Going full speed with full pads

Jerry Holt, Star Tribune

Vikings running back Chester Taylor took a breather during practice Monday in Mankato.

Last update: July 29, 2008 - 8:43 AM

The Vikings put on full pads for the first time and new safety Madieu Williams provided the hit of the day. Running back Chester Taylor took a handoff to the left side and Williams belted him after a 4-yard gain. Williams' helmet came off and a piece of the padding inside his helmet flew out. Both players immediately got up and appeared fine.

No thinking, just reacting

Cornerback Benny Sapp admits he's been nervous and is thinking too much as he adjusts to a new team. But he ended the day's first practice on a high note by diving in front of wide receiver Jaymar Johnson to intercept a Brooks Bollinger pass. "It builds your confidence," Sapp said. "It makes you want to go out there and get another one."

Stretch the field

New wide receiver Bernard Berrian had his best day of camp, highlighted by several long receptions, one from Tarvaris Jackson and one from Gus Frerotte. Berrian's best catch came during an 11-on-11 session when he hauled in a 20-yard touchdown pass from Jackson over a leaping Cedric Griffin.

PAYING OFF

Jared Allen, defensive end

Allen is a tough matchup for any left tackle, and second-team tackle Chase Johnson will attest to that. Early in team drills, Allen bull-rushed Johnson, drove him backward and got a hand on Frerotte's pass.