2013 mandatory minicamp notes

[dead_poet]

Continuing to see a lot of Brandon Fusco at center in John Sullivan's absence. Makes sense to get him reps with short rosters on game days.

[Mothman]

Kevin Siefert did some live blogging from minicamp today:

http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcnorth/post/_ ... -live-blog

Prior to practice, he was asked about Jennings ankle. He wrote:

Let's just say that the ankle sprain was of the mild variety. He looks good and is definitely making an effort to work with Patterson as much as possible. The Vikings put their lockers right next to each other and are hoping Jennings' approach will rub off. As far as Wright, he's been in the first-team mix in the slot.

Asked if Ponder had made any big mistakes or impressive plays yesterday, he replied:

… quite frankly I've seen both. He had a terrible interception where he just floated a pass to John Carlson yesterday. Josh Robinson easily grabbed the ball. No clue what he was thinking. But he also makes a lot of nice throws, too. So, kind of the same as we saw last year at this time. Ups and downs.

A few comments made while watching today's practice:

— Just watched Joe Webb runs a go route vs. a double team. Pass from James Vandenberg was long. But Webb had a step and was fighting off CBs with both arms. WR coach George Stewart barked his approval.

— Ponder has completed three passes in this drill to rookie FA receiver Rodney Williams.

— For all of those asking, haven't seen Matt Cassel take a single first-team snap. Currently working with second team.

— Another strong deep pass from Ponder. This time to Burton on post for TD. Clearly responding to critics.

— Nice recovery by Xavier Rhodes on Ponder pass to jarius Wright to sideline. Aggressive

[Eli]

— Ponder has completed three passes in this drill to rookie FA receiver Rodney Williams.

My man Rodney Williams. Watch him!

[dead_poet]

Just saw Ponder hit Simpson in stride ~40 yards down the field on a go ball. Was a perfect play drill, but arm strength isn't his issue.

Spurred by doubters like @1500ESPNJudd, Christian Ponder comes out firing, completes darts on first three passes.

Ponder made it 6 in a row before a throwaway and a narrow miss to wide open John Carlson on a wheel route. One of sharper periods we've seen

Joe Webb missed a route adjustment in that team period. Those are the little things that only improve with repetition. Long way to go.

Ponder throwing, yes, a deep ball. https://vine.co/v/huamWXHnKUt

Sharrif Floyd working with first team nickel as inside pass rusher with Guion. Expect to see a lot of that combo. #vikings

ALERT: Christian Ponder looking far sharper today in minicamp and I'm serious. Ponder hooks up with Burton on deep pass.

--Judd

Helluva diving interception by Bobby Felder in 7 on 7 after Greg Jennings lets the ball get dislodged at the sideline.

Marvin Mitchell, unhappy with pass interference call, jokingly whips flag 20 yards back at line. Joe Webb, noted suckup, picks it up.

[dead_poet]

Xavier Rhodes is getting his hands on a lot of balls in this camp.

Ponder just a hit another deep ball, this one to Simpson in team. This is the sort of day I thought we might see more often.

Chris Cook interception of James Vandenberg ends another team period. Another guy having a strong camp.

Adrian Peterson was just resting. Rhett Ellison has a calf strain. Mistral Raymond has a hamstring issue.

[Mothman]

LOL! I just posted several of those in the Ponder/Cassel thread. We must have been posting at virtually the same time.

[dead_poet]

#Vikings DC Alan Williams confirms he was at Desmond Bishop's workout. Calls it "due diligence."

[Eli]

#Vikings DC Alan Williams confirms he was at Desmond Bishop's workout. Calls it "due diligence."

I'm confused. Did Bishop workout in Minnesota for the Vikings? Why _wouldn't_ Alan Williams attend??

[dead_poet]

Day 3

Blair Walsh's leg: still strong. This is a 44-yard kick into the wind. #Vikings https://vine.co/v/hub3q9zVK53

[dead_poet]

Notebook on Day 3: http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/Note ... camp062013

On the money

Rookie Jeff Locke averaged 4.56 seconds of hang time on nine punts in a short-field situation, dropping eight inside the 10 while showcasing the Australian-style drop he uses inside the 50.

"It spins backwards kind of like a golf shot or field goal shot, so it's easy to control the distance," Locke said.

Locke's only other punt during practice was in a backed-up situation. Jarius Wright muffed his line drive, which traveled 49 yards and hung only 3.28 seconds.

Special teams coordinator Mike Priefer said on Wednesday he's trying to clean up Locke's footwork, remove some wasted motion and improve his get-off time.

"Without getting into too much specifics, it's all to have a more consistent drop all the time -- a faster drop time," Locke said. "These guys are so fast, I have to do it faster than when I was in college."