EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — The Vikings practiced at Winter Park for a little over 90 minutes on a gorgeous August afternoon on Monday.
Minnesota is scheduled to have practice on Tuesday before heading to Seattle on Wednesday. The Vikings play the Seahawks in the Pacific Northwest on Thursday at 9 p.m. (CT).
Here are three observations from Monday's practice:
1. An update on Patterson
Wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson showed off his trademark speed during a 1-on-1 drill against cornerback Mackensie Alexander on Monday as Patterson hauled in a deep pass along the sideline.
Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer said after practice that Patterson, who did not play against Cincinnati last week, could see the field against Seattle.
"I wish he would have been healthy last week and we would have played him a little bit," Zimmer said. "I think he'll have a chance to play this week."
Zimmer said he expects Patterson to build off the strong traits he showed during the offseason and training camp.
"Just doing the right things consistently, and when you have an opportunity to make a play, just like everybody else," Zimmer said.
2. It's crunch time
The Vikings offense was 5-for-12 (41 percent) on third down Friday against Cincinnati while Minnesota's defense allowed the Bengals to convert on 8 of 15 tries for a 53 percent rate.
Vikings coaches put both units up to the test Monday as third downs were a noticeable part of team drills. Minnesota's defense held the first two offensive units in check before Joel Stave connected with Moritz Böhringer for a first down.
Shaun Hill later had to throw a ball away before Teddy Bridgewater found Adam Thielen over the middle to move the chains.
3. Quick decisions
The Vikings defense crowded the line of scrimmage and brought a substantial amount of pressure during team drills. As a result, Bridgewater, Hill and Stave were forced to make quick decisions in the passing game. Some of Minnesota's subsequent offensive plays only went for a few yards, but it was a better alternative than taking a sack.
