Defense and Special Teams on Day 8:
Forbath has a day to forget
When it came to field goals last season, Kai Forbath was pretty reliable for the Vikings. But extra points were a different story for the Minnesota kicker.
Forbath missed five of his 39 extra point attempts in 2017, easily the most by any kicker in the NFL last season. He was up to his old tricks again on Friday as he missed a 40-yard attempt that ended up hitting both sides of the goal post and another 62-yard attempt later in the afternoon.
Kai Forbath from 62 yards... No good. pic.twitter.com/G1R4bEvpjY
— Sam Ekstrom (@SamEkstrom) August 3, 2018
Barr and Brothers back practicing
Both Anthony Barr and Kentrell Brothers missed at least a portion of Thursday’s practice for the Vikings. Brothers sat out the entire session while Barr was only able to participate in individual drills.
Minnesota Vikings
On Friday, both linebackers were back on the field for the entire practice. Nothing is known about why Brothers sat out on Thursday, but the explanation for Barr’s absence was due to, “a tweak,” according to Minnesota head coach Mike Zimmer on Friday.
Griffen talks defensive line depth
Since the Vikings made him a full-time starter in 2014, Everson Griffen has been one of the most productive defensive ends in the NFL. So he obviously knows a thing or two about what it takes to be a pass rusher in the league.
After the team’s walk-thru on Friday, Griffen said he felt that the competition for Minnesota’s defensive line is beginning to heat up.
Young pass rushers like Tashawn Bower, Stephen Weatherly, and Ade Aruna are among those competing to land a spot on the Vikings’ final roster this year. This is definitely a battle to keep an eye on during the preseason.