Vikings Focus On Competition, Attitude As Camp Kicks Off
MANKATO, Minn. (WCCO) – We went into training camp with all eyes on the offensive line. It was the biggest area of emphasis for the Vikings this offseason.
One of the new guys they brought in says to expect a lot better.
"We're going to be the toughest, the meanest, the nastiest group. It's not going to take very long for everybody to get on the same page," said guard Alex Boone.
"I think it's crucial, though, that everybody does buy into that. Truly, it's easy to say one thing and it's easy to believe another. It's one of those, you got to believe that we are going to be the most feared group out there."
They'll get a good test in camp, going up against what the Vikings believe can be one of the best defenses in the league.
"Of course they can be the best defense," said defensive end Everson Griffen. "We have all the pieces to the puzzle, but it's going to take a grind. It's going to take each player taking that next step."
This camp might be the deepest of GM Rick Spielman's tenure, with position battles all over the offensive line and defensive secondary, and that's very much by design.
"We're going to have a lot of tough cuts. I know that probably some of the players that we'll end up releasing will probably be playing on Sundays for other clubs," said Spielman.
Of course, it all comes back to quarterback in this league – always does.
"I welcome pressure," said Teddy Bridgewater. "Been dealing with pressure since I've been playing sports, and that's why I play the position."
One day down, a week and a half to go.
