturday’s game at right tackle and then moved to guard.

With Nick Easton out for the year, Tom Compton has played nearly all of the snaps with the first team at left guard while Danny Isidora has played on the right side. Isidora has not allowed a pressure in two games against opponents’ first teams, which gives him a chance to be part of the conversation.

Here are some potential combinations:

– Reiff — Compton — Elflein — Remmers — Hill

– Reiff — Remmers — Elflein — Isidora — Hill

– Reiff — Compton — Elflein — Isidora — Remmers

– Reiff — Isidora — Elflein — Remmers — O’Neill

– Reiff — Collins — Elflein — Remmers — Hill

Mathematicians could probably tell us exactly how many permutations are possible — it’s a lot. But we should get some hints on Friday when the Vikings play the all-important third preseason game. Last year the third game helped the coaches determine they would move on from Alex Boone and keep Easton at guard.

The most likely combo appears to be simply sticking Compton in for Easton and going forward, but we won’t have any feel for the final product until everyone is healthy.

With the impact of right tackles nearly as much as left tackles these days, it might make sense to move Remmers back to tackle. Last season Remmers allowed 20 pressures in 674 total snaps per Pro Football Focus. During the regular season Hill gave up 19 hurries in 591 snaps. In two playoff games, Hill allowed 14 more hurries.

Remmers may improve the Vikings’ run game by playing at guard, but the biggest impact from an O-line comes with how they pass protect.

“If you look league wide during the Pro Football Focus era, which is 2006 to now, going from a bottom- fourth offensive line in pass protection to top fourth — so we’re not even talking about elite, we’re just saying are you in the lower quartile or the upper quartile — that’s worth a win and a half,” Pro Football Focus analyst Eric Eager said on the Purple Podcast. “So it’s not as big as quarterback play where it’s like four-and-a-half wins…it’s not trivial either.”

Quarterback Kirk Cousins is part of the equation. He doesn’t avoid the rush as well as Case Keenum did in 2017, so a higher percentage of hurries turn into sacks.

Cousins’ offensive line struggled last year and he lost more sack yards than any other QB in the NFL, which strengthens the argument to start the best pass blocker at right tackle. It’s plausible the Vikings believe that’s Hill.

The possibility still remains that Minnesota’s front office could be on the phones during the final stretch of the preseason. Each year teams trade veterans when they are beaten out for starting jobs. Last year the Vikings picked up corner Tramaine Brock after final cuts.

So we may very well see another new combination in Week 1 against the that we didn’t see all preseason. PUBLICATION: 1500 ESPN DATE: 8/21/18

Preseason flags have Vikings on uneasy ground with rules

By Matthew Coller

With Hard Knocks in Cleveland, rookie quarterbacks battling for jobs across the league and numerous teams dealing with Super Bowl expectations, you would think storylines would be pouring out of the NFL left and right. Instead water-cooler football conversations have been drown out by talk about the NFL rule book.

When Minnesota Vikings linebacker Antwione Williams was flagged for roughing quarterback Cody Kessler late in the fourth quarter of Saturday’s game, the internet exploded with bewildered fans, players and analysts.

And that might not have even been the strangest flag of the day. The Vikings were more bamboozled by a penalty called on their opponent.

“The one that they [Jacksonville] had called on them, and [CJ] Ham, the guy is tackling him around his legs and he had his head to the side for the most part. I actually sent that in, to ask them, ‘Why was this called?’” head coach Mike Zimmer said.

The NFL announced before the preseason they were going to focus on players’ use of their helmet while tackling. This came from NFL Operations:

During Monday’s press conference, the Vikings’ head coach brought up examples of areas of potential confusion about the helmet rules.

“We had a cut block the other day and the guy goes and cuts, is that a penalty?” Zimmer said. “There’s a lot of things, a lineman runs out on a screen, I brought this up when they were talking about this whole thing. A lineman runs out on a screen and he goes and cuts the linebacker or the safety, is that a penalty? Because I don’t know how you can dive like that.”

The fear from coaches and players alike is that questionable 15-yard penalties are going to alter the results of games and that they won’t know how to avoid said penalties.

“It’s going to cost some people some jobs,” Zimmer said. “Playoffs, jobs, the whole bit, I’m guessing. We haven’t had any called on us so far. It’s just hard to figure out.”

History would suggest that the NFL tosses flags on “points of emphasis” during the preseason more than when the regular season comes around, but Zimmer said he’s received no assurances that things will be adapted by September 9 when the Vikings kick off against the San Francisco 49ers.

“No one has ever said to me, ‘hey don’t worry we’re going to call less or we’re going to straighten out in the regular season or we’re going to come up with a revised rule,’” Zimmer said. “No one has ever said that.”

ProFootball talk reported Monday that NFL officials will discuss the situation on Wednesday.

ProFootballTalk ✔ @ProFootballTalk Could sanity and common sense save the helmet rule? NFL officials set to discuss the situation on Wednesday, source says https://wp.me/p14QSB-aGzb

6:01 PM - Aug 20, 2018

League officials to discuss new helmet rule on Wednesday With the start of the regular season little more than two weeks away, the NFL will be discussing the preseason experiences with the new helmet rule on Wednesday. Per a source with knowledge of the … profootballtalk.nbcsports.com

Safety Harrison Smith said there is more frustration is preseason than in the past, even as the NFL is ever-adapting its rulebook.

“There are always points of emphasis coming off the previous year,” Smith said. “You want to adapt to those things, play within those rules to the best of our abilities. That is how our coaches coach. That is how our players play. But at the same time, think this year, league wide, it seems to be a consensus that it is a little over the top right now.”

Smith and wide receiver Adam Thielen were both in line with Zimmer’s concern that the new focus of the rules is going to impact outcomes.

“It is going to happen,” Smith said. “Without a doubt that is going to happen. If you get a big sack, that changes field position, that changes maybe getting a guy out of field goal range, get them on third and long or something like that, or get off the field at third down. Then it’s a whole new set of downs. It is going to change games.”

“I think the biggest thing about it that worries me is in critical game situations,” Thielen said. “Your defense makes a big stop and all of a sudden boom, there’s a flag thrown for something that shouldn’t be a flag. That’s the stuff that really worries me. You’re hoping that it’s just because it’s the preseason that there are all these flags thrown and that they’re trying to make a point, and in the regular season they’ll try to not throw as many, but you just don’t really know.”

Smith wanted to make clear that players aren’t against changes or improvements in safety, rather they feel the changes need to be realistic.

“I want to drive home the point that, especially as defensive players and as ball carriers, we want to make the game as safe as you can make it,” Smith said. “No matter what, it is football and we are out there hitting. It’s not always going to be possible. We’re not resistant to these changes, they just need to be physically possible, I guess.” PUBLICATION: 1500 ESPN DATE: 8/21/18

Zulgad: Vikings’ willingness to gamble on rookie kicker a surprise given the stakes

By Judd Zulgad

Any thought the Vikings actually had a training-camp kicking competition came to an end on Saturday afternoon when Kai Forbath hit the right upright with his 41-yard field-goal attempt in the second quarter against Jacksonville.

The only question after Forbath’s miss was how much longer this charade would continue?

We got the answer on Monday morning when the Vikings announced that Forbath had been released. That leaves Daniel Carlson as the only kicker on the roster, something that comes as no surprise considering the Vikings traded up in order to take him in the fifth round of last April’s draft.

Carlson got the field-goal and extra-point chances ahead of Forbath in the Vikings’ preseason opener in Denver and hit on attempts of 39 and 57 yards in the rarefied air. Carlson was given the opportunity to attempt the Vikings’ only extra-point on Saturday and made it after Mike Boone’s 1-yard touchdown run in the third quarter.

Forbath likely was sending out resumes by that point, if he hadn’t already started to do so.

The Vikings are moving on from Forbath after he missed six of his 38 field-goal attempts and five of his 39 extra-point attempts in 2017. He was signed to a one-year, $790,000 contract in March but the contract wasn’t guaranteed, meaning there was no real job security.

There are at least two things I consider to be confusing about the Vikings’ approach to the 2018 season. Coming off a 13-3 finish and an appearance in the NFC title game, it remains a mystery why the Vikings did not trade up in the second round to grab a much-needed guard for an offensive line that is in even worse shape than expected because of injuries.

The theory has been that coach Mike Zimmer wanted to take cornerback Mike Hughes late in the first round — thus passing on a guard — but there was nothing stopping the Vikings from paying the price to move up in Round 2. Instead, general manager Rick Spielman stayed put and took project offensive tackle Brian O’Neill with the 62nd pick.

I have no problem with grabbing a cornerback in the opening round, but it’s perplexing why a team expected to make a run at the Super Bowl wouldn’t be more proactive to address its issues at guard. Especially when Kirk Cousins, the quarterback you signed to an $84 million contract, isn’t exactly known for his mobility.

The second thing that surprises is the decision to go with a rookie kicker who has a huge leg but is coming off statistically the worst season of his collegiate career. Carlson made 28-of-32 field-goal attempts during his junior season at Auburn but last season made only 23-of-31 attempts.

If the Vikings electing to take an SEC kicker coming off a down season sounds familiar it should. Blair Walsh, the Vikings’ sixth-round pick in 2012 had his struggles in his final year at Georgia (he made 21-of- 35 field-goal attempts), but special teams coordinator Mike Priefer was convinced he could fix Walsh.

Walsh did have a fantastic rookie season with the Vikings, making 35-of-38 field-goal attempts, including an NFL record 10-of-10 from 50 or more yards, as he was elected to the Pro Bowl. But whatever fix Priefer had found for Walsh did not last and he began to ride the kicking roller-coaster as the Vikings hoped he would get through his struggles.

Walsh’s 27-yard miss wide to the right cost the Vikings a chance to beat Seattle in a first-round playoff game during the 2015 season and his continued struggles into the following season finally cost him his job in November 2016. The Vikings turned to Forbath, who entered the NFL in 2012 with Washington and also had kicked for New Orleans.

Clearly, the Vikings are hoping that Carlson can have the type of impact Walsh did as a rookie but there might be some flawed thinking here. Walsh was drafted with the Vikings coming off a 3-13 finish in 2011, meaning he joined team that had few expectations and was thrilled to rebound and finish 10-6 to grab a wild card playoff berth in 2012 under Leslie Frazier.

Carlson is stepping into a situation where the pressure will be intense from day one and, if things go as planned for the Vikings, will only grow as the season progresses.

An argument can be made that turning away from Forbath is the right call, given his struggles in making extra points. That kick was moved from a 20-yard attempt to 33 yards in 2015. In 25 games with the Vikings, including playoffs, Forbath made 48-of-56 (85.7 percent) extra-point attempts.

But Forbath also made a career-high seven field goals from 50 or more yards last season and he hit on 3- of-4 attempts in the NFC divisional playoffs against New Orleans. That included field goals of 49 and 53 yards in the fourth quarter of the Vikings’ miraculous last-second win over the Saints at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Nonetheless, if the Vikings felt it was best to bring in a different kicker why wouldn’t it have been a veteran? Someone who had made key field goals and extra points with the playoff pressure on them.

This isn’t to say that Carlson is certain to fail. It just seems odd that given the expectations facing the Vikings they are willing to take a chance on such an important position.

PUBLICATION: 1500 ESPN DATE: 8/21/18

Vikings release kicker Kai Forbath

By Matthew Coller

The kicking competition is officially over.

The Minnesota Vikings announced Monday they have released kicker Kai Forbath.

On Saturday Forbath missed a 41-yard field goal in the Vikings’ second preseason game. Rookie Daniel Carlson made all of his field goals against the , including a 57-yarder.

Forbath took over as the Vikings’ kicker in 2016 and made 15 straight field goals to end the ‘16 season. He went 32-for-38 in 2017 but struggled with extra points.

The Vikings also announced Ade Aruna was placed on Injured Reserve and waived Cedric Lang, Josiah Price and Johnny Stanton, who all suffered severe injuries on Saturday. PUBLICATION: The Athletic DATE: 8/21/18

Vikings position-group breakdowns: Building a title-worthy defensive line

By Arif Hasan

(Editor’s note: For his debut here at The Athletic, Arif Hasan will be going through the Vikings position groups and giving his impressions on what he’s seen in training camp and preseason games from each. This is the first in an eight-part series that will publish each Monday, Wednesday and Friday until Sept. 5.)

In January’s NFC championship game, the eventual Super Bowl champion abused the Minnesota Vikings in part through their extraordinary defensive line depth and rotation — Case Keenum had a passer rating of 116.5 when kept clean in that game. Under pressure, his passer rating dropped to 5.1. While extreme, that’s not unusual — over the course of the 2017 season, the average quarterback saw their passer rating drop 30 points under pressure.

For a Vikings team that would love to duplicate the Eagles’ success, that pressure starts up front. They aren’t shy of the blitz, but they don’t rely on it, either. Their primary pressure producers start with the talented edge rushers, Everson Griffen and Danielle Hunter, but they’ll hope to get pressure from their depth in the same way that the Eagles did.

Given head coach Mike Zimmer’s focus on stopping the run and featuring premier three-techniques, the interior of the line always deserves attention — and their historic ability to prevent third-down conversions a season ago came in part because of how many times they forced third-and-long. The Vikings defense had the fifth-highest percentage of their third-down plays come from 3rd-and-7 or longer.

Linval Joseph Pos. Height Weight Age Exp. Draft DT 6-4 329 29 9th year 2010 2nd rd. Their biggest asset to force long third downs, in a very literal sense, is Linval Joseph. The 6-foot-4, 330- pounder was held out of a practice in the week leading up to the first preseason game and missed the Denver matchup, but he was available for the Jaguars game. In that game, he earned only a single pressure and quarterback hit, by my count, while suffering a mistake in the run game.

The Joseph fans may be more familiar with the guy who showed up in camp, however. The nose tackle looked dominant throughout training camp. Dominance is difficult to explain in a practice setting for a player whose excellence has become routine, but Joseph seems to exceed the expectations he’s set as one of the best nose tackles in the league.

It’s more than just his consistent performance in one-on-ones — he won nearly every rep I watched — which may not mean much anyway given that nose tackles don’t often take centers one-on-one in games. His performance in 11-on-11 drills really hammered home who he can be at his best. He collapsed pockets, put pressure on passers, blew up runs and generally caused havoc. Normal Linval Joseph stuff.

Everson Griffen Pos. Height Weight Age Exp. Draft DE 6-3 273 30 9th year 2010 4th rd. The starters played three snaps in the first preseason game and about 19 in the second game, so we only saw Griffen, Hunter and Sheldon Richardson for the briefest of moments. Griffen in particular only played the first game, on just one running snap and two pass-rushing snaps. He did get the stop in his lone running snap, which is good, but it’s more useful to break down his camp performance.

In training camp, Griffen has looked like he’s being shot out of a cannon. His burst off the line of scrimmage is excellent and he gains depth immediately. As you’d expect, he’s been able to combine this well with his overall technical skillset and physical power to string moves together. He’s been taking advantage of how tackles set to his speed and moving inside or bull-rushing them as appropriate. He’s been having a wonderful camp, though it would have been nice to see him paired up this week against the Jaguars’ Cam Robinson instead of just Riley Reiff and, occasionally, Aviante Collins — Griffen has been out the past week with an injury.

Sheldon Richardson Pos. Height Weight Age Exp. Draft DT 6-3 295 27 6th year 2013 1st rd. Richardson doesn’t quite look like the Pro Bowl defensive tackle he was in 2014, but he also looks a good deal better than most starters at the position, and a big upgrade over Tom Johnson, who was talented in his own right. Richardson has been winning a lot of one-on-one reps and creating big problems in the Vikings’ offensive run game in camp, but he hasn’t always been creating a significant amount of pressure or getting to the quarterback in 11’s. Still, he makes his presence known, and he seems to have come on late in the last week of practices.

In the preseason, Richardson has been generating pressure against quick sets, but struggled against longer dropbacks in part because the Jaguars offensive line can devote multiple linemen to him. When the Vikings force one-on-one matchups through their blitz looks, Richardson should benefit. His run game presence is generally strong, and he looked good in the run until the end of his rotation in the early preseason. He will need to do a better job recognizing screens than he did against Jacksonville.

Danielle Hunter Pos. Height Weight Age Exp. Draft DE 6-5 252 23 4th year 2015 3rd rd. Hunter is looking impressive, though not with quite the training-camp impact Griffen seems to be having. At the same time, the gap between him and the talented edge rushers behind him seems to be fairly large. After Joseph, Hunter has won the most one-on-one matchups in drills I’ve seen. In 11’s, his presence isn’t quite as dominant as he took a little bit longer to create pressure but still generally disrupted passing lanes. For the most part, it seems as if Hunter is poised to have a big season.

Arif Hasan ✔ @ArifHasanNFL Danielle Hunter finally gets home on the sack and good god

12:42 PM - Aug 18, 2018 626 192 people are talking about this Twitter Ads info and privacy In his preseason showing, especially against the Jaguars, Hunter looked unstoppable. Some of that has to do with Cam Robinson’s overall performance and the decisions the Jaguars made — like putting a tight end on Hunter for his sack above — but a lot of his excellent performance is his to own. He was quick off the line, strong against power and productive. In only 19 snaps, Hunter earned a sack, a quarterback hit, two hurries and a tackle-for-loss in the run game, as well as an assist on a tackle.

Brian Robison Pos. Height Weight Age Exp. Draft DE 6-3 259 35 12th year 2007 4th rd. As for the players behind them, there’s a little bit more unevenness. Brian Robison is the primary depth defensive lineman and he’s been taking snaps in Griffen’s stead when Griffen has been hurt. Robison has looked significantly slower this year and could be overtaken by the end of this season by Tashawn Bower.

Robison didn’t play in the Denver game, with the Vikings opting instead to showcase their young players and give them experience against a second-team offensive line. In his showing against Jacksonville, he had no stops in the run game or pressures as a pass-rusher, making Robison’s impact was subtle at best — he did redirect Leonard Fournette by maintaining a strong running lane and generally created pocket difficulties with power, but for the most part was silent.

Robison certainly deserves his spot on the roster — he’s been winning a good chunk of one-on-ones (until the most recent practice against the ones) and causing disruption in 11’s — but it’s also clear that the Vikings will want to find the his replacement in one of their younger players very soon.

Tashawn Bower Pos. Height Weight Age Exp. Draft DE 6-4 250 23 2nd year Undrafted 2017 Bower could be that guy. While he has certainly had down days, he’s been the best backup end outside of Robison — and on many days looks even better than the 12th-year veteran. Bower has won nearly as many one-on-one reps as Griffen and more than Richardson. While those two have won it against the first- team offensive line and Bower primarily goes up against the second team, it’s notable that his overall record is better than Robison’s or any other backup end.

In 11’s, he’s earned a few sacks — even occasionally against the first team — and can get pretty quick pressure on the quarterback. His style as a power rusher should complement well with the run defense, though I haven’t seen much evidence, positive or negative, to confirm that. In the game that he played — against Denver — we saw Bower’s skills translate into a sack and two hurries as well as two run stops in 13 run snaps – all of which point to an excellent all-around defensive end. He didn’t really make many mistakes in the passing game, but he got optioned badly by the Broncos in run defense for a huge gain by Royce Freeman.

Denver Broncos ✔ @Broncos Rollin' in to the end zone!

We  you, @rolls_royce21.#MINvsDEN

9:09 PM - Aug 11, 2018 1,040 362 people are talking about this Twitter Ads info and privacy Overall, I’d argue that Bower is well on his way to being a good third pass-rusher.

Ifeadi Odenigbo Pos. Height Weight Age Exp. Draft DE 6-3 258 24 1st year 2017 7th rd. Next to the backup ends will be Ifeadi Odenigbo, though he didn’t play in the Denver game until the third stringers were in. In that game, the Vikings opted to play Jaleel Johnson at three-technique next to David Parry after giving Johnson a run with the ones at nose tackle. Odenigbo wasn’t too impactful in that first game, though he wasn’t bad either. The biggest worry for a player of his size is the run game, and he didn’t get washed out, instead penetrating the backfield to force running backs to redirect and even earning a stop himself. He generated a pressure as a pass-rusher too, though would want a little more than that given how often he was on the field.

More notably, he was one of the stars of the second game against the Jaguars. He played a good chunk of his snaps at the edge in response to injury but started out as a defensive tackle. All told, he earned two sacks and a hit, earned two stops in the run game and assisted twice more.

In camp, he’s been nearly unblockable against the twos. He has the third-best record in one-on-one drills after Joseph and Hunter, and has been extremely disruptive in 11-on-11 drills, particularly as a pass- rusher. He’s put pretty good moves together against Aviante Collins, Tom Compton and Colby Gossett and has shown up as a disruptor in the run game as well. He still has to prove he can consistently maintain a gap instead of attacking and potentially overrunning a play, but it’s a great trajectory to be on, and better than Scott Crichton was a couple of years ago when making a similar transition — Odenigbo’s incredible bend is proving to be a big asset at both positions.

Jaleel Johnson Pos. Height Weight Age Exp. Draft DT 6-3 316 24 2nd year 2017 4th rd. As for his partner on the line, Johnson, there’s been a lot of average play bolstered by a pretty good showing at home against the Jaguars. He didn’t have a spectacular game as a nose against Denver, but he also didn’t have one worth worrying about. Statistically, he ended up with a quarterback hit and a tackle assist, but it’s difficult to accumulate stats even when one is doing one’s job at the nose position.

It wasn’t until he could play three-technique tackle against the Jaguars that he showed up in a big way. Contributing with four stops in the run game at or near the line of scrimmage, as well as participating in three other run tackles, Johnson was a force against Leonard Fournette, T.J. Yeldon and the rest of the Jaguars rushing corps. He didn’t earn much pressure in passing situations, but he certainly held his own.

In drills, Johnson has shown nothing concerning, but also nothing as exciting as his 2017 training camp, where he played a defensive tackle position that focused more on pass-rushing than on holding the line. Even in one-on-ones, where his primary job is to get past the offensive lineman in front of him, he hasn’t been as successful as he was last year, and that could be because of the new roles he’s expected to play.

Stephen Weatherly Pos. Height Weight Age Exp. Draft DE 6-5 265 24 3rd year 2016 7th rd. Competing for a second-team spot — and often taking reps with them — is Stephen Weatherly. Weatherly has had an average record in one-on-ones and he’d been quiet in camp until the final week, and that improvement showed up in the game with an excellent performance. He earned three tackles in the run game and another assist, while also adding to a combined sack and putting pressure on the quarterback in another instance.

For the most part, while Weatherly has shown technical prowess and possesses considerable physical talent, he hasn’t found a way to combine the two in a way that lets him show consistent pressure on opposing tackles. He’s an asset and likely better than a lot of backup defensive ends the league has, but he may be on the outside looking in if the Vikings decide to keep only four ends.

Ade Aruna Pos. Height Weight Age Exp. Draft DE 6-5 263 24 Rookie 2018 6th rd. The final group of depth players on the line includes the now-injured Ade Aruna — who officially went on injured reserve Monday. Aruna had been struggling throughout camp, and he struggled in the same ways during the preseason. He had difficulties getting off the ball in a timely manner and didn’t employ a good array of pass-rushing techniques. Going on injured reserve should allow him time not only to recover but to correct some of those issues. His outstanding explosive potential could be unlocked next year.

Jalyn Holmes Pos. Height Weight Age Exp. Draft DT 6-5 283 22 Rookie 2018 4th rd. Holmes had a very impressive game against Denver, but showcased some sustainability problems by leaving big rush lanes open in his pursuit of the passer. He didn’t have to pay for it in part because only four of his snaps were rushing snaps. In his 21 pass-rushing snaps, he earned five pressures and a batted pass. That’s astounding effort, regardless of the problems with his potential run defense.

His powerful spin move was put on display against Denver, but didn’t do much against Jacksonville. He did get a quarterback hit, but allowed wide running lanes that the Jaguars use to gash the Vikings. Overall, he was a net negative in that game, but definitely demonstrated the kind of potential the Vikings saw when they drafted him in the fourth round out of Ohio State.

His play in camp was very up-and-down, but he did do well in one-on-ones, winning the majority of his reps. It was in 11’s that he struggled, washing out against the run and having problems generating pressure against the third-string offensive line. The differences between his performance in one-on-ones and in 11’s may be reflective of what he’s capable of and what he’s asked to do. Zimmer asks a lot of his defensive linemen, and sometimes that means staying at home to cover the rush or occupy linemen instead of rushing the passer — a tendency that Linval Joseph had to overcome in his first year with the Vikings.

With the injuries at defensive end and the thin depth at defensive tackle, it’s possible Holmes makes the roster, though he probably shouldn’t be counted on as a year-one contributor.

David Parry Pos. Height Weight Age Exp. Draft DT 6-2 317 26 4th year 2015 5th rd. Next to Holmes on the third line is Parry, an able nose tackle who performed very well against the Broncos and did reasonably well against the Jaguars as a run-stuffer. While he doesn’t get much pressure on the passer, he looks much better as a depth nose tackle than a lot of options — and better than fans may have initially assumed. In camp, the story has been mostly the same. In one-on-one pass-rushing drills, he’s been among the poorest in camp. In 11’s, he’s done an excellent job holding stout at the point of attack and operating as a presence in the run game. He’ll likely never impress as a starter, but he plays his singular role very well.

Once a position of weakness, the evidence suggests that the Vikings may have actually found good depth at defensive tackle this year with a primary nose tackle, primary pass-rusher in Odenigbo and a flexible player like Johnson.

Jonathan Wynn Pos. Height Weight Age Exp. Draft DE 6-5 256 23 Rookie Undrafted 2018 The last two defensive linemen on the roster may have it difficult, being on the outside looking in. Jonathan Wynn has had significant problems overcoming the obstacles presented by his 256-pound frame. He’s been able to generate pressure in 11-on-11 drills by using his natural quickness and bend to undercut slower offensive tackles, but gets pushed around the arc too easily while also getting swallowed up in the run game. He might be useful as a developmental end on a practice squad where he can add weight, though it would be difficult to give him that spot over someone else.

Curtis Cothran Pos. Height Weight Age Exp. Draft DT 6-5 283 23 Rookie Undrafted 2018 Former Penn State defensive end Curtis Cothran has been converted to defensive tackle. Cothran, who did not play in the Jaguars game, has done well in individual drills but hasn’t flashed in 11-on-11’s. This might be why he’s only earned 17 snaps throughout the first two weeks of the preseason, and he didn’t play particularly well in those snaps — generating one pass rush pressure and no production in the run game. He’s been slow to read the play and would need the game to slow down for them while also adding physical capability in order to contribute.

The Vikings have impressive depth at defensive end, and they may have begun their journey to adding the requisite depth at defensive tackle to compete late in the postseason. The pressure up front and the ability to force third-and-long is critical to the Vikings, and this year they may have improved on their already impressive roster in the trenches. PUBLICATION: ESPN DATE: 8/21/18

Coaches, players confused by implementation of helmet rule

By Courtney Cronin

EAGAN, Minn. -- Concerns over the implementation of the NFL's new helmet rule continue to mount through the preseason and have drawn frustration and concern from players and coaches alike.

Zimmer Understands Williams Penalty Despite how miffed Mike Zimmer was when officials flagged Antwione Williams for what looked like a routine sack on Saturday, it didn't take the Minnesota Vikings coach long to come to terms with the rationale behind the 15-yard personal foul.

In the process of tackling Jacksonville's Cody Kessler, Williams appeared to drive him into the ground. The penalty for roughing the passer isn't anything new, but has been adjusted this season with a point of emphasis designed to keep defensive players from landing with all their body weight on quarterbacks during sacks and tackles -- something that's being referred to as the "Anthony Barr rule" after the Minnesota linebacker broke Aaron Rodgers' collarbone on a tackle outside of the pocket in Week 6 last season.

"It's really not difficult at all," Zimmer said. "He had his head to the side. Everything was good and then he kind of puffed him up a little bit at the end. If he would have just did the same thing and rolled to his left he would have been fine. That won't be a big deal. Now the helmet thing, that might be a big deal."

-- Courtney Cronin

The new rule, which penalizes offensive and defensive players for lowering their head to initiate contact with their helmet to any part of an opposing player's body, was designed to make the game safer. How it's being enforced by officials in the preseason is generating stark controversy. Some, including Minnesota Vikings coach Mike Zimmer, even believe it might end up leading to how games are decided.

"It's going to cost some people some jobs -- playoffs, jobs, the whole bit I'm guessing," Zimmer said. "We haven't had any called on us so far. It's just hard to figure out. No one has ever said to me, 'Hey. Don't worry about it, we're going to call it less or we'll get it straightened out in the regular season. Or we're going to come up with a revised rule.' No one has ever said that."

Added safety Harrison Smith: "I don't fear it, that's going to happen. Without a doubt, that's going to happen. You get a big sack, that changes field position, that changes maybe get a guy out of field goal range, get them in third-and-long or something like that or get off the field on third down and then it's a whole new set of downs. That's going to change games."

The Jacksonville Jaguars were on the receiving end of such a call in the first quarter of Saturday's preseason game when Vikings fullback C.J. Ham caught a pass from Kirk Cousins and lowered his shoulder into cornerback A.J. Bouye. Because the Jacksonville defender appeared to lower his head while bracing for contact, Bouye was flagged for a 15-yard personal foul.

Zimmer said he turned that play in to the league because he wanted to understand why that was a penalty. Zimmer was asked whether he has a better understanding of what's a penalty now.

"Quite honestly, no. The one that they had called on them, the guys is tackling around his legs and he had his head to the side for the most part. I actually sent that in to ask them, 'Why was this called?' Then you see other places, because I go through the tape, and I'm saying, 'I wonder if this is a penalty. I wonder if this is a penalty.' I think it's very hard to tackle a guy," he said.

Smith said he doesn't believe Bouye could have done anything differently.

"I don't really think so," Smith said of Bouye's tackle. "And I do want to drive home the point that, especially as defensive players and as ball carriers, we do want to make the game as safe as you can make it, no matter what. It is football and we're out there hitting, so it's not always going to be possible, but we're not resistant to these changes. They just need to be physically possible, I guess?"

In his 44th NFL season and 19th as New England Patriots head coach, Bill Belichick doesn't see much of an issue at all, however.

"I would just say, from my standpoint, it's not a change for us, it's not a change for our coaching staff. We've never taught that. We've never taught tackling with the crown of our helmet, putting our head down and leading our body forward in that type of position," Belichick said Monday in his weekly interview on sports radio WEEI.

"I don't think fundamentally that's a good position to be in, it's not effective. There's a lot of things that can go wrong, besides getting hurt, and that's an important one. So we've always tackled and blocked with our head up, and our eyes open and head back so we can see what we hit. That's the only way I've ever coached it. If we do it that way, we'll be within the rules, so that's what we try to teach."

The San Francisco 49ers' Richard Sherman has been a vocal critic of the rule. He continued to speak out Sunday in a series of tweets sparked when Brett Tessler, the agent for his teammate Raheem Mostert, complained that his client was flagged for unnecessary roughness Saturday for leading with his head.

The Ravens' Eric Weddle also replied to Sherman's tweets with his own criticism of the rule change.

Richard Sherman ✔ @RSherman_25 · Aug 19, 2018 There is no “make adjustment” to the way you tackle. Even in a perfect form tackle the body is led by the head. The rule is idiotic And should be dismissed immediately. When you watch rugby players tackle they are still lead by their head. Will be flag football soon.

Eric Weddle ✔ @weddlesbeard The fact that rule changes are made without the thought of asking the player who PLAY is baffling to me. Dumb dumb dumbbbbbb

1:10 PM - Aug 19, 2018

Richard Sherman ✔ @RSherman_25 This is considered a good Rugby tackle. It would be a for sure penalty in our league. https://youtu.be/mQw8Pq_jDdc

10:45 AM - Aug 19, 2018

The Tennessee Titans and defending champion Philadelphia Eagles are tied for the most lowering-the- head penalties through two preseason games with five apiece.

Six teams that have played two preseason games have not been flagged for lowering the head to initiate contact. Indianapolis, which plays Baltimore on Monday night, was not flagged in its preseason opener. Behind the Titans and Eagles, five teams have been penalized under the rule three times apiece: Arizona, Atlanta, Carolina, the Rams and San Francisco.

Chicago has three such penalties through three exhibitions.

Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz said his team's defensive players were meeting Monday afternoon to look at helmet fouls called on both the Eagles and other teams across the league.

"We're trying to be educated on what's going to get called and what's not. The instructions we've given guys is try not to lower your head and try to take your head out of it," Schwartz said. "And I think our guys are trying to do that. The other thing we say is you want to lower your target, but along with lowering your target and trying to stay away from the head, sometimes that causes you to dip your head. They're trying to play within the rules. ... The problem is they're dealing with world-class athletes who are moving targets. A little bit easier said than done."

Titans head coach Mike Vrabel said Sunday he already showed his team an eight-minute video from the NFL of penalties in the first week of the preseason.

"We'll keep doing that and we'll keep coaching it and we'll keep stressing it, and hopefully it doesn't, one, lead to injuries, or two, cost us yards," Vrabel said.

Safety Shamarko Thomas, then with the Colts, is the only player to be ejected for lowering his head to initiate contact this preseason, with that taking place during his team's preseason opener against the Seahawks. Thomas was released by the Colts days later and has since signed with the Denver Broncos.

ESPN's Mike Reiss, Tim McManus and The Associated Press contributed to this report. PUBLICATION: ESPN DATE: 8/21/18

Vikings cut kicker Kai Forbath, give job to rookie Daniel Carlson

By Courtney Cronin

EAGAN, Minn. -- Minnesota's kicking competition effectively ended Monday after the Vikings released veteran Kai Forbath, two days after he missed a 41-yard field goal against Jacksonville.

Rookie Daniel Carlson, whom the Vikings traded up to draft in the fifth round, will become the team's third kicker in three seasons.

"We just figured it was getting close to the last couple preseason games," coach Mike Zimmer said. "Kai did a great job while he was here. He's a great kid. We just decided to go with Daniel."

After going 4-for-4 on extra points and 2-for-2 on field goals against Denver, including a 60-yarder, Carlson looked sharp on kickoff duties versus Jacksonville.

"I think that's one of the things competition really helps," Carlson said. "Every kick is a pressure kick when you know your job's going to be on the line and it's probably going to be decided on a few different kicks. Over the years, I've experienced it in college and it's a little different in the NFL, at the end of the day you've got to treat every kick the same whether it's to win the Super Bowl or whether it's just a preseason game or just practice. That's what you try and replicate."

Carlson's consistency has stood out since he arrived in the Twin Cities, and he has impressed Zimmer with his leg strength and ability to come through on a handful of pressure kicks thus far.

"He's been pretty calm all along," Zimmer said. "Time will tell on that. It was nice seeing him in Denver, going out and kick those. It will be a little bit different when we're playing San Francisco, I'm sure. We'll just see how it goes. You make your decision and live with it."

Forbath booted a career-high 32 field goals in 2017, which included six from 50 yards or further. The 30- year-old scored 130 points for the Vikings during the regular season while attempting a career-high 38 field goals. He ranks as the eighth-most-accurate kicker in NFL history, with an 85.9 percent success rate on field goals.

But despite his success, Forbath struggled at times with extra points, going 34-of-39 on such kicks. His five misses were the most in the NFL in 2017.

The Vikings also announced several roster moves on Monday, placing rookie defensive end Ade Aruna on injured reserve. Aruna was carted off the field during the first half of Saturday's preseason game when his right knee buckled underneath him as he was being blocked.

"He's a very, very talented kid," Zimmer said. "It'll set him back some, but on the same token, we're going to keep him here for all the meetings here and everything, rehab, and do that. So I think that'll probably be good for him, because the change to the NFL game was probably his biggest adjustment to make. But he's really talented and everything he can do that way, so it'll be exciting to get him back here next year."

Three other players were waived with injury designation: tackle Cedrick Lang, who will undergo surgery on his leg, tight end Josiah Price (ACL) and fullback Johnny Stanton (ankle). They will be placed on injured reserve if they are not claimed. PUBLICATION: ESPN DATE: 8/21/18

Vikings rookies show promise in bid to replace Jerick McKinnon

By Courtney Cronin

Rookie Roc Thomas had one of the top performances in the Minnesota Vikings’ first preseason game in Denver, stealing the spotlight with a pair of receiving touchdowns, including one that came on a screen pass that he took 78 yards to the house. Thomas finished with 131 yards from scrimmage and made an impression with his big-play ability.

Mike Boone had his chance Saturday against Jacksonville to shine and potentially even the competition between the two rookie rushers. Boone’s 13 carries for 91 yards and 1 touchdown was the lone bright spot on a lackluster day for the offense. He accounted for two of the Vikings' longest runs and showed improvement in pass protection, impressing quarterback Kirk Cousins with a fourth-down blitz pickup on their final drive.

"Anytime you put this many good things on tape in preseason games, it's not really a question of if he'll be in the league it's just a matter of where," Cousins said. "And we've had some really good running back play from several guys who are competing for those spots."

Minnesota’s search for its No. 3 running back -- the replacement for what Jerick McKinnon contributed as a change-of-pace back in 2017 -- is beginning to take shape. The early performances by Boone and Thomas provide the Vikings with several options for rounding out the depth chart behind Dalvin Cook and Latavius Murray. A difficult decision likely looms during roster cuts.

McKinnon, who signed with the 49ers in free agency, had career highs in rushing yards (570), receiving yards (421) and receptions (51) last season. What he added to the offense in Cook’s absence helped lead Minnesota to the NFC Championship Game. Cook’s return will certainly fill any void created by the departure, but the Vikings are prioritizing finding their next McKinnon.

Minnesota brought in both rookies as undrafted free agents this spring, allotting $23,000 in total guarantees for Thomas and another $7,500 for Boone.

The numbers from Boone’s pro day drew intrigue from Vikings scouts. The former Cincinnati product's 42- inch vertical and 11-foot, 7-inch broad jump would have ranked No. 1 among running backs at the combine. Boone rushed 420 times for 2,250 yards and 24 touchdowns in college, adding 65 catches for 596 yards and a score.

After two years at Auburn, Thomas transferred to Jacksonville State in search of a lead role. He found that was possible as a Gamecock, rushing for 1,065 yards on 178 carries and 13 touchdowns in 12 games last season. Thomas ran for more than 100 yards in five games and caught 21 passes for 244 yards.

Boone (5-foot-10, 205 pounds) and Thomas (5-foot-11, 198 pounds) share similar physical traits with McKinnon (5-foot-9, 205 pounds), who provided a spark on the rushing and receiving end.

The rookies have been used in a multitude of places, including the slot and lined up on the outside. Boone was rated a two-star receiver coming out of high school before morphing into a versatile scat back for the Bearcats. His skill set was on display Saturday, when he added four receptions, including a 16-yard gain.

Boone and Thomas have been praised for their athleticism and how they can rip off explosive plays. But they’ve also been knocked for the same thing: field vision. Boone averaged 6.8 yards per carry during his first two seasons at Cincinnati, but his production slipped to 4.0 yards per rush from 2016-17.

The critiques on Thomas were similar. One draft profile read:

Thomas is a change of pace back with plus athletic ability and agility, who can be too eager to turn every run into a big play. He will need to run with better patience and discipline to keep running back coaches from staying in his face. Thomas is able to create yardage through burst, elusiveness and yards after contact, but he lacks consistency from run to run.

The preseason has provided Thomas with time to develop better field vision and timing to let plays develop.

"At the beginning of camp, I wasn’t patient at all," said Thomas, who had 25 yards on five carries against the Jaguars. "I was running up [the offensive line's] backs and wasn’t letting the blocks get developed and that type of stuff. Coach kind of talked to me and the players kind of talked to me, told me to kind of slow down, gather my steps and stuff like that. Being patient worked out a lot better for me."

It appears the same is happening for Boone, who went from averaging 1.8 yards per carry in Denver to 7.0 yards per rush against Jacksonville. More impressive were the 6.0 yards per rush that came after making contact, according to Pro Football Focus.

The running back depth chart has been all over the place after Cook and Murray. Mack Brown appeared to have an early lead for the No. 3 job before an injury in Denver set him back. Boone and Thomas have rotated reps behind the two lead rushers in practice, splitting the workload and the spotlight just as each did, respectively, in the first two games.

"We come here to compete and make plays," Boone said. "That’s the goal every game. Not just because Roc did good last week or something like that. I’m trying to come every game and put my best foot forward."

So what are the Vikings looking for from the No. 3 spot? It’s not necessarily dependent upon who can provide Minnesota with something entirely different from Cook and Murray. It’s more likely how that player can complement the guys ahead of him and how his skillset can accentuate various elements of the offense.

"Can they catch the ball? Can they block protections? What kind of runner are they?" coach Mike Zimmer said. "Then we try to fit it where it’s best with us. It’s nice having a change-of-pace back like you say or a 1 and 1A and a change of pace or third-down back. It’s really about who the best guys are and how we can utilize them."

PUBLICATION: USA Today DATE: 8/21/18

Vikes cut kicker Kai Forbath; rookie Daniel Carlson gets job

By AP

EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings have completed their plan to turn over their kicking duties to rookie Daniel Carlson, releasing veteran Kai Forbath with two weeks remaining in the preseason.

For all the training camp drills and exhibition game extra points the Vikings can give Carlson, there's no way for him to experience the pressure and scrutiny that comes with the job on a championship-chasing team.

For all the calm the Southeastern Conference's all-time scoring leader has exhibited around Vikings headquarters since they drafted him out of Auburn in the fifth round in April, there's no way for them to know how he'll handle the enormous responsibility until September.

"We'll just see how it goes," coach Mike Zimmer said on Monday after Forbath was let go. "You make your decision, and you live with it." Forbath took both field goal tries in Minnesota's exhibition game on Saturday against Jacksonville and missed one when it hit the right upright. In 25 games with the Vikings, including the playoffs, Forbath made 48 of 56 extra points and 50 of 57 field goals.

He stabilized the position when a struggling Blair Walsh left it in disarray midway through the 2016 season and made his share of clutch kicks, but the 30-year-old never quite found enough of a groove to gain the team's full trust.

The Vikings were looking for more depth on their kickoffs as well as consistency on field goals and extra points, and the 6-foot-5 Carlson has the stronger leg.

"At the end of the day it's who can make the important kicks and who the team has confidence in, so I feel really good that the coaches and the staff have entrusted me with that confidence," Carlson said.

He was quick to credit Forbath for his class in handling a dynamic that could've been awkward from the day the Vikings took Carlson with the 167th overall selection. Forbath has kicked for three NFL teams, mostly with Washington.

"Kai's given me a run for my money, and he's had a lot of success here and elsewhere. So it was a great competition," Carlson said, adding: "I wish him nothing but the best, but I'm excited to be staying around here and get ready for the real work." The Vikings invested a sixth-round draft pick in Walsh in 2012 and watched him become an All-Pro as a rookie. He never repeated that performance, though, and four seasons later the team had no choice but to start fresh. Now they're counting on not having to make any more changes with the role for many years.

"Every kick's a pressure kick, and you know your job is going to be on the line and it's probably going to be decided on a few different kicks," Carlson said, adding: "You want to be on a winning team. ... I'm just going to take that and run with it."

The game on Saturday was particularly painful for the bottom of the roster, with five players injured and needing assistance off the field. Defensive end Ade Aruna (right knee) was placed on injured reserve on Monday. Offensive lineman Cedrick Lang (right leg) and fullback Johnny Stanton (left leg) were waived with an injured designation, meaning they must clear waivers before being placed on injured reserve. Tight end Josiah Price (right knee) was also waived-injured, after getting hurt in practice last week. The Vikings signed two players to fill open spots, including fullback Kobe McCrary, who played in college at Minnesota. PUBLICATION: NFL.com DATE: 8/21/18

Mike Zimmer: Helmet hit rule will cost people 'jobs'

By Herbie Teope

Saturday's preseason game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Minnesota Vikings wasn't a pretty affair.

There were plenty of injuries on both sides of the football, but penalties dominated the game as the two teams combined for an eye-popping 20 penalties for 200 yards. For perspective, the Vikings totaled 238 yards of offense.

Some of the penalties were obvious, of course, but the game had its share of controversial calls.

One of the infractions to draw the spotlight and stir debate occurred late in the fourth quarter. Vikings linebacker Antwione Williams came off the right edge and sacked Jaguars quarterback Cody Kessler for an apparent 7-yard loss, capping it off with what appeared to be a shove on Kessler before Williams jumped up to celebrate.

Then, the flag flew and Williams was penalized for roughing the passer.

The penalty immediately drew angst from the Vikings sideline, but coach Mike Zimmer ultimately agreed with the call upon reviewing the tape.

"After I calmed down a little bit, I looked at it and he was, his head was to the side and he was going to the side and if he would've just rolled, but he kind of pumped him into the turf," Zimmer said Monday, via Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic. "I actually think that was a good call."

The confusion over the new helmet rule around the league and how it is called raised its head yet again when Jaguars cornerback A.J. Bouye drew the yellow flag. That play, which occurred early in the first quarter, prompted Zimmer to send a video clip of the penalty to the league requesting clarification, according to The Athletic.

"It's going to cost some people some jobs," Zimmer said. "Playoffs, jobs, the whole bit, I guess. "We haven't had any called on us so far. It's just hard to figure out. No one has ever said to me, 'Hey. Don't worry about it, we're going to call it less or we'll get it straightened out in the regular season. Or we're going to come up with a revised rule.' No one has ever said that."

League officials spent time at each team's training camp to review the new rules with players, coaching staff and members of the media. The league even released a fact sheet on the new helmet rule after some players publicly expressed confusion.

Through two weeks of preseason action, however, there are more lingering questions than there are answers. In the meantime, there are two remaining preseason games on the schedule before the NFL kicks off the regular season. And for the players, it is a matter of adjusting to the new policies with hopes to prevent infractions, which ultimately hurt their teams.

"We're getting used to the rules," Williams said. "It's all still new. You've been playing for so long. They're trying to make the league safer, so we're just trying to get used to everything. It's a learning process for everybody." Do yourself a favor and read the entire article at The Athletic. PUBLICATION: NFL.com DATE: 8/21/18

Vikings go with Daniel Carlson at kicker, cut Forbath

By Herbie Teope

Two days after missing a 41-yard goal attempt against the Jacksonville Jaguars, kicker Kai Forbath learned his fate.

The Minnesota Vikings on Monday announced Forbath's release, a move that leaves rookie Daniel Carlson as the winner of the kicker competition.

Carlson, the Vikings' fifth-round pick of the 2018 draft, converted an extra point against the Jaguars, and went 2 of 2 on field goal attempts, including a 57-yard effort, the previous week against the Denver Broncos.

"I think he's a really good guy and a great locker room guy," Vikings receiver Adam Thielen said regarding Carlson. "He's done a great job in these preseason games. Now he should have the confidence to go out there and perform well now that he's the guy."

Forbath, who was set to enter his eighth professional season, had previous stops with the Washington Redskins and New Orleans Saints.

He has made 116 of 136 career kicks, with a career-long 57-yard effort while with the Saints in 2015.