MANKATO — Preseason, they say, never gives up the truth even when the winds of November blow early. But you must know the Vikings’ fortunes are in the clenched fist of their defense just as sure as the heat and humidity will return to training camp.
Never mind the hand-wringing this summer over protecting Sam Bradford from ruin, scoring more than a baker’s dozen every game and running the football upfield instead of in reverse. Minnesota’s tenacious ‘D’ can cover a multitude of sins, and this star-studded unit will carry this vexing team to glory or decay in 2017.
Just follow the money.
In barely over a year, the Vikings have invested $103 million in guaranteed contracts to top pass rusher Everson Griffen, shutdown cornerback Xavier Rhodes and run-stuffing safety Harrison Smith, securing these three pillars with deals that could keep them in purple and gold into the next decade.
Zygi Wilf’s armored truck soon should be backing up and unloading for linebackers Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks, followed, perhaps, by emerging defensive end Danielle Hunter and veteran nose tackle Linval Joseph.
Anything short of dominance from these elite defenders will be a collective failure that would nail shut this narrow championship window, turn the Vikings’ payroll into a toxic wasteland and leave a lot of coaches and executives looking for jobs.
http://www.twincities.com/2017/08/03/bri...ll-to-pay/

Looking forward – Game 1 Anticipation
As fans, we probably all look forward to week 1 for many reasons.  The season is finally here, are we as good as the preseason hype/hope, we can stop trying to learn the name of the 3rd string camp…

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#95 Datone Jones talks Football; Mayweather/McGregor at Camp 8/3
On an unseasonably cold, wet August camp afternoon, the newest Viking defensive lineman Datone Jones talks about his time so far with the Vikings, and how as a boxing and MMA fighter, how it helps …

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FOOTBALL!

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Wish more players would do this actually... https://t.co/H8fyvPcor1
— Adam Patrick (@Str8_Cash_Homey) August 3, 2017

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I asked #Vikings CB Trae Waynes if I could talk to him about how well he's doing in training camp. His response? "Nope.''
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) August 3, 2017

"Hey someone has a 33 jersey, who is Cook?" "I don't remember a Viking named Cook." "What position is P?" Lol. Some people crack me up. But at least it took a while this time. This weather is absolutely bizarre. It feels and looks like fall. I am getting a bit nostalgic because it's the last camp here. It was a good run though. Lots of memories here but many more to come. Cheers!  

#25 Latavius Murray Talks to VikeFans at Camp 8/3
Latavius talks about the cold weather, his photography skills, and why his education is important.  He also reveals how his rehab is going from an ankle surgery.   Hey Thanks a lot for taking …

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#23 Terence Newman Talks to VikeFans at Camp 8/3
Newman talks about scaring the other players, having a short memory and the love of the game.   Hey Thanks a lot for taking the time to check out our content. It really means a lot to us to co…

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#11 Laquon Treadwell Talks to VikeFans at Camp 8/3
Laquon talks about his progress in year 2, the better chemistry with Sam Bradford with a full camp under their belts, and whether he will be back at practice today following his injury on Tuesday. …

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Sports Illustrated’s Peter King Talks to VikeFans at Camp on 8/3
Peter drops by to talk about Bridgewater, Bradford and the possibilities for the Vikings in 2017   Hey Thanks a lot for taking the time to check out our content. It really means a lot to us to…

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