Vikings Set Big Goals, Have High Expectations Early In Training Camp
MANKATO, Minn. (WCCO) -- It's hard to believe, but training camp for the Minnesota Vikings is up and running in Mankato.
And in less than 2 weeks -- the team will take on the Steelers in their first pre-season game.
David McCoy spent the day with the Vikings in Mankato and watched the team practice. They'll be in pads for the first time on Tuesday.
One of the big keys in training camp early will be the work for quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. He got thrown into the mix as an NFL starter last year after Matt Cassel got hurt, and by all accounts it was a successful first year.
Now the Vikings need Bridgewater to take the next step this year to be a better quarterback and become the face of the franchise. He said the coaching staff is doing everything it can to help him get there.
"The coaches gave me a game plan. They told me to just get quicker, be quicker in my decision making and just get the ball out faster," quarterback Teddy Bridgewater said. "Just keeping my elbow high when I'm throwing the ball, so just little things that will just make me better in the long run. So those are some of the things I'm trying to perfect."
There is also a lot of talk about Adrian Peterson, who agreed to a restructured contract with the Vikings before reporting to Mankato. He played in just one game this season and has said since coming back to Minnesota that his top priority is bringing a championship to the Vikings.
His teammates have welcomed him with open arms, knowing how important he is to the organization both on and off the field.
"He's a Viking and I think that's the most important aspect of this. In this organization, he's very important. He's one of the top players ever in this organization and obviously one of the top running backs I think, in the league, ever," linebacker Chad Greenway said. "So that's why you want him in here and we want him to be a part of this and he'll make us a lot better."
"Everyone in the league knows what Adrian is capable of doing and I think he'll be a huge asset to this team," Bridgewater said. "He's already established himself in this league as one of the best running backs to ever play this game, so everyone knows what he brings to the table and we're excited to have him."
Practices are as important as ever this year as the Vikings will get an early start in live game action. They travel to Canton, Ohio, on Aug. 9 to face the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Hall of Fame Game.
