EAGAN, Minn. — A steady rain fell upon the Minnesota Vikings during their final practice of 2024 training camp on Thursday. It may have been an appropriately gloomy symbol of outside expectations for the team, considering the tragedy that has befallen the franchise on and off the field this offseason. And yet there were also clear signs for optimism amid the cloudy skies, especially at premium position groups.
Here are some key takeaways as the regular season approaches:
To be fair, the question with Sam Darnold, the journeyman starter replacing Kirk Cousins, has never really been about talent as much as reliability. But there were several times Thursday when the former top-three pick reminded all in attendance that he has what you’d call a definitive NFL arm. A team scrimmage saw him chuck several passes into the grass while facing quick interior pressure, but he also layered a precision strike over the linebacker crew and lofted a perfect downfield corner shot for a touchdown.
To put it simply, there isn’t a throw this guy can’t make. Which is more than can be said for some placeholders or emergency starters at quarterback. The key will likely be how much support he has in the run game, up front and on defense to offset any risky throws he might attempt as a result of his live arm. The feeling here, for 2024, isn’t necessarily that Darnold will make a seismic leap, but that he’s got a chance to be a top-20 starter for a competitive group in the most advantageous starting gig he’s had.
Expect a rotation at WR2/3 to start the season
Justin Jefferson is a machine, and will remain the centerpiece of Kevin O’Connell’s passing attack. It doesn’t take a visit to practice to forecast that. As for what’s behind him, Jordan Addison is a top-tier No. 2, but there are several reasons to anticipate he won’t be active or at full speed when the season begins: In addition to an expected suspension…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2024-vikings-report-what-to-expect-from-sam-darnolds-wr-rotation-stephon-gilmore-led-defensive-backfield/
Author : Cody Benjamin
Publish date : 2024-08-23 19:30:41
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