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The first edition of the vikings.com Mailbag is here. Fans were encouraged to submit their Vikings-related questions to the vikings.com Mailbag so we can answer them and provide complete coverage of your favorite football team.
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Let’s get to the questions!
How has Maurice Hicks been doing? I thought he was brought in as a return specialist, but I never see his name mentioned as someone returning kicks. Are the Vikings still considering using him for this? Or do they have other plans for him?
--Troy
Troy brings up an interesting point because I, too, noticed that Hicks wasn’t in the rotation for returning kicks early in camp. In recent days, however, he has been back taking a few reps during kickoff returns. As you may or may not know, Hicks set the San Francisco 49ers franchise record for kickoff return yards in a season and there’s no doubt the Vikings will entertain using him in that role this season. During Monday’s afternoon practice, Hicks clearly looked the most comfortable in the return game. Remember that Aundrae Allison had a nice season in 2007 returning kicks, so I’m sure he’ll be involved in the rotation along with hicks.
How has Madieu Williams looked so far during camp?
--David N.
Madieu has looked solid so far in camp. He is great against the run and is never one to shy away from contact. Also, there have been several times when I’ve noticed his ability to reach the sideline to defend a long pass thrown a receiver. Having a safety with the passion for stopping the run and also the athletic ability to get from mid-field to the sideline while the ball is in the air is a great advantage. Williams has at least one interception during camp and he was on the delivering end of the biggest collision of camp so far, when he and Chester Taylor met during an 11-on-11 drill.
Who is Cullen Loeffler's back up as a long snapper?
--Dave M., Apple Valley, CA
When the Vikings acquired Jared Allen this past offseason, they not only got last season’s NFL sack leader, they also got a backup long snapper. Aside from being named Division 1-AA’s top defensive player and earning All-America honors as a senior, Allen was also the long snapper at Idaho State.
I'm very curious as to how Tarvaris Jackson is shaping up so far this season. It's no secret that he had a sub par season last year, but he is still young. How's he looking so far?
--Joe G., Republic, MI
While it’s very true that Tarvaris has plenty to work on before he becomes a solid starting quarterback, let’s remember a couple of things. First, he was 8-4 in his starts last year. Secondly, it takes time to become a quality starting quarterback in this league. During the middle of last season, people were wondering if the light would ever come on for Eli Manning, and he ended up winning the Super Bowl. The 2007 season was his fourth in the NFL; Jackson is entering just his third season and his second as a starter.
So far in camp, Jackson has had up and down days. But his teammates stand behind him and they are confident he’ll be able to lead them throughout the 2008 season. I’ve seen flashes of brilliance from him and his physical abilities are off the charts, but there are also times when he makes mistakes and turns the ball over. The jury is out, Joe, for now. But stay tuned and we’ll keep you all updated on his progress.
Have you seen Jaymar Johnson working on special teams a lot so far during camp? I think Hicks and Allison should be moved into their respected player positions and let these young guys have a shot on special teams - what do you think?
--David M.
Jaymar has been in the kick return rotation and I expect him to remain in that rotation through at least the first two preseason games. He has speed and he’s also very quick to reach his top speed. But remember, Hicks has the 49ers franchise record for kick return yards and Allison established a new Vikings record with a 28.7-yard kickoff return average last year. With kick return talent like that, it’s hard not to put them in that spot.
Is Darius Reynaud showing flashes of this in the return game and as a receiver?
--Mike G.
D-Rey, as the team refers to him, has shown flashes, but it hasn’t been in the return game. He has been a part of that rotation, but he hasn’t impressed me in that phase. He has impressed me at times as a receiver. He has quick feet and is very elusive after the catch.
Thanks to everyone who wrote in this week, and be sure to write in again this week!