Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer
I think it's been a really good camp thus far. I think we got a lot of good work done. The players have been outstanding, as far as being on time, doing the things they're supposed to do, being involved and all of the situation stuff that we've done also and the meetings, so I think it has been very productive and we're looking forward to get going on the season. This place, Mankato, and Minnesota State, have been phenomenal the four years I have been here. I know it's been 52 years, I am not quite that old, but it's been a great place. The facilities are fantastic, the fans have been amazing, and I think our players really appreciate, really all of the aspects of it.
Q: Do you think you're going to be able to recreate this atmosphere that you have had here in Mankato?
A: It'll be fine. I have been in places before. It's really not on my radar yet. As far as camp next year, I am just thinking about today and Buffalo tomorrow and go from there.
Q: Going through camp, do you think it is finally time for the guys to get into pads and play in a game?
A: Yes, you know the interesting thing is the defensive guys have been together, so we probably could've played a game three or four days ago. Offensively, we've been kind of working with the system and exploring some different options and things, and I think for them, it'll be good to go against someone else, especially offensively, because we're trying to gage where we're at, you know? I am looking forward it. I am looking forward to the offense playing someone else. We're not crazy preparing for this, we'll have some cards today, but I think it'll be good to find out where we're at and kind of evaluate where we need to go.
Q: Now that Latavius Murray is back at practice, how quickly can you expect a veteran like him to return to where he needs to be?
A: Well, he only did individual drills yesterday. He'll do a little bit more today, and we'll just gauge where he's at. There's no issue about him being ready for the first game.
Q: Do you have a set number of series that you want to see Kyle Rudolph out there in the first preseason game?
A: Yeah, I have a plan.
Q: Given the newness of this year's offensive group would you like to see a little more playing time for them in game?
A: No, but we'll have some guys play a little bit longer. Maybe when the first group goes out we'll keep some other guys in. Maybe we'll look at some different combinations of things. I went over last night with the coaches what we're trying to get done.
Q: What are your takeaways after looking back and evaluating the use of the wildcat formation last season?
A: It helped us in a lot of things. It's another thing the defense has to prepare for, and if you have some guys in there that can do it, it's good. But it's a change up, it's like anything else. It's not going to be your main stay in what you're going to do.
Q: Have you seen a difference in your team as they have been here at camp compared to teams that might not have gone away?
A: It's really hard for me to say. I am really fortunate that I have a lot of good people here on this football team with guys that are good guys and guys that do the right thing. I think they like being around each other. When I have gone away I have been in hotels and dorms but I didn't hang around the players much so it's hard for me to say.
Q: So you don't feel an environment dictates how a team bonds?
A: No, I think the team dictates how the team bonds.
Q: What do you think of Adam Thielen's game so far?
A: He's done well. I think he's come in and learned. He's made some really good contested catches. He's got big strong hands, a physical receiver and runs good routes.
Q: In terms of backup quarterback, do you think any of those guys have separated themselves?
A: Not yet. I think these games will determine it. We will get a good amount seeing them this week and next week probably.
