On 2005 roster at present (Bold indicates projected starter)

01: Jose Cortez; K; 5th season
02: Darren Bennett; P; 11th season
03: Jonathan Nichols; K; R
05: Travis Dorsch; P; 2nd season
08: Aaron Elling; K; 3rd season
46: Cullen Loeffler; LS; 2nd season

Ah, the life of a kicker. Sit around practice for two hours, not doing a damn thing, and still get paid. One wonders why photographers even waste the time of day to snap a photo of them.

They can't even stretch without doing something goofy, like Jose Cortez.

But as Vikings fans know all too well, sometimes the balance of the game hangs on placing a punt deftly inside the 10-yard line. And we know all too well how exhilarating it is to see a kicker win the game with no time on the clock.

And how bad one feels when the kick sails wide.....

Ever since Coach Mike Tice has become head coach, kicker has been a very, shall we say, acid-in-our-collective-gut-moment?

This year, the battle may not even come down to Cortez or Aaron Elling. Tice could scour the waiver wire and bring in any number of veteran kickers cut for salary cap reasons....or as it has been lately with the Purple....age.

Speaking of aged veteran kickers, looks like we'll have another year of 40-year old Darren Bennett. I just hope this season is better than his last.

I did not observe any kicking at Friday mornings practice. It's quite possible that they returned to the field after practice ended, as they've done in years past, but I had a pressing appointment and was unable to hang around to find out.

So, I'm sorry I cannot provide you with an eyewitness account.

But, there was a very different take on Special Teams this year. About every 20-minutes a horn sounded ending the drill session each position was practicing at that time. All players then raced to the center field for special teams practice.

On one end of the field, the punting unit practiced their block-and-go technique. At the other end, the gunners and end-blockers worked on their special skills. And they worked for a good 10-minutes. This was repeated several times throughout the two hour practice.

Tice is certainly emphasizing Special Teams this year. I hope it shows up this coming season.

Up next: Offensive Line and Tight-End! (Projected to be up Saturday night)

Previous: Running Back, Linebacker, Quarterback, Defensive Line, and Initial Report (just scroll down)

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And if you want to use a photo on your own personal site...I simply ask that you credit me and my Vikings Underground web blog.

Posted by maasx003 at May 1, 2005 04:02 PM | TrackBack