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News | Minnesota Vikings – vikings.com

Peterson Wants Vikings Season to End with Win in Houston

MANKATO, Minn. — Adrian Peterson arrived for his 10th training camp with his sights sets high.

Shortly after arriving, the Vikings running back was asked by media about balancing personal and team goals. 

Peterson has often stated his individual goals in the past and said this spring he thinks the Vikings have a "good chance" to win Super Bowl LI in Houston.

"They can work hand-in-hand," Peterson said about goals. "Any way we can get a championship, I'm all in for it.

"If that's 2,500 yards or 1,500 yards for me, as long as we're playing in Houston, Texas, I'm going to be satisfied," he added.

Peterson is one of seven players on the roster going into a double-digit season. Minnesota's all-time leading rusher with 11,675 yards and 97 rushing touchdowns said it's up to veterans such as himself and linebacker Chad Greenway to lead the way in camp.

"I think it's important that we go in steady," Peterson said. "Having that experience is something that holds on to you and helps put things into perspective. We'll be able to use that knowledge to get the young guys rolling and focus on the same thing we're trying to accomplish."

Blair Walsh ready for adjustment of kicking indoors

Blair Walsh's 2015 season ended in tough fashion, but the Vikings kicker said he's ready for a fresh start this year.

Walsh addressed the media Thursday in Mankato and reflected on the Wild Card game against Seattle and his season as a whole.

"I think the funny thing was that I actually had a really good year outdoors until the last kick," Walsh said. "We hadn't missed a field goal at home all year until the last one, and I prided myself on that.

"That's why it was even more unfortunate for that to transpire," he added.

Walsh led the NFL with 34 made field goals last season. He said kicked a few times with punter/holder Jeff Locke and long snapper Kevin McDermott at U.S. Bank Stadium and is looking forward to adjusting to the new venue.

"I felt like I did a good job the last couple of years getting ready, getting acclimated to the outdoors, and now that we're going inside it will definitely be a little easier conditions wise," Walsh said. "You're not playing in that minus-(6) degrees game, but I think the thing about being indoors is that you have to make sure you are really on point because whatever ball you hit, there's no wind to help it. In the same regards that you don't have to fight the wind, it also isn't going to help you.

"You just got to go out there and do what you know how to do," he added.

Matt Kalil ready to line up next to Boone

New teammates usually use offseason practices as a way to jell and build chemistry on the field.

But because left tackle Matt Kalil and left guard Alex Boone each missed a bit of time during organized team activity (OTA) practices, the duo hasn't been on the field much together.

Kalil arrived at Minnesota State University, Mankato, on Thursday and said he's excited to line up next to the 'Rhino.'

"I'm excited for this camp because we haven't even played next to each other," Kalil said. "I was out the first part of OTAs but when I came back, he was out.

"We're both healthy now, so we get to work together, play together and grind together a little bit," he added.

Kalil said he likes the edge that Boone brings to the team. Always one to speak his mind, Boone said he wantsMinnesota's offensive line to be the nastiest in the league.

"It's what we need. He adds the right amount of spice to the offensive line," Kalil said. "I think everyone who knows him knows he's got a big personality, but at the same time he's the one guy on the field that's going to have your back no matter what situation. 

"He goes to bat for his teammates, so you feel that when you first meet him," he added.

Keeping it simple

Although Vikings safety Harrison Smith signed a multiyear contract extension last month, he didn't show up in a shiny new set of wheels.

In fact, Smith said his only means of transportation around Mankato will be on two wheels and not four.

"Well, I've got a team-issued bike," Smith said. "But I'm sure there are some fancy ones around.

"We can check out the lot later. I'm sure somebody got something over the break," he added.

Instead, the Pro Bowl safety rode the bus down to Mankato with Minnesota's rookies. The 27-year-old was teased if he was the chaperone and arrived with just a single duffel bag.

"It was nice. It was stress free," Smith said. "I didn't have to worry about road closings, driving too fast and stuff like that. I was able to just kick back and listen to music."

View images of the Vikings arrival to training camp in Mankato for check-in day.

Striving for perfection

Cordarrelle Patterson was looking for a workout partner Wednesday, the day before the Vikings reported to training camp.

A quick text to quarterback Teddy Bridgewater later, the two were working on routes at Winter Park. The duo also met up a few times in Florida during the offseason.

Patterson said he's been impressed by Bridgewater's arm strength and leadership this spring.

"Me and Teddy actually got together (Wednesday) at the (team) facility and did a couple things," Patterson said. "I text Teddy all the time and ask if I can get some work in with him.

"Teddy always wants to work. It was the day before (reporting to) camp, and he wanted to meet me out there," he added. "Teddy has grown a lot. I feel like his arm has gotten stronger to me, and I feel like he's been working his (butt) off to be honest. I feel like it's a big year for Teddy to prove everything he's capable of."

Patterson also chatted about his ongoing Rock, Paper, Scissors battle with Bridgewater. While the quarterback earned bragging rights when OTAs ended, Patterson admitted he still hasn't gotten the best of Bridgewater.

"When I got down to Miami with Teddy, we did it one time and he beat me," Patterson said with a laugh. "He beat me again, so I don't really want to talk about it. I've got to redeem myself."

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