5 Biggest Red Flags Heading Into Minnesota Vikings’ 2015 NFL Training Camp

5 Biggest Red Flags Heading Into Minnesota Vikings’ 2015 NFL Training Camp

By Mike Carlson

July 5, 2015

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5 Biggest Red Flags Heading into Minnesota Vikings’ 2015 NFL Training Camp

Mike Zimmer Vikings — The Minnesota Vikings underwent a lot of growing pains in 2014. A new coach, quarterback and one notable absence made this very apparent. As they head into training camp this year, the Vikes are a pick to make the playoffs. But, in order to fulfill expectations and make it back to January they must first settle any red flags in camp. Here are the five biggest red flags heading into the Minnesota Vikings’ 2015 NFL training camp.

The Minnesota Vikings underwent a lot of growing pains in 2014. A new coach, quarterback and one notable absence made this very apparent. As they head into training camp this year, the Vikes are a pick to make the playoffs. But, in order to fulfill expectations and make it back to January they must first settle any red flags in camp. Here are the five biggest red flags heading into the Minnesota Vikings’ 2015 NFL training camp.

5. The Void at Strong Safety

Robert Blanton Vikings

5. The Void at Strong Safety

Robert Blanton Vikings — Last year, strong safety was the last spot to be locked down on the Vikings’ roster. This year, it appears the very same thing will happen as there are a trio of players competing for top billing. Veteran free agent safety Bernard Pollard could also be added to the mix, but a lot remains to be seen in negotiations. The Vikings improved their pass defense by light years last year, but all that could change in 2015 without a viable strong safety.

Last year, strong safety was the last spot to be locked down on the Vikings’ roster. This year, it appears the very same thing will happen as there are a trio of players competing for top billing. Veteran free agent safety Bernard Pollard could also be added to the mix, but a lot remains to be seen in negotiations. The Vikings improved their pass defense by light years last year, but all that could change in 2015 without a viable strong safety.

4. Questions at Wide Receiver

Charles Johnson Vikings

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4. Questions at Wide Receiver

Charles Johnson Vikings — Other than Charles Johnson, the Vikings had very little to offer at wide receiver last year. This year the prospects look slim once again. The acquisition of Mike Wallace adds some much needed depth and skill, yet past Wallace a lot is still unknown. Johnson must show he isn’t a one-hit wonder and Cordarrelle Patterson must prove he can play the position. If the Vikings want to see the postseason, the doubt at receiver must be put to rest.

Other than Charles Johnson, the Vikings had very little to offer at wide receiver last year. This year the prospects look slim once again. The acquisition of Mike Wallace adds some much needed depth and skill, yet past Wallace a lot is still unknown. Johnson must show he isn’t a one-hit wonder and Cordarrelle Patterson must prove he can play the position. If the Vikings want to see the postseason, the doubt at receiver must be put to rest.

3. WR Cordarrelle Patterson’s Maturation

Cordarrelle Patterson Vikings

3. WR Cordarrelle Patterson’s Maturation

Cordarrelle Patterson Vikings — Patterson was nonexistent in 2014 and quickly found himself in head coach Mike Zimmer’s doghouse. However, Patterson worked tirelessly on his game this offseason and a strong showing in camp will set him on the fast track to redemption. In the past, he has shown signs of greatness, but consistency will be crucial in 2015. Patterson’s third season will be a pivotal one as he may be shipped out of Minnesota should he once again flop.

Patterson was nonexistent in 2014 and quickly found himself in head coach Mike Zimmer’s doghouse. However, Patterson worked tirelessly on his game this offseason and a strong showing in camp will set him on the fast track to redemption. In the past, he has shown signs of greatness, but consistency will be crucial in 2015. Patterson’s third season will be a pivotal one as he may be shipped out of Minnesota should he once again flop.

2. LT Matt Kalil

Matt Kalil Vikings

2. LT Matt Kalil

Matt Kalil Vikings — The 2014 campaign was a forgettable one for former first round pick Matt Kalil. He battled injuries all throughout the season and was the bane of many Vikings fans’ existences. Be that as it may, Kalil looks healthy and much improved this season. He recently underwent surgery on both his knees and has his teammates believing in him. The key to Minnesota’s success will be keeping Teddy Bridgewater upright and Kalil will be at the center of both.

The 2014 campaign was a forgettable one for former first round pick Matt Kalil. He battled injuries all throughout the season and was the bane of many Vikings fans’ existences. Be that as it may, Kalil looks healthy and much improved this season. He recently underwent surgery on both his knees and has his teammates believing in him. The key to Minnesota’s success will be keeping Teddy Bridgewater upright and Kalil will be at the center of both.

1. The Return of RB Adrian Peterson

Adrian Peterson Vikings

1. The Return of RB Adrian Peterson

Adrian Peterson Vikings — After taking what was essentially a year off to wrestle with off-the-field issues, Peterson is making his return to the Vikes amid a flurry of controversy. Problems aside, Peterson is obviously a nice addition to the Minnesota attack and should aid in Teddy Bridgewater’s development. Still, whether or not he can be a top-tier running back and, at times, the type to carry an entire offense, after a year-long hiatus is up in the air.

After taking what was essentially a year off to wrestle with off-the-field issues, Peterson is making his return to the Vikes amid a flurry of controversy. Problems aside, Peterson is obviously a nice addition to the Minnesota attack and should aid in Teddy Bridgewater’s development. Still, whether or not he can be a top-tier running back and, at times, the type to carry an entire offense, after a year-long hiatus is up in the air.

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