EAGAN, Minn. — The vibes were high under the lights at TCO Stadium.
With their first preseason game less than a week away, the Vikings hit a training camp milestone Sunday night, conducting practice on the pristine turf field beside Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center.
Fans were treated with two hours of drills and team periods, the latter backdropping a dominant effort by the defense, and a post-practice autographed football giveaway and player introductions courtesy the Voice of the Vikings, Paul Allen. Afterward, attendees enjoyed a quick lightshow and a fireworks display.
Now, about that dominant defensive performance. The highest vibes were provided by Eden Prairie’s own, linebacker Blake Cashman, who tested the offense’s patience with ceaseless blitzes and backfield cameos. Cornerback Isaiah Rodgers was a menace to the offensive society, too, picking off a pass and recovering a fumble. Overall, the defensive side stymied quarterbacks J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray.
There was an uptick in intensity throughout the session that began with sticky, humid weather eventually toned down by a cool breeze.
Head Coach Kevin O’Connell noted every year he meets with the team to discuss the switch in practice location — to a more intimate setting in front of fans that in some ways can replicate the feel that players maybe experienced before in large high school stadiums or super competitive atmospheres.