Some observations from the Vikings first training camp practice ...
Good start for Ponder, TEs
Quarterback Christian Ponder had a good first training camp practice, completing 11 of 12 passes during the three 11-on-11 portions of Friday's non-padded workout at Minnesota State Mankato. In coordinator Bill Musgrave's tight end-friendly offense, it's no surprise that Ponder was especially sharp connecting with the big fellas, especially Kyle Rudolph, who caught several passes, including a deep ball between the No. 1 safeties.
"Tight ends are a quarterback's best friend," Ponder said. "So they're going to catch a lot of balls this year. I've built up a lot of chemistry with Kyle. I think we just click. He finds ways to get open and I have a lot of confidence throwing to him."
Meanwhile, backup quarterback Joe Webb struggled with his accuracy during a shaky first day with the second unit.
Catch me if you can
The Vikings leaned on the 22-year-old legs of Jordan Todman quite a bit during Friday's practice. That gave the second-year pro ample opportunities to display the speed and quickness he hopes will land the No. 3 running back job.
On one particular play, Todman broke free and decided to keep sprinting 80 yards as veteran cornerback Zack Bowman tried -- and failed -- to catch him. After running through the end zone, Todman quickly jogged back as Bowman used a reporter's shoulder to lean on while trying to catch his breath.
"He's fast," Bowman said of Todman. "He was fresh. I was fresh. Now, I'm not so fresh anymore."
