The NFC North is buzzing with excitement as the 2024 NFL season approaches. While the Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, and Green Bay Packers are all drawing attention for various reasons, the Minnesota Vikings are quietly putting in the work to make a comeback at the TCO Performance Center.
During Thursday’s practice, several key observations stood out:
Sam Darnold, the presumed starting quarterback, showcased his experience and comfort in Kevin O’Connell’s system. Despite a few hiccups, Darnold looked confident and in control, earning praise from teammates like guard Dalton Risner.
Rookie J.J. McCarthy, the Vikings’ first-round pick, is quickly making a case for the backup quarterback position. With his athleticism and off-script fluidity, McCarthy is proving why the team invested in him.
Running back Aaron Jones, a major offseason acquisition, wowed onlookers with his breakaway speed and agility. His presence in the backfield adds a new dimension to the Vikings’ offense, reminiscent of former star Dalvin Cook.
Even without star tight end T.J. Hockenson on the field, the Vikings’ tight ends stepped up with impressive catches during practice. Players like Josh Oliver, Johnny Mundt, and Robert Tonyan showed their reliability as targets for the quarterbacks.
On the defensive side, cornerback Shaq Griffin’s injury raised concerns about the team’s depth at the position. With Griffin’s status uncertain, the Vikings may need to explore additional options to shore up their secondary.
As the Vikings continue their training camp, all eyes will be on how these key players perform and how the team addresses any lingering issues before the start of the season. Stay tuned for more updates as the preseason progresses.