Training Camp 2010 by MSU Reporter

Page 2 • Reporter

Vikings Training Camp 2010

TABLE OF CONTE NTS The introduction......................3

Coach Childress.....................13

Center of Attention............. 25

The Coaching Staff .................4

Hey There Rookie....................14

Favre’s Flip-Flops..................26

Why Isn’t Brett Here?.............5

Not your Average Dorm........15

Gamer Chris Kluwe................27

NFC North Preview.................6

QUARTERBACK Joe Webb.....17

Fantasy Outlook................... 28

AFC Preview..............................7

Injuries and inexperience.....18

Legality of Williams Wall 30

A Case of Fumblitis..................8

Schedule..................................19

Ray Edwards...........................31

Favre-A-Palooza 2010..............9

Photos......................................20

Defensive mastermind...........32

From Nothin’ to Somethin’....10

Depth Chart........................... 22

E.J.’s Injury..............................32

Big Pat’s Last Stand?............. 11

Sidney Rice.............................. 23

Packers Reaction to Favre 34

Mankato’s Finest....................12

No Sophomore Slump ............24

Cover photo by G. Newman Lowrance/ Getty Images Photo illustration by Derek Wehrwein/ MSU Reporter

shannon rathmanner • msu reporter Minnesota Vikings players stretch before the first practice in Mankato. for training camp. The Vikings arrived in camp on July 29 and are staying until Thursday, August 12.

Vikings Training Camp 2010

Reporter • Page 3

The start of another season — for the Reporter and the Vikings The summer is dying down, but football season is just heating up

Percy Harvin. But I would like sports editor to thank Brennan for pushing Here we are for another us through and bringing new football season. The Vikings ideas to the table that I was too are probably on the practice stubborn to realize. field or you on your way home Our staff consists of new from the field while reading and old writers. Derek Werhthis with a million questions wein is our old horse, who is going through your head. a former EIC. Derek wrote a Who was that cute few articles for us and girl in front of you? designed our cover for Was that guy in front us, which turned out of you Jimmy Kleinexcellent. sasser or a beer guy? Other writers conAnd will that Brett sist of Pat Delaney Favre guy everyone (second year coverhas been talking ing the Vikings), Levi about come back for Zimmer (second), Lee another season? Jimmy Kleinsasser Handel (first) and Drew Well, we can’t Claussen (first). answer any of these I give these guys questions for you, but what we two thumbs up for being as can do is give you 40 pages of professional as a kid can be at Vikings coverage on every20 years old or so. They made thing from the new dorms to every deadline I made for them nerdy punter Chris Kluwe. and made the paper what it is. While 40 pages sounds fun Our photographers were for you to read, it wasn’t as fun also fantastic. Dan “My Main to put together, but regardless, Man” Moen, was back at it anytime a college kid gets the again and spent time juggling chance to cover an elite team between being MTV’s “16 and like the Minnesota Vikings, it pregnant” video man and takis an opportunity we can’t let ing photos for us. go down the drain. All of Dan’s photos are We have a great group quality and I appreciate how of staff writers that may be easy he makes the job for Nate new to covering professional and me. athletes, but there was never Shannon Rathmanner, a big a doubt in my mind that they thanks goes to you also who would pull through for us. took some great photos and Editor in Chief Nate Brenhelped us out a ton when Dan nan and I stayed up late many was unavailable. nights and were stuck in the The biggest thanks of all office when we would much goes out to the people whose rather be talking to guys like names aren’t printed in this KYLE RATKE

paper. To Jane Tastad, our Reporter business manager. Thanks for updating us on certain things and being the office mom. As much as you may disagree, we appreciate you. To Dana Clark, our Graphic Arts Supervisor. Thanks for putting up with a sports editor who has trouble picking out a decent headline, let alone designing something, you are the man. This paper, hopefully, represents how you’ve helped all of us out in one way or another. The ad department. Oh don’t get me started. Jared Hensch and Amy Schultz reminded me everyday how big this paper was going to be and everyday, I cringed. This paper would be 20 pages without their expertise in the ad department, this I know. I won’t thank you for the big paper, but I am sure the fans will who are reading this. You guys are the best of the best. And finally to the Minnesota Vikings staff and the fans. If I had a nickle for every time a fellow reporter looked at me like, “Is this kid 12?” I would probably have a dollar or two. The staff helped us out immensely in our day to day operations. I understand the risk of letting four young reporters around a practice field and we appreciate everything again, thanks. Ah, the fans. Who we ulti-

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mately do this for, besides me needing to pay next month’s rent. We hope you enjoy this and without readers, well, I wouldn’t have a job now would I? We hope you enjoy all of this and I hope it proves that

although we may not be as experienced as other writers or photographers, we put out a good paper for readers. Enjoy Vikings fans. Packer fans, well, you probably haven’t read this far.

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Page 4 • Reporter

Vikings Training Camp 2010

The Minnesota Vikings coaching staff The main coaches are returning for the Vikings in 2010. Here’s a quick rundown. Brad Childress

Darrell Bevell

Head coach

Offensive coordinator

Defensive coordinator

The Childress file: The offensiveminded Childress is entering his fifth season as the Vikings head coach and has an overall record of 36-28 with the club. Childress brought the Vikings to the playoffs last season while guiding them to their second division title since 2000. Before coming to Minnesota Childress spent seven seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles — the last four of those years as offensive coordinator. While an Eagle, Childress helped the team reach four consecutive NFC Championship games and one Super Bowl in 2005. Childress started his coaching career in 1985 as the quarterbacks coach for the Indianapolis Colts. Before that, he played quarterback and receiver at Illinois. He then transferred to Eastern Illinois and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Born June 27, 1956 in Aurora, Ill., he and wife Dru-Ann have four children.

The Bevell file: The former Green Bay Packers quarterbacks coach will look to continue the success he has had throughout his last four seasons with the Vikings. Bevell teamed up with former Green Bay quarterback Brett Favre and put together one of the league’s top passing attack. The addition of Favre and the plays called by Bevell, made it possible for receivers like Sidney Rice emerge as a serious threat. The Vikings jumped to the No. 8 passing offense in the league last year which is an improvement from 17 the year before. The offense also scored a touchdown 62.3% of the time in the red zone, which was good for third in the league. He played college football at Wisconsin and was ironically coached by Childress. Bevell received his first opportunity in the NFL with the Green Bay Packers in 2000. He was the quarterbacks coach from 200305. Bevell and his wife Tammy have three children.

The Frazier file: Frazier enters his fourth season with the Vikings, and has helped put together one of the best defenses in the league during the 2009 season. Frazier’s unit was ranked sixth overall last season, and second against the run, led by defensive tackles Kevin and Pat Williams. This is the second season in a row the Vikings were ranked No. 6 overall. There were two players named to the Pro Bowl from the defensive side of the ball. Kevin Williams and Jared Allen made it for the second straight season. Frazier was the defensive backs coach for the Indianapolis Colts before coming to the Vikings. He helped win Super Bowl XLI as assistant head coach to head coach Tony Dungy. Frazier was also defensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals from 2003-04. He has three children with his wife Gale.

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Vikings Training Camp 2010

Reporter • Page 5

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Page 6 • Reporter

Vikings Training Camp 2010

Purple and Gold

Breaking down the NFC North: The Black and Blue Division LEVI ZIMMER

staff writer As the late summer heat attempts to hit its peak, the Minnesota Vikings franchise sets the barometer for all aspirations in the NFC North division. The Vikings enter the 20102011 season as back-to-back division champs and look to add an 18th division championship. Only the Dallas Cowboys (21) and Pittsburgh Steelers (19) hold more regular-season division titles than the Vikings. Last season was the first time since 2004 the NFC North has seen a repeating champion since the Green Bay Packers captured three consecutive titles from 2002-2004. The NFC North is arguably the toughest division in the league with two 11-plus winning teams a year ago, while the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions stayed active during the off season. The Bears, Detroit Lions and Packers all made significant moves in the offseason, attempting to close the gap on the Vikings. Chicago Bears “Da Bears” are looking to bounce back from a less than desirable 2009 season. After losing the face of the franchise linebacker, Brian Urlacher, for the season in the opener against Green Bay a year ago, the Bears are confident they have the talent to make a division title run. Offensively the Bears ranked 23rd in the league, which was a

disappointment after acquiring the talented gunslinging quarterback Jay Cutler from the Denver Broncos. Cutler finished the season leading the league in interceptions with 26, but managed to keep the team’s passing game relatively productive. It was the rushing attack that let the Bears down and they addressed the issue in the offseason, signing ex-Vikings mister reliable Chester Taylor (right). The defense never seems to be an issue with this team, even without Urlacher they maintained the 17th-best defense in the league. Urlacher is expected to return healthy and the acquisition of defensive end Julius Peppers via free agency boosts its pass rush. Key acquisitions: DE Julius Peppers, RB Chester Taylor, TE Brandon Manumaleuna. Key Departures: T Orlando Pace, CB Nathan Vasher, DE Alex Brown. Detroit Lions When someone states that the NFC North is the toughest division in football, the counter argument is: “not with the Lions in the division.” The Lions haven’t had a winning season since 2000 and have failed to reach the playoffs in

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11 consecutive seasons. With a core of numerous young talent, the future of Lions football has potential. Offensively and defensively, the Lions ranked toward the bottom of the league in almost every category and are owners of the worst statistical defense in the league last season. To combat the trend of less than stellar football, the Lions were active in the offseason, drafting a once-in-a-decade player, defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, and signing free agent defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch. Key Acquisitions: DE Kyle Vanden Bosch, DT Corey Williams, WR Nate Burleson, TE Tony Scheffler, CB Dre’ Bly, QB Shaun Hill. Key Departures: CB Phillip Buchanon, DT Grady Jackson, LB Larry Foote, LB Ernie Sims, QB Daunte Culpepper. Green Bay Packers An inherent hatred is instilled in any fan of the purple or green for the opposing team, and that dislike is only thickened with the success of the Packers’ former leader with the purple and gold. Green Bay’s core of young talent has allowed them to stay relatively inactive during the offseason. Besides signing a few

contract extensions, the Packers didn’t make any big move, nor did they need too. They ended their season against the Arizona Cardinals in the highest scoring NFL playoff game in history and captured 11 wins with a fairly youthful team. Key Acquisitions: CB Tramon Williams Key Departures: DE Aaron Kampman, DT Johnny Jolly (suspension) Minnesota Vikings The defending NFC north champions seem to have everything in order to three-peat. In the majority of pre-season power rankings Minnesota is slotted in the top five. Offensively and defensively, they ranked in the top six in the league last season. Total offense was fifth and total defense was sixth, even though the pass defense was sixteenth. To suture

the open wound that was the defensive backfield, the Vikings acquired veteran CB Lito Sheppard. Key Acquisitions: Sheppard, K Rhys Lloyd Key Departures: RB Chester Taylor. Overview: The NFC North has talent from top to bottom and two legitimate Super Bowl contenders. It contains a group of quarterbacks that no other division can compete with and two of the top six defensive squads in the entire NFL last season. The Vikings are the favorites, but Green Bay and Chicago are not far behind. One thing is certain, the rivalries in the North are hotter than ever.

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Vikings Training Camp 2010

Reporter • Page 7

SKY HIGH HOPES AND PREMATURE PROMISES The New York Jets have made it clear that they plan on playing in this season’s Super Bowl. Not so fast Rex Ryan and Co. A few AFC teams plan to crash your party LEVI ZIMMER

staff writer Seven of the last 10 Super Bowl winners have come out of the American Football Conference. The AFC is the home of NFL’s poster boy Peyton Manning, and the man every man wants to be and every woman wants to be with, Tom Brady. Arguably the best running back in the league Chris Johnson and unquestionably the best running back of the decade LaDainian Tomlinson excite AFC fans on a weekly basis. The outspoken and confident New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan looks to take the next step and make his first Super Bowl appearance as a head coach. The most anticipated receiver duo since the Randy Moss/ Cris Carter era, Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco are thinking this is the year the Cincinnati Bengals return to the big game for the first time since 1989. The biggest news over the offseason in the AFC has to be the divorce of the league’s second all-time leading rusher, Tomlinson, from the San Diego Chargers and joining an already extremely talented Jets squad. Making headlines lately is the wait-and-see marriage between

Owens and the Bengals, or more likely, the ability to co-exist with Ochocinco on the opposite side of the field. Unlike the NFC, the AFC has many teams that could potentially represent the conference in the Super Bowl. The Indianapolis Colts and New York Jets have to be the odds-on favorites, but not far behind are an offensively deadly Baltimore Ravens squad, a new look San Diego Chargers, the Bengals and a healthy Brady bunch in New England. A sleeper team to watch out for is the Houston Texans. They led the league in passing a season ago and had the seventh best defensive in the AFC. Matt Schaub led the league with more than 4,400 passing yards and missed the playoffs by only one game. A team to stay away from is the Pittsburgh Steelers. In a tumultuous offseason, they traded way a Super Bowl most valuable player Santonio Holmes to the Jets and will be without quarterback Ben Roethlisberger for eight games due to off the field incidences resulting in a league suspension. When it is all said and done the Colts have to be the team to beat as defending AFC champs. Manning is possibly one of the best individuals to put on a NFL jersey. He has a league record four MVP awards and makes a great defense look like a junior high squad.

Playoff Predictions: The AFC East will be the Jets division to lose. With the additions of Holmes and Tomlinson it’s hard to find a team that can challenge them on both ends of the field. The Patriots offense is an eruption waiting to happen, but its defense ranked 11th a year ago and they didn’t get much younger. AFC North is the division that competes with the NFC North for toughest division in the league. Three out of the four teams are proven, been there teams. It will likely have two teams representing them in the late season elimination rounds. I believe the Ravens will win the division and Bengals will obtain the higher wild card seed. AFC South will likely also be represented with two playoff contenders and a first time playoff participant. Indianapolis will win

yet another south title and the Texans will make their first playoff appearance against their division rival the Colts. In the AFC West the Chargers have all but dominated everyone for the past five years and this season will be no different. The Denver Broncos made some news by drafting the college football superstar Tim Tebow, but he doesn’t play defense and without defense they will be hard pressed to stop Phillip Rivers. In a humbling attempt to make myself look like a genius, I made some questionable predictions for the round of six. I believe the Jets will have the best overall record. The entertainment that is the Bengals will work giving themselves the second overall seed. The Colts will play the Texans in the first round as the number three and six

AFC Preview / page 11

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Vikings Training Camp 2010

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shannon rathmanner • msu reporter Adrian Peterson leads the league with 20 fumbles over the last three season. He fumbled twice in the NFC Championship last season against the Saints.

When it comes to Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson and his reoccurring bouts of “Fumblitis,” neither he nor his coaches are running from the problem. Instead, all parties arrived at the first practice of training camp in Mankato ready to nip it in the bud. Peterson’s fumbling last season became such a problem that many Vikings fans were beginning to forget about all of the absurd numbers that the NFC’s best running back would put up on a weekly basis, and were instead sweating out his every rush hoping he wouldn’t lose the football. Peterson had another Pro Bowl year last season, rushing for 1,383 yards and 18 touchdowns, but fumbled the ball seven times, while losing a career-high six of them. He also fumbled twice when the Vikings were eliminated in the NFC

of Mankato

Championship game. He now has 20 fumbles in three seasons, giving 13 to the other team. The three-time All-Pro from Oklahoma came to training camp more than willing and eager to address perhaps his only flaw, and assured everyone present that he would solve the issue. Meanwhile, his head coach wanted to focus on all of the positives and he reiterated his faith in Peterson in short yardage situations as well as late in games. “Adrian Peterson is a tremendous football player. There’s a reason you look at a highlight film and so much of it is Adrian Peterson, because he’s a hell of a talent,” said Brad Childress. “But there’s always things that guys can work on. I think we focus that lens so hard on that one issue. That guy is a hell of a football player and I’m glad

he’s playing on the Minnesota Vikings.” Childress knows that Peterson’s aggressiveness and ability to get yards after first contact is what makes him such a special runner and he doesn’t want to take that aspect of his game away. “I don’t want to change the way he runs with the football. You can’t play that position and be cautious,” said Childress. “He is a violent, reckless running back. In football, sometimes the ball comes loose.” Childress still maintained that fumbling would not be tolerated no matter who the player was. “Do I like it? No,” he said. “We are going to emphasize it and usually you achieve what you emphasize.” The person who is going to have the biggest influence on Peterson’s ball security is run-

Fumblitis / page 18

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Vikings Training Camp 2010

Reporter • Page 9

FAVRE-A-PALOOZA 201

In what seems to be an annual event, all eyes are on No. 4 and whether or not he decides to suit up for his 20th season in the NFL. The Vikings are crossing their fingers KYLE RATKE

sports editor Will he or won’t he? That was the question last season facing the Minnesota Vikings and quarterback Brett Favre. Well, we all knew how that ended up. Favre took the Vikings to the playoffs, had a fantastic year statistically, but got knocked around in the NFC Championship game loss to the Saints that would make any quarterback, let alone a 40-yearold one, to reconsider their profession. After an offseason free of ESPN’s Ed Werder popping out of Favre’s bushes or Rachel Nichols jumping out of the Viking’s ship in Eden Prairie, it seemed pretty obvious that that the fans, media members and Vikings thought Favre was coming back. There were even reports that his wife Deanna had renewed her gym membership in the Twin Cities. But the only person that wasn’t sure was Favre himself, and that was brought to the scene after the first four days in camp. Welcome to Favre-A-Palooza

2010. At the beginning of this season’s training camp, coaches and players alike were saying the same thing. “He’ll make a decision and we’ll live with it, either way,” said Vikings head coach Brad Childress. “Would I love to have him come back? I’d love to have him come back. But that’s something that he’s wrestling with right now and he’ll do what’s best for him and his family and I think everybody can live with it either way.” After reports flew out Tuesday morning saying that Favre planned on retiring because his ankle wasn’t where he wanted it to be, a few things changed. The sudden calm, cool and collected attitude and the “we’ll be fine with or without him” attitude were thrown out the window. In Mankato and on the campus of Minnesota State, fans and certain players alike were hoping the rumors weren’t true and were not about to comment on anything until they heard it from Favre. “My wife texted me this

morning and said, ‘I saw a report that he’s retiring,’” said Vikings kicker and perhaps Favre’s best friend on the team Ryan Longwell. “I said, ‘actually I just talked to him, I don’t know where that’s coming from.’ I certainly didn’t get that indication from him.” Childress also denied any knowledge of Favre’s seemingly bold decision to retire saying he had talked to Favre in the last 24 hours (from Tuesday), but wasn’t told anything about a retirement. Media members attacked Childress on the issue and as sincere as he could be, he seemed just as surprised and clueless as the people asking the questions. “I feel like this is Watergate,” Childress joked after multiple Favre questions in a row. “Have I down something wrong? Lord have mercy.” With all jokes aside, it is evident that the Vikings prepared for Favre’s return and if the reports that Favre plans on retiring are true, the Vikings went from 6:1 favorites to win

web photo Favre threw 33 touchdowns last year with just seven interceptions.

the Super Bowl to 12:1 favorites. Place your bets while you can, gamblers, Favre has been known to change his mind a few times every now and then and the Minnesota Vikings players will do their best to sway the quarterback one way or another. “Oh no doubt,” said Vikings tight end Visanthe Shianco, a player who drastically improved due to Favre’s arrival. “I am going to try to get him in here every chance I get. Send a text

or something to try to get him in… He made the decision for a reason, hopefully that decision transforms.” Unlike certain positions, the quarterback system has always seemed to hold a special place in each team’s heart and Favre has played his way into Minnesota fans’ and players’ hearts. The Vikings back-up Tavaris Jackson, however, has not. After three

Favre/ page 38

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Page 10 • Reporter

Vikings Training Camp 2010

From Nothin’ to Somethin’

Before last season the Minnesota receiving core was thought as one of the worst in the league. So in one year, what happened to make it one of the best? PAT DELANEY

staff writer In 1998 the Minnesota Vikings possessed one of the greatest receiving corps in NFL history. They had the veteran, future hall-of-famer Cris Carter still playing like a man on a mission. There was Jake Reed, the big possession receiver who understood his role and thrived in it. And then there of course was the star rookie, Randy Moss. A troubled past dropped him in the draft to Minnesota and from that point he put up numbers no rookie wide receiver had ever come close to accomplishing. The trio earned the nickname “three deep,” because of their ability to leave opposing defensive backs in their rear view mirror with nothing left but a sense a shame and a wet girdle. Yes those were truly great days for Vikings fans, but like all great things, it eventually had to come to an end. Carter retired, Reed left as a free agent and Moss was traded. After Moss was traded, Minnesota tried to find a new vertical replacement. They used a first round draft pick on Troy Williamson. Despite great speed, Williamson’s sense of direction was impaired and he had the rare disorder of having frying pans at the end of his arms where most people have hands. Minnesota finally began piecing together a decent receiving corps again in 2007. They

drafted Sidney Rice in the second round that year, then went out and signed Bernard Berrian as a free agent in 2008. That same year was when Minnesota began showing flashes of a team that could throw the ball again. However, despite Berrian having an electric year, Rice had seemed to fall into a sophomore slump. 2008 had given Minnesota a taste of what it was like to have good players to throw to but there was still a sense that they could be even better. Like in ‘98, a receiver with a questionable past fell to the Vikings in the 2009 draft. While there were other needs the team could have filled, the talent of University of Florida star Percy Harvin was too much to pass up. With Brett Favre at the helm last season, the receiving flourished in a way not seen since the days of Moss. Harvin electrified fans with his speed, elusiveness and power, not only as a receiver, but as a kick returner, too. Rice started living up to the potential he showed his rookie season catching nearly everything Favre threw his way. His size posed a constant threat to defenses and his hands were as pure as holy water. Berrian didn’t have as much success, mainly due to lingering hamstring injuries, but was still reliable in the passing game. Berrian says that he is completely healthy now, so it begs the ques-

tion, how dangerous could this receiving corps be this year? “It can be very dangerous,” Berrian said. “It just depends on what kind of work we take out of here and how we approach the game.” Berrian is entering his third year with Minnesota and another year of familiarity can only benefit him. Berrian proved to be getting healthy towards the end of the season last year and was the team’s leading receiver against New Orleans in the NFC championship game. A healthy Berrian gives the Vikings a true deep threat. Rice approached the offseason going into ‘09 differently than he had the two previous years. He worked harder and studied more and it paid off tremendously, especially in the playoff matchup against Dallas when Rice torched the Cowboys for three touchdowns and 141 yards receiving. The fact that Harvin was only a rookie last year has to terrify defensive coordinators around the league. At 5’11, Harvin isn’t the tallest player on the field, but he makes up for it with speed and strength. He runs a lot like his teammate Adrian Peterson powering through linebackers and defensive backs often times forcing two or three guys to bring him down.

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56 receptions 566 yards 10.1 yards/catch 11 touchdowns

Receivers / page 13

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Vikings Training Camp 2010

BIG PAT’S LAST STAND? PAT DELANEY

staff writer If stopping the run was an art, he would be considered the Van Gogh of it. He doesn’t have the height or speed of the guy who plays next to him or the youth of his other two teammates on the line, but Pat Williams is still one of the most important pieces to a defense that prides itself on making the opposing running game invisible. While much of the attention this training camp has been on when 40-year-old Brett Favre will show up. 37-year-old Williams’ future in the league is another thing that should be recognized. As Williams shows up for his 14th training camp (sixth with Minnesota) one has to wonder if this could be the last one for No. 94. One thing is for certain, Williams is still as motivated as any young player. He came into camp down 18 pounds and looks ready to continue being a force on the defensive line. “I’m not sure how he lost those 18 pounds, but I’m glad he did,” said head coach Brad Childress. To Childress, seeing a seasoned veteran report to camp in great shape is always a shannon rathmanner • msu reporter plus, but despite the weight Pat Williams (94) has been a huge reason why the Vikings have been so loss Williams has always successful against the run in recent years. stood out in his own way. Unlike defensive ends Jared In football, one rarely This changed when he Allen and Ray Edwards, stands out by being in the lined up next to Kevin WilWilliams doesn’t possess 6’6 opposition’s middle of the liams, a player going into height and he doesn’t exactly line. Most of the attention his third year and who had have a great athletes body. will go to the player who can already established himself He doesn’t have the amazregularly get to the quaras one the most complete deing quickness and athleticism terback or cause turnovers. fensive players in the league. that his counterpart, Kevin Like offensive linemen, a It didn’t take long for the two Williams has, but despite nose tackle will rarely see to make their mark. this, has found a way to behis name in the paper, but “We just play off each come one of the most feared Williams gained enough of a other,” Kevin said. “I make run-stoppers in the NFL and reputation to catch the eye of him better and he makes me is a big reason why he and the Minnesota Vikings. good.” Kevin earned the nickname, In Zygi Wilf’s first year as After the defense drastithe “Williams Wall.” owner in 2005, the Vikings cally improved in his first After going undrafted out went out to try to rebuild year, it went on to put up of Texas A&M, Williams what had been a putrid historic numbers the next signed with the Buffalo Bills. defense for the past decade. three. From 2006-2009, the From there, he learned to use One of the players brought Vikings were No. 1 against his mass as leverage against in was Williams. Despite the run, often times forcing opposing centers and guards. being a productive player in teams to abandon any hope He developed quick feet Buffalo, Williams had never of running at all, instead rewhich allowed him to jump had the chance to pair up lying on throwing every play. the snap quicker than most with elite talent that would In the process Williams was defensive linemen his size, allow him to focus solely on elected to the Pro Bowl for gaining an advantage that being disruptive at the line of the first time during the 2006 allowed him to disrupt the scrimmage. running game. Big Pat / page 38

Reporter • Page 11

AFC PREVIEW seeds and the four seed Chargers will be challenged by a good Ravens team. If my predictions stand that will have New England and Pittsburgh watching the playoffs from the comfort of their own homes. The Jets will get the Texans after a last minute field goal gets them their first playoff win. The Bengals will be discouraged to play their division rival the Ra-

continued from 7 vens in the second round. The New York Jets will break in their new Meadowlands Stadium by hosting the AFC championship game against the Baltimore Ravens. The result will be a win for the home team and the first Super Bowl appearance since Joe Namath in 1969.

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Page 12 • Reporter

Vikings Training Camp 2010

MANKATOíS FINEST: BACK IN A FAMILIAR PLACE

Same colors, same practice field. Not much has changed for former Minnesota State offensive lineman Adrian Battles. Oh that’s right ... This isn’t college ball anymore. PAT DELANEY

shannon rathmanner • msu reporter Adrian Battles started 43 games as a Maverick and is going into training camp as an undrafted free-agent.

staff writer For Adrian Battles, there really is no place like home. Battles, an undrafted rookie offensive lineman, is battling for a spot on the Vikings roster and is doing so on a field that he is very familiar with. While Vikings players call Blakeslee Stadium on the Minnesota State campus home for two weeks out of the year, Battles made his mark on the field for four years. Battles is a former Minnesota State Maverick is looking to use the familiarity of the practice field as an advantage to get his name on the Vikings final roster. “I think that’s a big advantage for me,” said Battles. “It makes me feel comfortable. If you feel at home and you feel comfortable, I feel like you can play better. I think it’s a big advantage for me.” On paper, Battles’ chances to make the Vikings seem slim, but it doesn’t mean there isn’t a chance. Battles came to MSU when the football program lacked relevance, but was part

of a turn around that saw the Mavericks become one of the best D-II teams in the country over the past two seasons. Battles was a large part of that. He started 43 games in his career at guard and was recognized as an NSIC All-Conference player last season. Battles doesn’t have Bryant McKinnie size, but he isn’t small. At 6’3 311 lbs, Battles has the size to be a versatile lineman. He acknowledged that he can play both guard and tackle, which could be an advantage. The Vikings lost Artis Hicks to free agency over the off-season and will need a player who can step in and be able to play nearly anywhere on the line the way Hicks did the past four seasons. Is it possible for a D-II player to make the jump to the NFL though? It certainly is more difficult than a player who has been on the big stage, but the Vikings know as well as any team that when a player gets on the field, it doesn’t matter where they played college ball.

Just ask former Vikings defensive tackle John Randle. Randle was elected to the Hall of Fame this year, an especially impressive feat considering that Randle, like Battles was originally an undrafted rookie out of a D-II school. Randle used his tremendous work ethic and ability to learn to become one of the best defensive tackles of all time. One can’t compare Battles to Randle just yet, but it does show fans that anything is possible if a player is given an opportunity and Battles impressed coaches enough during the off-season to be given a chance to compete for a job at training camp. The Vikings do have some valuable resources for young offensive linemen. Players like Steve Hutchinson, Bryant Mckinnie and Anthony Herrera are NFL veterans and Battles can learn a lot from his new teammates. “They teach you a lot of technique stuff,” Battles said. “You learn the basics in col-

Mankato’s Finest / page 37

Vikings Training Camp 2010

Okay, so maybe he knows what he’s doing after all

He’s improved the Vikings record by two wins for the last three years, has a fantastic draft record and convinced a Hall of Fame quarterback to play for him. Where’s the love? KYLE RATKE

sports editor His record speaks for itself. Minnesota Vikings head coach Brad Childress took over for the Vikings in 2006 and started off to a bumpy 6-10.. Since then, it’s been nothing but success for the ol’ ball coach. Childress has gone 8-8, 10-6 and 12-4, respectively, since his first year, giving the Vikings two NFC North championships. He even led the Minnesota Vikings to the NFC Championship last season. Although this Brett Favre fellow everyone’s been speaking of might not come back for 2010, Childress did convince him to play in 2009. So why are Minnesota fans so reluctant to give Childress some credit? Last season when Childress was given an extension through 2012, many fans questioned owner Zygi Wilf’s decision, thinking it was premature being the Vikings hadn’t even won a playoff game under Childress. Childress has been head coach while the team has drafted players such as Adrian Peterson, Percy Harvin and Sidney Rice. He was even there when the team signed Pat Williams, Jared Allen and Bernard Berrian. But still, while talking with fellow fans, one isn’t likely to hear

Harvin, the 2009 Offensive Rookie of the Year, dealt with migraine issues at different times last season. If that can be kept under control there is no reason to believe that Harvin’s second season in the NFL won’t litter the highlight reel even more so than his first. “He’s picking up right where he left off last year,” said Berrian. “He still is doing things he was able to do last year during the

continued from 10

season and throughout practice.” The trio of receivers have meshed better than anyone could have expected with quarterback Brett Favre. While Favre still hasn’t made his decision on whether he will return for his 20th NFL season, one has to think in the back of his mind another year of having these weapons around him has to be too much to pass up on.

109 E. Leray, Eagle Lake web photo Brad Childress has improved the Vikings record by two wins per season over the last three seasons.

anyone rant on how great of a job Childress has done. There are likely three reasons for this. The first is the classic 3rdand-8 play call Childress is known for. The dump off screen pass that rarely has any chance of working, but yet it seems like it has been around our offense since Childress has. Some things will never change. The second was the overconfidence Childress showed in young quarterback Tavaris Jackson. Childress believed that he could do what he did to Donovan McNabb in Philadelphia and turn Jackson into a viable starter. He has been unable to do that and with the uncertainty of Favre, fans might

be lucky, or unlucky enough to see if Jackson has it in him to guide the Vikings. The third reason is simply that the Vikings haven’t won a Super Bowl yet. And to come to Childress’ defense, neither has any other Vikings head coach. The Vikings have put together a very talented squad under Childress, and much of that can be credited to his work. Improving by two wins in three straight years years doesn’t happen by luck in the National Football League. Maybe we shouldn’t be so hard on the guy. His record speaks for itself.

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Reporter • Page 13

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Page 14 • Reporter

Vikings Training Camp 2010

Hey there Rookie, Welcome to Camp The Vikings most recognizable draft pick in 2010 was running back Toby Gerhart. He will now be fighting to be the team’s best running back not named Adrian Peterson. DEREK WEHRWEIN

staff writer

Rookie Toby Gerhart made his training camp debut on Saturday — one day after signing a fouryear, $3.76 million contract — and the Vikings defense gave him a bruising welcome. The running back took several hard hits during drills that morning, prompting offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell to remark afterward: “I didn’t know we were hitting that hard yet. They might have tried to welcome him a little bit, but you know, (Gerhart’s) doing a good job.” One hit came from an unapologetic Pat Williams, who told reporters in an

expletive-filled comment that Gerhart “ain’t at college no more.” But Gerhart, the Stanford graduate who finished second in last year’s Heisman voting, shrugged off his physical reception. “I think that’s come to be expected as a rookie coming in,” Gerhart said. “I was a physical back in college and I think a lot of guys knew that and they wanted to test me a bit. Yeah, I’m going to take some licks out here but I’m up to it, I’m ready for it and that’s how it goes.” The 6-foot, 231-pound Gerhart rushed for 1,871 yards and 27 touchdowns with Stanford last year. The Vikings made him the 51st overall pick in the

2010 draft, selecting him to help fill the void created by Chester Taylor’s departure. “He’s very quick and very strong,” Bevell said. “In short areas he’s able to make guys miss. He has good speed, but he’s a really strong runner and he’s got good balance.” While Gerhart has said he doesn’t consider himself a flashy runner, fullback Naufahu Tahi echoed Bevell, saying Gerhart can be deceptively fast. “A lot of people don’t think he has that kind of speed because of his size and the type of runner he is, but he’s got pretty good speed for his size,” Tahi

Gerhart/ page 37

shannon rathmanner • msu reporter Toby Gerhart was a Heisman candidate at Stanford.

Vikings Training Camp 2010

These aren’t your average dorms The Vikings say goodbye to the old Gage Towers and hello to the new Julia Sears dorm — a small, but meaningful change

During 44 years of Vikings training camp, there have been many different types of players. Players of different heights, weights and skill levels, but no matter how different the players were, they all had something in common: the building in which they slept. Year 45 however will be different, as the team’s players and coaches will be moving from Gage Hall across campus to the Julia Sears Residence Community. “I like it, I definitely like it. It’s a sweet step up from Gage Hall,” Said Vikings linebacker E.J. Henderson. “Kevin Williams and I are suite-mates, so it’s going to be cool.”

DREW CLAUSSEN | staff writer

Reporter • Page 15

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Gage Hall, located right next to the practice football fields, were constructed in two stages. Gage “A” tower, the one closest to the fields and in which the team stayed, was constructed in 1965. The “B” tower was completed a year later in 1966. Each tower has 12 floors and is not air-conditioned; the university rented window air conditioners for the rooms the Vikings players stayed in during training camp in previous years. “Yeah, we have air conditioning but we still have to get out there and get these practices started,” said Kevin Williams. “I don’t think we are looking forward to that.” Julia Sears residence hall

opened in 2008. The building holds 608 students and was the first dormitory built at Minnesota State in 40-plus years. There is central air conditioning in each room but the team will have a longer walk to the practice fields with Sears being located on the west side of campus whereas Gage is located across the street from where the team practices. Some players do not take the place in which they stay too seriously though. “Yeah, yeah. Basically it’s the same old thing,” said defensive tackle Pat Williams. “It’s training camp, we’re here to have some fun and that’s all I’m gonna focus on.”

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Page 16 â&#x20AC;˘ Reporter

Vikings Training Camp 2010

Reporter • Page 17

Quarterback? Receiver? Quarterback?

It’s been a running question since Joe Webb got drafted. The Vikings coaching staff seems like they have put the question to rest — for now — as Webb is getting a shot as a quarterback in the NFL DEREK WEHRWEIN | staff writer

shannon rathmanner• msu reporter

The Minnesota Vikings drafted AlabamaBirmingham quarterback Joe Webb with the intention of making him a wide receiver. But at training camp, Webb is getting another shot at his original position, an opportunity the 6-foot-4 rookie is happy to have. “I’m a natural-born quarterback,” Webb said last week after arriving in Mankato. “A lot of people tried to change me to receiver, but I’m glad coach Childress is giving me a shot at quarterback. I’m going to take full advantage of that.” Webb threw for 2,299 yards and 21 touchdowns as a senior and became the first quarterback in NCAA history to rush for 1,000 yards and throw for 2,000 yards in consecutive seasons. His athleticism attracted the attention of the Vikings, who selected him in the sixth-round of the NFL draft. Originally projected as a receiver

Welcome to

VIKINGS Training Camp

by NFL scouts — Webb played the position in the Senior Bowl and began preparing for a switch prior to the draft — he got a chance to throw for the Vikings on the final day of minicamp. The results impressed the Vikings staff so much they abandoned the idea of turning Webb into a receiver. At training camp, he continues to share snaps at quarterback with Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels, who may now be the odd man out if Brett Favre returns for a 20th NFL season.

“He’s a young kid, he’s got some talent,” said Rosenfels, noting that the transition from college to NFL quarterback can be a challenging one. “There’s a lot going on for everybody, even for a veteran like me. There’s still always things to learn. As a young guy I remember when I was a rookie, and you pretty much have no idea what’s going on.” Webb is the first to admit the transition hasn’t been seamless. At Alabama-Birmingham,

Webb/ page 36

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Page 18 • Reporter

Vikings Training Camp 2010

INJURIES AND INEXPERIENCE Antoine Winfield

Cedric Griffin

Asher Allen

Chris Cook

Lito Sheppard

Benny Sapp

Coming into his 12th year, time is ticking for Winfield. He came back from a broken right foot after missing six weeks last season but didn’t looked 100% by season’s end.

Griffin enters his fifth season with the Vikings and tore his ACL in the NFC Championship and will miss at least the first game of the season against the Saints.

Allen was inactive the first six games of last season as a rookie and was forced into the lineup early due to injuries. He recorded on interception and 23 tackles last season.

The rookie out of Virginia has a wide receiver’s body standing at 6’2, but will take time to learn the system and also had character issues in college.

Sheppard spent most of his career in Philadelphia, Sheppard went to the Jets last season and had just one interception playing across Darrell Revis.

Sapp enters his seventh season after a career year after filling in for Winfield. Despite the success, Sapp only stared seven games last season and had no interceptions.

KYLE RATKE

sports editor For the first time in a while, the Minnesota Vikings will have a few unanswered questions at the cornerback position. The tandem of Antoine Winfield and Cedric Griffin, for the most part, has done an adequate job containing receivers in the past. Whether or not the two were talented enough has never been a question and until last year, neither has their health, but a few things have changed this

Full M 11am enu -11p m

season. Winfield broke his foot last season and looks to be at full strength, but one could argue a cornerback in his mid-30s is never at full-strength. He is expected to start at 100%. His counterpart, Griffin, is a different story. The former Texas Longhorn tore his ACL in last season’s NFC Championship game and is expected to miss at least the first game of the season. With most athletes, an ACL injury generally takes around two years for a player to be at 100%, so it’s safe to

say Griffin won’t be the same Griffin of old — at least not this year. The uncertainty of Winfield and Griffin caused the Vikings to take Chris Cook in the second-round of the NFL draft and sign free-agent Lito Sheppard. Cook, like all rookie cornerbacks, will go through some growing pains at the position as the Vikings have seen with former corner backs such as Marcus McCauley (no longer with team) and second-year player Asher Allen.

Cook will likely be eased into the position and with his size, it’s not crazy to see him play as a safety. Allen will likely see the field more and could possibly be the No. 3 corner back assuming first year Vikings Sheppard lines up across from Winfield. Sheppard, a notable player as a Philadelphia Eagle, had a rough year last season with the Jets and will attempt to redeem himself. Benny Sapp, who started seven games last season due to

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Winfield’s injury will also see some major time at the corner back position. At times Sapp looks as if he could start all season and other times looks like he is still a rookie. While most attention will be given to the quarterback position early this season, the cornerback position will be just as crucial and one small injury, could make this bad situation, much worse.

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Page 20 • Reporter

Vikings Training Camp 2010

Reporter • Page 21

Photos from training camp Tight end Vicanthe Shiancoe holds onto a pass during individual drills.

Head coach Brad Childress (hat) observes his players stretch before practice.

Marko Mitchell is wide awake while catching a ball at practice.

Vikings owner Zygi Wilf is shown walking the sidelines at training camp.

Rookie running back Toby Gerhart catches a pass in practice.

Taye Biddle (15) splits the defenders during a return.

Tavaris Jackson (left) and Sage Rosenfels discuss a few things at camp.

Benny Sapp (22) is having fun with a member of the Vikings coaching staff.

Jared Allen is having a little fun and posing for the camera.

Offensive lineman Phil Loadholt and other teammates stretch.

Apparently Adrian Peterson didn’t like the water very much.

Photos by Dan Moen / MSU Reporter

Bernard Berrian hauls in a pass at practice.

Page 22 • Reporter

Vikings Training Camp 2010

Reporter • Page 19

2 010 V i k i ng s SCH EDU L E

2 010 V i k i ng s Dep t h Cha rt

PRE-SEASON 8/14/10 8/22/10

6:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m.

free safety

@ St. Louis Rams @ San Francisco 49ers

8/28/10 9/2/10

7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m.

Seattle Seahawks Denver Broncos

cornerback

26 A. Winfield 31 C. Cook

20 M. Williams 39 H. Abdullah 12 R

weakside linebacker

51 B. Leber 50 E. Henderson

REGULAR SEASON 9/09/10 9/19/10 9/26/10 10/11/10 10/17/10 10/24/10 10/31/10 11/7/10

7:30 p.m. @ New Orleans Saints Noon Miami Dolphins Noon Detroit Lions BYE WEEK 7:30 @ New York Jets 3:15 Dallas Cowboys 7:20 @ Green Bay Packers 3:15 @ New England Patriots Noon Arizona Cardinals

11/14/10 11/21/10 11/28/10 12/5/10 12/12/10 12/20/10 12/26/10 1/2/11

Noon @ Chicago Bears Noon Green Bay Packers Noon @ Washington Redskins Noon Buffalo Bills Noon New York Giants 7:30 p.m. Chicago Bears Noon @ Philadelphia Eagles Noon @ Detroit Lions

2 010 n fc nort h schedule

CHICAGO BEARS

DETROIT LIONS

PRE-SEASON

8/14/10

@ San Diego Chargers

8/14/10

@ Pittsburgh Steelers

8/21/10

Oakland Raiders

8/21/10

@ Denver Broncos

8/28/10 Arizona Cardinals

8/28/10 Cleveland Browns

9/2/10

@ Cleveland Browns

Buffalo Bills

REGULAR SEASON

9/12/10

Detroit Lions

9/12/10

Chicago Bears

9/19/10

@ Dallas Cowboys

9/19/10

Philadelphia Eagles

9/27/10

Green Bay Packers

9/26/10 @ Minnesota Vikings

10/3/10

@ New York Giants

10/3/10

@ Green Bay Packers

10/10/10 @ Carolina Panthers

10/10/10 St. Louis Rams

10/17/10 Seattle Seahawks

10/17/10 @ New York Giants

10/24/10 Washington Redskins

BYE WEEK

10/31/10 Washington Redskins

11/7/10

@ Buffalo Bills

11/7/10

BYE WEEK New York Jets

11/14/10 Minnesota Vikings

11/14/10 @ Buffalo Bills

11/18/10 @ Miami Dolphins

11/21/10 @ Dallas Cowboys

11/28/10 Philadelphia Eagles

11/25/10 New England Patriots

12/5/10 @ Detroit Lions

12/5/10 Chicago Bears

12/12/10 New England Patriots

12/12/10 Green Bay Packers

12/20/10 @ Minnesota Vikings

12/19/10 @ Tampa Bay Bucs

12/26/10 New York Jets

12/26/10 @ Miami Dolphins

1/2/11

@ Green Bay Packers

Minnesota Vikings

tackle

74 B. McKinnie 60 D. Radovich

9 3

76 S. Hutchinson

wide receiver 12 P. Harvin 87 B. Berrian

kicker

R. Longwell

GREEN BAY PACKERS

5 R

guard

9 3

FULLBACK

1 7

38 N. Tahi 83 J. Dugan

punter

C. Kluwe

25 T. Johnson 33 J. Sanford

middle linebacker

56 E.J. Henderson 54 J. Brinkley

defensive end 91 R. Edwards 97 E. Griffen

strong safety

7 3

93 94 73 90

defensive tackle K. Williams P. Williams J. Kennedy F. Evans

center

65 J. Sullivan 68 J. Cooper

7 1

strongside linebacker

52 C. Greenway 59 H. Farwell 8 14 7 5

5 7

B. Favre T. Jackson S. Rosenfels

28 A.Peterson 32 T. Gerhart

69 J. Allen 96 B. Robison

guard

3 R

64 A. Herrera 72 C. DeGeare

tight end

20 5 10

running back

4 R

cornerback

23 C. Griffin 29 L. Sheppard 5 6

81 V. Shaincoe 40 J. Kleinsaser

7 4

7 R

8 12

kick returner 12 P. Harvin

R = Rookie

tackle

71 P. Loadholt 62 R. Cook

18 S. Rice 17 G. Lewis

12 P. Harvin

Rosenfels, Sage

6-4

225

03/06/1978 10 Iowa State

50 Henderson, Erin

OLB

Favre, Brett

6-2

222

10/10/1969 20 Wisconsin

51 Leber, Benjamin

OLB 6-3

244 12/07/1978 9

Kansas State

Kluwe, Christopher

6-4

215

12/24/1981 6

UCLA

52 Greenway, Chad

OLB 6-2

242

01/12/1983 5

Iowa

Jackson, Tarvaris

6-2

225

04/21/1983 5

Arkansas

54 Brinkley, Jasper

6-1

252

07/12/1985 1

South Carolina

Longwell, Ryan

6-0

200 08/16/1974 14 California

55 Onatolu, Kenny

6-2

225

10/08/1982 2

Nebraska-Omaha

Lloyd, Rhys

5-11 231

06/05/1982 4

Minnesota

56 Henderson, Eric

MLB 6-1

245

08/03/1980 7

Maryland

11 Johnson, Jaymar

6-0

176

07/10/1984 2

Jackson State

57 Leman, J

6-2

240

03/01/1985 1

Illinois

12 Harvin, Percy

5-11 184

05/28/1988 1

Florida

58 Triplett, Nate

6-3

247

03/15/1987 R

Minnesota

13 Hamilton, Marquis

6-3

222

06/18/1987 R

Iowa State

58 Noethlich, Bill

6-7

308

11/10/1986 R

SW Minnesota State

14 Webb, Joe

6-4

220

11/14/1986 R

UAB

60 Radovich, Drew

6-5

305

06/20/1985 1

USC

15 Biddle, Taye

6-1

185

2/27/1983

Mississippi

62 Cook, Ryan

6-6

328

05/08/1983 5

New Mexico

17 Lewis, Greg

6-0

185

02/12/1980 8

Illinois

63 Austin, Thomas

6-4

310

11/14/1986 R

Clemson

18 Rice, Sidney

6-4

202

09/01/1986 4

South Carolina

64 Herrera, Anthony

6-2

315

06/14/1980 7

Tennessee

REGULAR SEASON

20 Williams, Madieu

6-1

203

10/18/1981 7

Maryland

65 Sullivan, John

6-4

301

08/08/1985 3

Notre Dame

9/12/10

@ Philadelphia Eagles

21 Allen, Asher

5-9

194

01/22/1988 1

Georgia

68 Cooper, Jon

6-2

291

10/01/1986 1

Oklahoma

22 Sapp, Benjamin

5-9

190

01/20/1981 7

Northern Iowa

69 Allen, Jared

6-6

270

04/03/1982 7

Idaho State

9/19/10

Buffalo Bills

23 Griffin, Cedric

6-0

203

11/11/1982 5

Texas

71 Loadholt, Phil

6-8

343

01/21/1986 2

Oklahoma

9/27/10

@ Chicago Bears

22 Sapp, Benjamin

5-9

190

01/20/1981 6

Northern Iowa

71 Kennedy, Jimmy

6-4

320

01/15/1979 8

Penn State

23 Griffin, Cedric

6-0

203

11/11/1982 4

Texas

72 DeGeare, Chris

6-4

325

02/17/1987 R

Wake Forest

24 Wright, DeAndre

5-11 193

04/13/1986 1

New Mexico

74 McKinnie, Bryant

6-8

335

09/23/1979 9

Miami

25 Johnson, Tyrell

6-0

207

05/19/1985 3

Arkansas State

75 Clark, Chris

6-5

290 10/01/1985 2

26 Winfield, Antoine

5-9

180

06/24/1977 12 Ohio State

76 Hutchinson, Steve

6-5

313

11/01/1977 10 Michigan

27 Reynaud, Darius

5-9

201

12/29/1985 3

West Virginia

78 Brown, Patrick

6-5

310

12/25/1986 1

Central Florida

28 Peterson, Adrian

6-1

217

03/21/1985 4

Oklahoma

79 Battles, Adrian

6-3

311

10/30/1986 R

Minnesota State

29 Sheppard, Lito

5-10 194

04/08/1981 9

Florida

81 Shiancoe, Visanthe

6-4

250

06/18/1980 8

Morgan State

30 Moats, Ryan

5-8

210

12/17/1982 6

Louisiana Tech

83 Dugan, Jeffrey

6-4

258

04/08/1981 7

Maryland

31 Cook, Chris

6-2

212

02/15/1987 R

Virginia

84 Payne, Logan

6-2

205

01/21/1984 3

Minnesota

33 Sanford, Jamarca

5-10 200 08/27/1985 1

Mississippi

Shuler, Mickey

6-4

247

10/09/1986

Penn State

34 Young, Albert

5-10 209

02/25/1985 2

Iowa

Small, Ray

5-11

180

03/25/1987

Ohio State

5-10 175

09/30/1987 R

Minnesota

87 Berrian, Bernard

6-1

185

12/27/1980 7

Fresno State

37 Frampton, Eric

5-11 205

02/06/1984 4

Washington State

90 Evans, Frederick

6-4

305

10/06/1983 5

Texas State-San Marcos

11/28/10 @ Atlanta Falcons

38 Tahi, Naufahu

6-0

254

10/30/1981 5

Brigham Young

91 Edwards, Raymond

6-5

268

01/01/1985 5

Purdue

12/5/10 San Francisco 49ers

39 Abdullah, Husain

6-0

204

07/27/1985 3

Washington State

92 Mitchell, Jayme

6-6

285

03/15/1984 5

Mississippi

6-3

272

01/31/1977 12 North Dakota

93 Williams, Kevin

6-5

311

08/16/1980 8

Oklahoma State

8/14/10

Cleveland Browns

8/21/10

@ Seattle Seahawks

8/26/10 Indianapolis Colts 9/2/10

10/3/10

@ Kansas City Chiefs

Detroit Lions

10/10/10 @ Washington Redskins 10/17/10 Miami Dolphis 10/24/10 Minnesota Vikings 10/31/10 @ New York Jets 11/7/10

Dallas Cowboys

BYE WEEK

11/21/10 @ Minnesota Vikings

Sherels, Marcus

Kleinsasser, James

244

06/01/1968 3

Maryland

Southern Mississippi

12/12/10 @ Detroit Lions

41 Skinner, Terrell

6-2

214

02/24/1987 R

Maryland

94 Williams, Pat

6-3

317

10/24/1972 14 Texas A&M

12/19/10 @ New England Patriots

42 Johnson, Ian

5-11 212

09/25/1985 1

Boise State

95 Johnson, Tremaine

6-2

285

09/26/1985 1

Louisiana State

44 D’Imperio, Ryan

6-2

241

08/15/1987 R

Rutgers

96 Robison, Brian

6-3

259

04/28/1983 4

Texas

45 Mills, Garrett

6-1

235

10/12/1983 5

Tulsa

97 Griffen, Everson

6-3

273

12/22/1987 R

USC

46 Loeffler, Cullen

6-5

241

01/27/1981 7

Texas

98 Guion, Letroy

6-4

303

06/21/1987 3

Florida State

49 Anderson, Colt

5-10 194

10/25/1985 1

Montana

99 Montgomery, Mike

6-5

282

08/18/1983 6

Texas A&M

12/26/10 New York Giants 1/2/11

@ Chicago Bears

4 8

punt returner

2 010 V i k i ng s N U M ERIC ROST ER 6-3

1 5

wide receiver

PRE-SEASON

5 9

defensive end

quarterback

4 7 2

3 3

Vikings Training Camp 2010

Reporter • Page 23

Rice no one-hit wonder, fine without Favre PAT DELANEY | staff writer

Having chemistry is important in all sports. Whether it is the chemistry between a pitcher and catcher in baseball, a line of forwards in hockey or between a starting five in basketball. Where chemistry is extremely visible, is that of a quarterback and his receivers. When a quarterback really trusts his receiver to be where he wants him to be, or know that when he releases the ball his guy is going to come up with it is what separates great passing offenses from average ones. The amount of chemistry Brett Favre and Sidney Rice had last season helped the Vikings become one of the most feared passing teams in the NFL, something that hadn’t been true since Randy Moss left Minnesota in 2005. Favre found Rice 83 times throughout the regular season, good for 1,312 yards receiving. That total was the 8thhighest in franchise history and a huge reason the Vikings had the success they did last season. Favre trusted Rice enough to sometimes just throw the ball deep because he knew Rice would come down with it. Week 6 Vs. Baltimore: Rice was able to amass 176 yards against and made one of the best plays of the season late in the game when

the Vikings needed to score. Noticing a cornerback in man coverage, Rice broke off from his original route, instead streaking down the field. Favre was able to sense what Rice was going to do and instead of throwing a short pass, heaved the ball down the field where Rice was able to out-jump the defenders and come up with the catch that would put the Vikings in position to kick the game-winning field goal. Week 10 Vs. Detroit: Rice was able to come up with 201 yards, the fourth most receiving yards in one game by a player in team history. Post-season: The pair also took its show to the playoffs, disassembling the Dallas defense in its first matchup. Rice was able to come up with 141 yards and three touchdowns while Minnesota came up with a convincing 34-3 victory. His Hip Injury: Rice is battling a hip injury that he suffered in the NFC championship game and is limited to what he can do in practice right now. That could be concerning, but Rice is still getting work in he is just limited to what he can do right now. “We’ll take it day to day see how things go,” said Rice during Mankato’s training camp. “Hopefully I’ll be back

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out here as soon as possible.” His Future: Rice always had the talent to be an elite receiver, but it wasn’t until Favre arrived that you were able to see his Pro Bowl caliber ability. At 6-feet4-inches and 202 pounds, Rice’s size alone makes him a matchup nightmare. He backs up that size with phenomenal hands and a sense of fearlessness when running routes. Rice doesn’t have the blazing speed that his teammates Bernard Berrian and Percy Harvin have but he has football speed. He is able to beat defenders by running precise routes and knowing where to go to get open. With Rice likely limited for the first couple weeks of practice and Favre considering retirement, some might worry that the Rice’s year may turn out to be a one-hit wonder. Yet Rice flashed loads of potential over his first two seasons sans Favre. Add in that prior to last season the guy started training with two of the best receivers in the game today (Larry Fitzgerald, Greg Jennings) and one of the best of all time (Cris Carter) “I’ll be fine,” Rice said. “We still got time before the season starts. I’m comfortable. As long as I am in my best shape and healthy, I’ll be fine, there won’t be any setbacks.”

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Page 24 • Reporter

Vikings Training Camp 2010

Harvin hopes to avoid Sophomore slump LEE HANDEL

staff writer How do you build upon an opening act in which you set the bar so high for yourself? That will be the challenge for Minnesota Vikings wideout Percy Harvin as he embarks on his second year in the NFL. After a breakout rookie campaign that culminated with NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors, Harvin’s goal in 2010 will be to avoid a sophomore slump that is common for many second-year players. He won’t be able to catch anyone off guard this season now that opposing teams have had a full year to pick apart his strengths and weaknesses and build a game plan against him. However, Harvin possesses an abundance of confidence, and expects this year to be even better for he and the team. “We set the standard high last year, and we’ll continue to this year,” said Harvin. “We can’t live on last year. We have to come out here and put in the same amount of work we did last year and get back to where we were and finish it this year. I’m team first, and individual

shannon rathmanner • msu reporter Percy Harvin returns a kick in practice. Harvin is known for his return skills, receiving skills and rushing skills

(goals) second.” Harvin entered the league with a bang in 2009, becoming the first Viking ever to score a touchdown in each of their first three games. He became the second-youngest player ever to return a kickoff for a touchdown when he returned one 101 yards in Week 3 against San Francisco. He finished the season with 60 catches for 790 yards and six touchdowns, while also

establishing himself as one of the NFL’s elite kick returners, averaging 27.5 yards a return and scoring two touchdowns. This got him selected to his first Pro Bowl as a kick returner. Harvin’s role on the team is expected to grow even bigger in 2010, and offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell believes this year’s edition of Percy can be even better. “I think number one, he can improve,” said Bevell. “Just

some of the little nuances of the offense. Another year always helps him. We’ll continue to search and look for things that will get the ball in his hands.” One of the most impressive things about Harvin’s rookie season was how quickly he built a connection with future Hall of Famer Brett Favre and how well the two worked together. In order to improve on last season, it would help Harvin to have Favre back under center. He echoed what most Vikings are saying about the veteran quarterback. “We’d love to have (Favre) if he comes back,” said Harvin. “If not, we’re working with Tarvaris (Jackson) and Sage (Rosenfels) and the guys that are here right now.” Harvin has already established himself as one of the most dangerous and explosive players in the league, a “hybrid” player who could beat an opposing team in many different ways. Besides catching passes and returning kickoffs, he also serves as a threat running the football. The ultra-versatile Harvin may be adding yet another weapon to his arsenal this year

by returning punts. “Percy’s put time into it this summer,” said special teams coach Brian Murphy. “So we are going to bring him up to speed and find the best guys.” Harvin is known for his great work ethic and was determined to improve his body even more this offseason. He added more muscle mass down in Florida, especially to his upper body, and has gained 10 to 12 pounds. He credits this to not having to prepare for the NFL combine or pre-draft workouts like he did last year. “He looks good. He’s thick,” said head coach Brad Childress. “It looks like he wintered very well in Gainesville.” The only thing holding Harvin back right now, it seems, is his on-going battle with migraine headaches. Migraines caused Harvin to miss one regular season game last season, as well as two of the practices leading up to the NFC Championship game against the New Orleans Saints. However, Harvin and the Vikings hope they are a thing of the past.

Vikings Training Camp 2010

Reporter • Page 25

Sullivan is a center of attention LEE HANDEL

staff writer Many Minnesota Vikings fans who watch the games and listen to the play-by-play might say they have never seen thirdyear center John Sullivan or heard his name being called, and they probably haven’t. When you are a young and unestablished offensive lineman in the NFL, this is a good thing. More often than not, if an offensive lineman is mentioned during a game it is because they did something wrong. However, the position is widely-regarded to be the most important in the game of football. Over-shadowed by the more “big name” players at more glamorous positions, Sullivan is quietly entering his second season as the Vikings starting center and getting better by the day. “I’m just trying to improve every time I step out onto the field, whether it’s practice or game time,” Sullivan said. “One of my main focuses is just to play lower. Football is such a game about leverage that the low man usually wins.” He is part of an offensive line that just helped quarterback Brett Favre to the best statistical year of his 20-year career and sent running back Adrian Peterson to yet another Pro Bowl. Sullivan was also able to meet the lofty challenge of filling the shoes of departed All-Pro

center Matt Birk and has already been a model of consistency with just one year’s worth of starting experience. “I tip my hat off to Phil Loadholt and to John Sullivan,” said guard Steve Hutchinson. “They both fought hard and prepared as well as anybody on that team.” Sullivan started all 16 regular season games and both playoff games last season, this after never starting his entire rookie season of 2008. He was drafted by the Vikings in the sixth round out of Notre Dame and has since progressed steadily every year. “Experience obviously helps, I feel like last year I became a better player,” said Sullivan. “The goal is to just keep improving as individuals and as a team.” It didn’t hurt that Sullivan got to snap the ball to one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, and he credits Brett Favre for his progression. “Working with Brett was huge; he’s a great resource for young players. He has that infectious attitude and ability that just raises the level of everybody that he plays with,” said Sullivan. Sullivan and rookie Phil Loadholt also learned a lot from the more seasoned

veterans on the O-line in their first years as starters, especially from AllPro’s Hutchinson and Bryant McKinnie. “The offensive line, in order to be successful, really has to have good chemistry and be on the same page,” Sullivan said. “I feel like I was very lucky to be able to play with quality players like Steve and Big Mac.” Sullivan’s steady improvement isn’t going unnoticed by his peers on the offensive line, and Hutchinson believes the two second-year starters will be even better this season. “Just by having gone through it, and gone through a pressing playoff situation and the big games and the big events,” he said. “That all kind of hardens the steel so to speak, and everybody should be that much better this year.” With the likes of fierce passrushers Ndamukong Suh and Julius Peppers coming to the NFC North this year, it will be imperative for Sullivan and the rest of the offensive line to keep whoever is playing quarterback for the Vikings on their feet in a division with some very talented defensive lines. Of course, Sullivan would love to see Brett Favre back in purple come mid-August.

“There has been a lot of talk about players being treated differently, guys aren’t the same. Brett has been playing for 20 years and he has earned some lee-way,” he said. “We’d love to have him, everybody knows that. I speak for myself and I think I speak for most of

the guys.” One thing for certain is that Sullivan is becoming very comfortable in purple and would love to be starting at center for the Vikings long after he is done snapping the ball to Favre.

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Page 26 • Reporter

Vikings Training Camp 2010

More flip-flops than a Florida beach Brett Favre’s retirements and unretirements 2008

March 4 — Retires after 17-year career, 16 with the Packers. March 6 — At news conference at Lambeau Field: “I know I can play but I don’t think I want to. It’s been a great career for me, but it’s over. As they say, all good things must come to an end. I look forward to whatever the future may hold for me.” April 25 — Placed on reserve-retired list; Packers plan to retire his No. 4 jersey in regular-season game against Vikings. June 20 — Tells Packers coach Mike McCarthy he wants to come back: “When he picked up the phone again after he dropped it, he said, ‘Oh, God, Brett. You’re putting us in a tight spot. He said, ‘Brett, playing here is not an option.’ Those were his exact, exact words.” July 11 — Requests release so he can return to NFL with another team: “The finality of his decision to retire was accepted by the organization. At that point, the Green Bay Packers made the commitment to move forward with our football team,” reads team-issued statement. July 17 — Vikings have no comment on allegations by Packers that they made inappropriate contact before or during his effort to unretire. Aug. 3 — NFL says he will be reinstated and added to Packers’ active roster. Aug. 4 — Returns to Packers after failing to come to financial agreement that would keep him retired. “Once again, there has been indecision throughout Brett’s path back here to Green Bay. It’s important for us to sit down

and communicate,” McCarthy says. Aug. 6 — Traded to New York Jets. Aug. 7 — At news conference in Cleveland, where Jets are in town for a preseason game: “I’m a little out of shape, compared to the other guys. The last 24 hours have been crazy. This offseason has been bizarre. But I’m excited by this opportunity.” Aug. 9 — “I know I still can play. I don’t think too many people question that. I think a lot of people question what happened this offseason.”_

2009

Feb. 11 — Retires after one season with Jets, claiming injured right shoulder is too sore after team misses playoffs. “I have family and friends who are like, ‘All right, Brett. Is this the real deal?’ To me, it is. It is. Believe me. It’s been a wonderful career, I couldn’t ask for anything more. It was worth a shot for me to go to New York. I wish I could’ve played better down the stretch. I didn’t. It’s time to leave.” April 28 — Released from reserve-retired list by Jets, making him a free agent: “At this time, I am retired and have no intention of returning to football.” May 1 — Vikings express interest. July 28 — Calls Vikings coach Brad Childress and says he’s staying retired: “It was the hardest decision I’ve ever made. I didn’t feel like physically I could play at a level that was acceptable. I would like to thank everyone, including the Packers, Jets and Vikings — but, most importantly, the fans.” Aug. 18 — Signs with Vikings: “You need to cross over that line. You need to take that chance. At 39 years old,

your arm may not feel like it did at 21, but the pieces are in place here where you don’t have to do as much ... “If they were willing to take that chance, I was, too.” Aug. 21 — Debuts for Vikings in preseason game, going 1 for 4 for 4 yards in a 17-13 victory over Kansas City. Sept. 13 — In his first regular-season game as a Viking, makes his 270th consecutive start and throws a TD pass in a 34-20 win at Cleveland. Oct. 5 — Few games have been hyped the way his first appearance against the Packers. Game in Minneapolis draws largest cable TV audience ever as he throws for three TDs and 271 yards in a 30-23 victory: “I don’t know how to explain it. I felt right, but I guess I never thought I’d be in that situation.” Nov. 1 — Favre’s first game as a visitor at Lambeau is a rousing success — four TDs in a 38-26 victory. A camera follows him the entire game that fans could watch on a Webcast. “Hey Favre Halloween is over! Take off that silly purple costume,” reads one sign.

2010

Jan. 24 — Battered after leading Vikings to a 12-4 record and a playoff win, he throws a last-minute interception at New Orleans and Saints go on to win NFC title game in OT: “Just wondering if I can hold up, especially after a day like today. Physically and mentally. That was pretty draining.” May 21 — Confirms arthroscopic surgery on left ankle, a necessary step if he were to play again. Aug. 3 — Tells Vikings he’s not returning.

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Vikings Training Camp 2010

Reporter • Page 27

Chris Kluwe: NFL punter, gaming consultant NATE BRENNAN

editor in chief Video games and the NFL go eerily hand-in-hand. In 2005, the NFL and the NFLPA signed an exclusive licensing deal with EA Sports, the company that produces the ever-popular Madden games. On road trips and in locker rooms, players pass the time and take their mind of playing actual sports by playing virtual sports. Earlier this year, Wired magazine asked how many players in the NFL play “Madden NFL” to Brandon Stokley, whose video-gamelike catch and swerving to run down the clock won the Broncos their first game of the season. His response: “Everybody.” Well, maybe not everybody. Vikings Punter Chris Kluwe is possibly the biggest video gamer in the NFL, but does not play “Madden,” or any other sports game. At Vikings training camp in Mankato, Kluwe is signing autographs when a precocious pre-teen Vikings fan challenges Kluwe to play him in “Madden.” “You’d probably beat me,” Kluwe says with a smile. “I don’t know why, but I’m just not good at sports games.” What skill Kluwe may lack in virtual athletics in comparison to his NFL counterparts, he more than makes up for by being the most established video gamer in the league.

Kluwe started gaming at the age of four and quickly accumulated every platform available to game on other than the Sega Genesis. He said he currently owns every platform available to game on. Once he started gaining notoriety for being one of the best and highest-paid punters in the NFL, his off-the-field accolades started to come out. He has won numerous “Guitar Hero” competitions. He has mastered the bestselling massively-multiplayeronline-role-playing-game “World of Warcraft,” controlling a 70th-level Troll Rogue (the highest level) as part of one of the top-ranked guilds in the nation. In the locker room, teammates will go to Kluwe to see what he’s playing or what he recommends. He even frequents Minneapolis radio station KFAN to talk video games on its Video Games Weekly program. If you ask Kluwe what his favorite video games are, there is no hesitation as he rattles off 10 or more game titles in seconds, some dating back as far as 1993, and most of which the casual gamer has never heard of. “’Final Fantasy 3’ would probably be the top RPG (role-playing game) of all time, followed by ‘Final Fantasy 7.’ I like ‘Ogre Battle’ for Super Nintendo. That was a really cool game, I spent a lot of time playing that. I really liked ‘Lost Odyssey’

photo courtesy of gaming blog TenTonHammer.com Vikings punter Chris Kluwe raiding the World of Warcraft with his baby daughter.

that I think Mistwalker Studios released a couple years ago.” At this point in the article, I know what you’re thinking. I was thinking it, too. So I told him. “You know Chris, you may be the nerdiest player in the NFL.” Kluwe laughs at the accusation. “I’ve actually heard that before and I take it as a compliment,” Kluwe

Kluwe / page 37

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Page 28 • Reporter

Vikings Training Camp 2010

VIKINGS FANTASY FOOTBALL PREVIEW Adrian Peterson With the surprisingly aerial attack the Vikings took last season, all those stacked fronts Peterson faced throughout his monster ’08 campaign seemed to disappear and open the field up for him to tear through. Yards-wise, Peterson didn’t live up to the giant expectations he set for himself nor eclipse any records a la Chris Johnson, but his 1389 yds. ranked 5th overall and the 18 TDs he put in on the ground were tops in the NFL. A 265-fantasy-point season may be career-best for some, but it was considered somewhat of a disappointment to owners drafting him first overall, especially those who saw him drop the ball in the red zone too often. Look for him to “rebound” this year with a more consistentlyhigher yardage total, a few more carries and, hopefully, less fumbles. You can’t go wrong picking him in the top two. 2009 stats — 315 carries/1389 yards rushing/18 rush TDs/43 receptions/436 yds. rec./0 rec. TDs/265 total points 2010 projection — 335 car./1550 rush. yds./16 rush TDs/30 rec./350 rec. yds./1 rec. TD/292 pts. Sidney Rice Rice, a huge third-year-breakout star, was unsurprisingly the same guy who was Favre’s favorite target and go-to-guy down the field. What was surprising is just how quickly Rice leapfrogged his counterpart Bernard Berrian as the team’s top wideout. Rice did it by catching 69 percent of his targets and averaging nearly 16 yards per catch. There may be a slight drop off this year, but if and when Favre decides he’s finished playing around with high schoolers and any media outlet who will listen, and puts that

Vikings jersey back on, Rice will be there, ready to catch that first deep pass. 2009 stats — 122 targets/83 rec./1312 rec. yds./8 rec. TDs/169 pts. 2010 proj. — 125 tar./80 rec./1200 rec. yds./7 rec. TDs/163 pts. Percy Harvin Lighting in a bottle. Stop me if you heard an announcer describe Harvin this way last year, as it seemed to be an every-game occurrence. But while those announcers may have lacked in creatively describing things, they weren’t offbase in the slightest. Harvin has the speed an elusiveness of Devin Hester on the return team, but unlike the Bears wideout, he also knows how to run a route and catch a ball. Add in the creative ways he’s used in the backfield and you’ve got a legitimate home run threat from a variety of positions out of just one guy. Talent is obviously not the problem with Harvin, it’s consistency of use on offense. He only had one 100-yd game last season and if it weren’t for his two return TDs, he would have finished 10 games with just seven fantasy points or less, including three with one or fewer points. He’s a borderline third or fourth wide receiver on a fantasy team until he sees more looks his way. 2009 stats — 91 tar/60 rec./790 rec. yds./6 rec. TDs/15 rush/135 rush. yds./132 pts. 2010 proj. — 105 tar./75 rec./900 rec. yds./5 rec. TDs/18 rush/150 rush yds./2 return TDs./157 pts.

Vikings Training Camp 2010

Peterson, Rice top rankings Visanthe Shiancoe Before last season, I oozed love for Shianc-dog. And after a year’s worth of glorious tweets, locker room camera follies and seeing the Favre-toShiancoe endzone connection 11 times, what is there not to love about the former Morgan State standout? He won’t rack up the yards with all the other weapons on the Vikings roster, but he will be there in the red zone to continue to rack up the TDs and be a top-10 fantasy tight end. 2009 stats — 78 tar./56 rec./566 yds./11 TDs/115 pts. 2010 proj. — 88 tar/60 rec./600 yds./9 TDs/114 pts. Bernard Berrian Bernard who? After a great first year with the Vikings and Frerotte in ’08, Berrian seemed relatively nonexistent with Favre, tallying zero 100-yd games, two double-digit fantasy games and just four TDs. He can only go up, but the ceiling is pretty low if he’s going to continue to see fewer than 100 targets. 2009 stats — 92 tar./55 rec./618 yds./4 TDs/78 pts. 2010 proj — 99 tar./60 rec./725 yds./5 TDs/103 pts. Vikings D/ST The NFL sack leaders a season ago return all its key players, including a mulletless Jared Allen and a recovered-from-horrific-looking-injury E.J. Henderson. But whereas they are perennial runstoppers, the secondary can be beat, and often was last season. The additions of Lito Sheppard and second-round pick Chris Cook could help, but temper your expectations and cross your fingers when you see a deep pass on NFL Sunday. 2009 stats — 48 sacks/11 int./13 fumble

recoveries/3 ret. TDs/312 points allowed/126 pts. 2010 proj. — 45 sacks/13 int./16 fr./2 ret. TDs/300 pts. all./130 pts. Brett Favre Is Favre going to re-re-retire? We doubt it. He’s not in Mankato for camp, but that’s only because he doesn’t want to be here, not because he’s unable. I guess when you’re the all-time leader in passing touchdowns (and interceptions) you get a little more leeway than a Tarvaris Jackson. Last year, Favre quickly transformed himself from Minnesota’s most hated NFL to the most beloved. While his last one may be the most remembered from last season, he threw an all-time low in interceptions (7) and finished as the third-ranked fantasy QB. He may not stay in the top-5 this year, but he should remain in the top-10… or re-re-retire. 2009 stats — 363 completions/4,202 passing yds./33 TDs/7 interceptions/274 pts. 2010 proj. — 355 comp./4,100 yds./30 TDs/13 int./258 pts. Tarvaris Jackson This is your option if Favre retires. Be afraid. Jackson possesses loads of raw talent, but hasn’t figured out how to translate that into his overall game. He also lacks consistency. He’s as likely to surprise you with a three TD, zero interception performance as he is to crush you with a zero TD, three interception performance. Stay away on draft day. NATE BRENNAN | editor-in-chief

photos by shannon rathmanner• msu reporter

Reporter • Page 29

Page 30 • Reporter

Vikings Training Camp 2010

Williamses try to stay out of courts, on field LEE HANDEL | staff writer

Minnesota Vikings fans frequently see defensive tackles Kevin and Pat Williams doing everything together at training camp. One thing they don’t want to see the “Williams Wall” doing in 2010 is standing on the sidelines. Fans have been crossing their fingers the past couple of years in hopes that the All-Pro pair of run-stoppers will avoid four-game suspensions handed down on them by the NFL after they tested positive for taking a banned diuretic called StarCaps. The Williamses failed drug tests shortly after reporting to training camp in 2008 and immediately appealed their suspensions in order to ultimately avoid them, and it is beginning to look more and more likely that they will. The pair has been able to play the last two seasons while their case was pending thanks to Hennepin County Judge Gary Larson, who issued the tandem an injunction that protected them from the NFL’s discipline. Larson would later

issue a ruling allowing Kevin, entering the Williamses to sue his eighth year in the the NFL for allegedly league, was named violating Minnesota drugto his fourth straight testing laws. Pro Bowl last season The Williamses have and is a five-time testified that they used All-Pro. He is known the diuretic to help for his ability to stop manage their weight in the run and rush the order to earn bonuses. passer, recording six Due to appeals by both sacks last season and sides, it looks as if the 48.5 for his career. Williamses’ lawsuit will With the Brett drag on long enough to Favre hoopla heating allow both players to play up for the second all of 2010 suspensionconsecutive year, free as the case will likely Kevin is worrying not be resolved until after only about what he the season. can control heading Neither player arrived into the season. at camp worrying about a “I’m going to possible suspension. be here, that is one “It’s training camp, thing I do know, so shannon rathmanner • msu reporter that is what I focus we’re here to have some Kevin Williams (above) and fellow defensive linefun and that’s all I’m on,” said Kevin. man look to avoid a suspension for the third year gonna focus on,” said Pat Rumored to be in a row. Williams. taking part in his final The dynamic duo, who training camp, Pat 2007 and 2008, the Vikings seem to almost annually enters his fourteenth season defense finished second accompany each other to the 18 pounds lighter and having statistically against the run Pro Bowl, currently anchor a not lost a step. The three-time last season. They should be defensive line that is known Pro Bowler will turn 38 in amongst the league’s stingiest league-wide for stopping the October, but is still widely defenses against the run yaet run. thought of as an elite defensive again this season, especially After allowing the fewest tackle and the key cog in the with their core gap-stuffers on rushing yards in the league in Vikings stellar run defense. He the field.

missed three games in 2009 due to shoulder and elbow injuries, but enters camp in tip-top shape. “I just want to feel good this year, so if I want to take some days off at practice, coach won’t get mad at me,” he said. Although the head coach may not entirely believe Pat, he approves of the weight loss. “I’m not sure how he lost those 18 pounds, but I’m glad he did,” said Brad Childress. Like their battle with StarCaps, the Williamses seem to tackle everything together, including their preparation for training camp. Despite coming to Mankato separately, they arrived at the same time and entered the dorms with identical fans. “That’s how we roll,” said Pat. With the threat of suspensions off in the distant future, the Williamses can now turn their attention to some unfinished business. “The thing we’re shooting for is the Super Bowl,” said Kevin. “Anything short of that would be a failure for us.”

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Vikings Training Camp 2010

Reporter • Page 31

Edwards re-signs amidst uncapped year DREW CLAUSSEN | staff writer

The phrase “uncapped year,” meaning a season with no salary cap, might lead one to believe that owners would be able to open their wallets and spend large sums of money on players, but as we saw with Ray Edwards contract negotiations this past off-season, that assumption is not true. On June 14 Edwards signed a one-year, $2.521 million contract with the Vikings. Edwards, who was a restricted free agent in the uncapped year, signed the contract one day before the deadline where teams can reduce their tender offers, if it hadn’t been accepted, to 110 percent of the players 2009 salary. Edwards was reportedly unhappy with the money he received after he had a solid season. “He just is a relentless guy who as the season goes on he seems to get better,” said defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier. “Part of it is being more confident at the position in his second year, but last year his work ethic throughout the year really paid off for him. At the end of the year when a lot

of the guys were beat up and tired, he was really hitting his stride.” The 2009 season was a breakout one for Edwards. He had a career-high number of sacks with 8.5 and tied a team record for sacks in a playoff game with three in the divisional round game against Dallas. Critics attributed Edwards’ success to playing on a line which featured Pat and Kevin Williams and Jared Allen whom require double teams, meaning Edwards got many of his tackles and sacks in single-blocked and even unblocked situations. According to coach Frazier, however, Edwards was a vital part of the defensive line that was so solid a year ago. “Our D-line led the league in sacks a year ago and they are a major reason why we’re so good against the run. And now with Ray coming along as well, it just makes our defensive line complete,” Frazier said. “Right now, our starting four is probably as good as any starting four in the National Football League.” The reason for the lack of a salary cap this season is that, since the early 1990s,

the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the NFL and the players’ union has included a final year in which the salary cap disappears. The goal of this tactic was to try to encourage the two sides to reach a new deal with more than a year remaining in the current deal. Along with the lack of salary cap, there is no salary floor. This means that, although minimum salaries must be honored, teams could dump high salaries and replace them with cheaper talent to enhance profits. The uncapped year also looks like an imminent precursor to a lockout. The union has said that they firmly believe that the NFL is preparing for a lockout, though some believe that the NFL is just trying to make the players believe that a lockout is coming as a sort of scare tactic. The fact is that nobody really knows what will happen next year. The CBA prevents a strike or lockout while the deal is in place, so the only thing we know for sure is that there would be a season this year. After that it’s anyone’s guess.

shannon rathmanner • msu reporter Ray Edwards signed a one-year contract extension with the Vikings, despite having an above-average 2009 season.

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Page 32 • Reporter

Vikings Training Camp 2010

Frazier leads dangerous ‘D’ into 2010 DEREK WEHRWEIN | staff writer

Leslie Frazier’s name has started to come up as a candidate for head coaching positions, but — for at least one more season — the assistant head coach and defensive coordinator will return to the Minnesota Vikings. His return means the entire 2009 coaching staff will be back for another year — and no one knows the value of keeping a coaching staff intact more than Frazier. “It really helps your football team when you’re able to bring back a staff from a very successful team and not have to have players adjust to a different style or different scheme,” Frazier said Monday. “It’s got to be a plus for our football team. It keeps that comfort level you like to have.” Frazier, who was a candidate for the Buffalo Bills head coaching

position this summer, has helped build the Vikings defense into a formidable unit, particularly against the run. And, as he pointed out at his press conference Monday, it’s not just the coaching staff that’s returning intact. “It’s great to have just about all of our starters back on defense,” Frazier said. “That’s big for our defense and our football team.” Frazier has served as the Vikings’ defensive coordinator since 2007. During that time the Vikings are third in the NFL in sacks with 131. Their defense ranked sixth in the NFL in both 2008 and 2009, marking the first time since 1993 and 1994 that the team’s defense was ranked in the NFL’s top ten in consecutive years. “(Leslie) brings a savvy and a confidence to our defense,” linebacker Ben Leber said. “He has confidence in us as

AP photo Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator Leslie Frazier is someone NFL organizations want running their team, but he will return in 2010 to lead the sack-leading Vikings toward another Super Bowl run.

players we have confidence in the staff. He knows everybody’s skill set and puts everybody in the right position to make plays and that’s what you need in a coordinator.” Frazier also has the ability to keep things simple, Leber indicated. “We’ll disguise some

stuff, we’ll show some stuff, but for the most part he just lets us play,” he said. While Frazier’s days as a Viking may be numbered — it appears likely he will land a head coaching position within the next few years — he indicated his focus remains

on getting done what Minnesota fell just short of doing last season. “We’re all hoping that this is the magical year, that this will be the one,” he said. “So far I think we’re off to a great start at training camp.”

Vikings Training Camp 2010

Reporter • Page 33

What knee injury? E.J. recovers quickly DREW CLAUSSEN | staff writer

It seems like E.J. Henderson has been down this road before. For the second straight yeah Henderson is arriving at training camp after his season before was cut short due to a season ending injury. With two straight season-ending injuries Henderson’s name maybe often preceded by the words “injury-prone” when people talk about him. Even though Henderson has suffered season-ending injuries in back-to-back seasons he is not at all wary about getting back on the field. “I think football’s so fast that you don’t have time to be intrepid or be scared or think about maybe a hit to the leg or something like that,” Henderson said “It happens so fast that if you want to be the player you want to be you got to be aggressive.” Hendrson’s 2008 season ended Oct. 6, 2008 in a game vs. the Tennessee Titans when he dislocated two of his toes on his left foot. The team ended

Henderson’s season the week following the game by placing him on the injuredreserve. Henderson was off to a fast start before the injury. In four games he recorded 27 tackles and one sack. Henderson recovered form the toe injury in time for the 2009 season and started the opening week for the Vikings. During week 13 on NBC’s Sunday Night Football game between the Vikings and Arizona Cardinals Henderson suffered yet another season-ending injury. Arizona was leading the game 27-10 late in the 4th quarter when Tim Hightower took a handoff right in an attempt to drain the clock. Henderson fractured his femur when he took teammate Jamarca Sanford’s helmet to the leg while both were trying to tackle Hightower. In 2009 Henderson played 12 games and notched 83 tackles with two sacks. Henderson now has a titanium rod in his leg. “That leg may be stronger that the other

leg,” said Vikings coach Brad Childress “He feels like, and we feel like, he’s lifted enough weights and run enough straight line conditioning. He did all of the offseason conditioning manual that we sent home with our guys. He did every rep in that thing, so logically the next step is to get him out there and do some football type of movements.” Henderson was born in Fort Campbell Ky. He played his college ball at the University of Maryland. While at Maryland Henderson racked up a

plethora of awards including First-Team All-American twice, First-Team All-ACC twice, ACC Player of the Year, ACC Defensive Player of the Year twice, the Chuck Bednarik Award and the Butkus award. The Vikings drafted Henderson with pick number 40 in 2003. He played special teams his rookie season and had 27 tackles. He became a starter in 2004 and led the team with 125 tackles 7 for a loss. His first career sack was against the Philadelphia Eagles when he took down Donovan McNabb. 2004 was also the year when he suffered his first injury, missing two games with a knee injury. Henderson led the team in tackles again in 2006 with a career high 142. He also made his first interception and scored his first defensive touchdown on the same play against Detroit. He had a total of tow interceptions on the year, which are the only two of his career. In 2007 he led the team in tackles for a second consecutive year and was recognized

by receiving votes in the Associated Press All-Pro balloting and was selected as an alternate for the pro bowl. Since becoming a fulltime starter in his second season Henderson has evolved to become the leader of the defense. He was selected to be the captain of the defense in 2008 and 2009. “For the most part it’s just nice to have him back out here,” said fellow Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway “It’s just to have his presence is great to have his body back out there making the calls and be out there running around as well as he is, is pretty amazing.” Henderson is one of the main reasons why the team’s defense is always ranked near the top of the league because of his excellent tackling and runstopping ability. Vikings team members, coaches and fans alike are probably hoping to see a full seasons work from Henderson during the 2010 season.

Page 34 • Reporter

Vikings Training Camp 2010

Packers fans react to Favre hoopla

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Brett Favre’s former teammates greeted the latest twist in the MVP quarterback’s long-running retirement saga with a collective shoulder shrug. The Green Bay Packers have been through year after year of Favre retirement speculation — and a couple of his actual retirements — so forgive them if they don’t overreact to reports that Favre has told the Minnesota Vikings he won’t be back. “If he is retired, congratulations,” Packers linebacker Nick Barnett said playfully, hamming it up for the cameras and tape recorders. “If he’s not, we have the same goal, and that’s to hit him. It doesn’t matter if he retires or not or whoever’s playing quarterback over there — Norman Bates, Jeffrey Dahmer, Saddam Hussein, doesn’t matter.” Except it does matter. If Favre really stays home this time, the Packers likely become the consensus fa-

vorite to win the NFC North and perhaps make a serious run in the playoffs. Coming off an 11-5 season and wild card playoff loss at Arizona, Packers coaches and players opened this year’s training camp by talking openly about their expectations to contend for the Super Bowl. Aaron Rodgers is developing into an elite quarterback, he’s surrounded by talented offensive players and the defense improved dramatically under coordinator Dom Capers last year — although the team still has significant questions, especially on the offensive line and special teams. Given the fact that Favre beat his former team twice last year, not having No. 4 in purple would go a long way toward smoothing out the Packers’ road back to the playoffs — although nobody in Green Bay was saying that Tuesday. “I don’t think so,” safety Nick Collins said. “Min-

nesota, Chicago, they have great teams. Detroit (is) on the rise. Everybody has upgraded in some areas on their roster. This is going to be a great division this year.” And given Favre’s history of waffling over retirement, Packers players suspect the story might not be over. “You know what? I still wouldn’t count him out,” tight end Donald Lee said. “I don’t think he’s retiring until the season starts. When the season starts and he’s not there, then I’ll say he’s officially retired.” Other players seemed to have the same level of skepticism. “If he’s going to retire, he’s going to retire,” offensive lineman Daryn Colledge said. “If not, he’ll be back for, what, his 17th season, is it? I don’t know, 20th season, 50th? It’s one of those things, if he can play, he’s going to play, and I would expect if he’s (able to be) back, he’s going to do it because he thinks he can help his team.”

Just Brett being Brett, right? “You know, that’s Brett,” Collins said. “He’s his own man, he’s going to make the decision.” Perhaps not surprisingly, the Packers’ front office wasn’t interested in addressing one of its least favorite story lines. “I really don’t have any reaction,” Packers coach Mike McCarthy said. Packers general manager Ted Thompson said somebody told him about the Favre reports on the practice field Tuesday morning, but said he hasn’t been thinking about it — even about how it might change the dynamics within the division. “This time of year I think you are more focused on your own team because your team is in the process, it’s in the kitchen being cooked,” Thompson said. “We’ve got three or four weeks to kind of decide how our team is going to look, so I think you focus more on your own

concerns.” That said, Barnett said he wouldn’t mind getting another shot at Favre after he dealt the Packers two tough losses last year. “I mean, I would love to hit him,” Barnett said. “I didn’t get my chance last year. I was disappointed in that. But it doesn’t make or break my season if Favre comes back or not. I think he’s a great quarterback and had a great career, spent a lot of years doing some great things here in this community as well. Like I said, if he does retire, congratulations. It’s a well-deserved retirement. But if he does come back, we’ll be gunning for him the same way.” —AP Sports Writer Jon Krawczynski contributed to this report from Mankato, Minn.

Vikings Training Camp 2010

Check out www.msureporter.com, twitter.com/msureporter and www.facebook.com/msureporter for continued, up-to-date coverage and video of Training Camp in Mankato

Reporter • Page 35

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Page 36 • Reporter

Vikings Training Camp 2010

WEBB With Favre on the fence, the Vikings will have to figure out what to do at quarterback if the man from Mississippi isn’t wearing purple next fall continued from 17

he ran a spread offense, not the West Coast-style offense he needs to learn with the Vikings. But Webb said he’s attempted to “stay ahead of the game” and credited the team’s veterans with helping him through the Vikings’ off-season activities. Both Webb and

Rosenfels must deal with the uncertainly surrounding Favre, who has yet to announce whether he will play in 2010. Last season the team’s third-string quarterback, John David Booty, was put on the practice squad to make room for Favre and later waived.

If Favre returns, the Vikings will again have a glut at the quarterback position. But both Webb and Rosenfels say they’re focused on doing the best they can under the circumstances. “I’m just working my way up, just trying to play my game and show the coaches that I am able to

be an NFL quarterback,” Webb said. “I’m just trying to get comfortable. If [Favre] comes back, great. If he doesn’t then we still will try to push to have a great season. Everybody is on their toes trying to see when he is going to play, but right now I’m just focusing on myself and what I need to do to help

this team.” “It gets old but, you know, that’s the way it is,” Rosenfels said. “I’m just excited to be out here. I’m having a good time working hard, trying to get better and trying to help these guys get better. I guess we’ll just see what happens regarding the situation.”

SEARS New dorms better for players than Gage, but nothing compared to offseason life at home continued from 15

focus on.” There are more differences between the two dorms that the apparent aspect that one is a 12-story tower and one isn’t. The rooms in Sears are semi-suits, which means there are two rooms connected by a shared bathroom. Gage was set up in the more standard oldfashioned two beds in one room dorm configuration. Another difference is

Sears does not have a dining hall as Gage did. To compensate for this players will eat in Carkoski Commons, a dinning hall that is located in-between the university’s remaining two residence halls, McElroy and Crawford. Carkoski is about 100 yards north of Sears. There has been speculation for many years that Minnesota State will build a new dormitory on cam-

pus and demolish the Gage towers. The university is currently in the early planning stages for a residence hall that will be built in the location that is currently a parking lot directly south of McElroy and Crawford. Not having students living in Gage will also eliminate the safety hazard of having to cross Stadium Rd. to get to and from classes. The Vikings upgraded

their living quarters for camp this year, but for some players it still isn’t good enough. Even though the team now has central air and is living in a stateof-the-art dormitory, some feel it’s still not as good as home. “I’d rather be at home in my own bed, get to see my kids and my wife,” said receiver Greg Lewis “but I mean this is what we have

to do, and this is what we’re going to do. It’s going to help us come together as one, and everybody just being on the same accord. It’s going to be exciting, but personally a lot of guys would rather be at home. But, we’re here and we’re going to do what we have to do to get the job done.

Vikings Training Camp 2010

BATTLES Same game, same town, new team continued from 12

technique stuff,” Battles said. “You learn the basics in college and when you get here they teach you how to polish it up.” Minnesota’s offensive line depth is deep with Ryan Cook coming into his fifth season. They also drafted Chris DeGeare in the fifth round of this year’s draft and will likely be a lock to make the roster. Battles best opportunity may come as potential practice squad player. However, if Battles can shine on special

teams it will make it hard for coaches to cut him. Vikings linebacker Heath Farwell was also undrafted but has made a nice living because of his ability to be an exceptional special team’s player. It even earned him a spot in the Pro Bowl last season. Battles is big enough to be on the field goal unit but he also moves his feet very well and the Vikings would love to get a big guy who can move on their kick return team. Whatever the case, Battles is just enjoying what he hopes

to be the first of many NFL training camps. He has the work ethic to make the team and that is all he is focusing on right now. “My goal is to just get better each and every day,” Battles said. “Improve on something I messed up on the day before and continue to get better and improve. The rest is in everybody else’s hands.”

GERHART Rookie looks to fill Chester Taylor’s vacancy continued from 14

said. “He’s still learning but he’s working hard and doing the best he can to learn quick. He’s looking good.” Gerhart was the last of the Vikings’ 2010 draft picks to sign a deal, missed some of the team’s off-season activities so he could graduate from Stanford and didn’t start practicing until the second day of camp.

Head coach Brad Childress said Gerhart has proved to be a quick study, however, and that Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh’s offense and the Vikings’ offense “couldn’t be any more similar.” Another veteran impressed with Gerhart so far is longtime tight end Jim Kleinsasser. “He looks like he’s grasp-

ing everything and in control of everything,” Kleinsasser said. “Nice, quiet guy. That’s what you like out of rookies — quiet, do their work. I think he’ll be alright.” “When you get your shot you’ve got to take advantage of it,” Gerhart said, “and go out and make the best of every opportunity and see how things play out.”

Reporter • Page 37

Kluwe Vikings punter possibly the nerdiest player in the NFL continued from 27 says. “Basically, football is something I do to pay for my hobbies — gaming, reading and all sorts of other stuff — so I’m fortunate enough to be able to do that.” But it should come as no surprise that Kluwe would be willing to accept an honor that most would shriek in fear of in professional sports, an industry so focused on image. Kluwe is a very genuine guy after all, the same guy who asked Mall of America-goers if they could recognize a Vikings player if they saw one (they couldn’t with him), and so candidly said in response to how he’ll deal with punting to Reggie Bush after the Saints running back returned two punts for touchdowns in their previous matchup: “We’ll have a plan that doesn’t involve pooping our pants.” And it turns out gaming has done him some good. At a board game night with KFAN personality Paul Charchian, he was knocking down some major riffs on “Guitar Hero” when he met Andrew Reiner, the executive editor

of Game Informer magazine. The two got to talking and after finding out Reiner had been in some bands and Kluwe felt he needed to move past virtual guitar playing, the two decided to form the alternative rock outfit Tripping Icarus, with Reiner on guitar and Kluwe on bass. “I told him that if he could put up with me learning on the job, I’d love to try it,” Kluwe says. “I played violin growing up, so I was used to four strings and fingers on one string at a time, so it felt real natural to me.” Asked what board game brought them together, Kluwe, the man who jokingly threatened to change his last name to “Warcraft” because of Chad Ocho Cinco, pulls out a guess that results in some of the most gloriously nerdy sentences ever uttered. “I think Arkham Horror, maybe. It’s based on Call of Cthulu, so kind of the H.P. Lovecraft-ian universe, with the giant tentacled squid things.”

Page 38 • Reporter

Vikings Training Camp 2010

FAVRE-A-PALOOZA 2010 New reports are circulating that Favre is heading for retirement ... again. Minnesota fans have been down this road before continued from 9 inconsistent years as a Viking, most were convinced Jackson wasn’t the answer for the purple and gold. Well, if Favre doesn’t come back, Jackson will get a second chance to prove fans wrong. “Until it’s official, I’ll believe it when I see it,” said Jared Allen on Favre’s retirement rumors. “The suns going to rise tomorrow and we’re going to have football … Having a great quarterback obviously will help … But Tavaris [Jackson] has

played and started here. He knows the system and has been in a playoff game.” Compensating Favre’s talents for Jackson’s isn’t something Minnesota fans are ready for quite yet. Either are the players. “My gut feeling is that it will be No. 4,” Shiancoe said on who next year’s starter will be. “Hopefully my gut feeling, I am trying to speak it into existence, hopefully it happens like that.” Minnesota fans shouldn’t be shocked on Favre’s quick

decisions. Remember, it’s Favre-A-Palooza. It’s happened a time or two before.

BIG PAT Now in his 18th season, Pat Williams is leaner, just as strong and still looking for his first ring continued from 11

Pro Bowl for the first time during the 2006 season and in 2008 he joined Kevin and Jared Allen to become the first trio of Vikings defensive linemen to be elected together since the great defenses of the 70’s sent Jim Marshall, Carl Eller and Alan Page. Despite all of this, Williams is still missing the one thing he covets most, a Super Bowl ring. Williams even announced during last season that he would retire if the team was able to pull off the feat. However, the Vikings came up short after losing in overtime to New Orleans,

something that is hard to deal with to any player but especially to a veteran like Williams. “It’s time to finish it,” said Williams. “Basically we didn’t finish it last year. We’re gonna start it here and we’re gonna finish it this year. That’s our plan, to not come in second place like we did last year.” Despite the disappointment, the familiar No. 94 is still in uniform and taking part in another training camp. His enjoyable personality is something that is seen constantly while he is playing.

“Basically it’s the same old thing,” said Williams. “It’s training camp, we’re here to have some fun and that’s all I’m gonna focus on.” While Williams generally will come off the field in passing situations these days, he is still a huge part of the defense despite his age. So while it is unknown whether this will be the final training camp for the soonto-be 38-year-old, a successful business trip to Dallas in February may make the decision easier.

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Vikings Training Camp 2010

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Vikings Training Camp 2010