Tag: Cam Dantzler

Cam Dantzler comes clean on cryptic Mike Zimmer tweet

Dantzler explains the “biting tongue” tweet from last season

Cam Dantzler went through a massive transformation all in the span of a single season in 2021. There was a point where he was so fed up and frustrated with the way things were going that he decided to lash out on Twitter.

“I’m tired of biting my tongue about this whole situation fr… ..” Dantzler tweeted.

When speaking with the Pioneer Press’ Chris Tomasson, the third-year cornerback admitted he was frustrated about being benched by former coach Mike Zimmer in favor of veteran Bashaud Breeland, who clearly had his own struggles on the field as well.

Zimmer was expected to speak with him about the tweet, but according to Dantzler, it was never brought up again.

“That was just a young me, a little frustration,” said Dantzler. “But I meant no harm by it. I was just a little frustrated.”

 

The new No. 3 on the back of Dantzler’s jersey represents a fresh start he so desperately needs heading into the 2022 season. Of course, it’s going to cost him 10-12 jerseys from its former owner, punter Jordan Berry, according to Tomasson.

But it’s a price the 23-year-old cornerback is gladly willing to pay.

Granted, the competition will be fierce in the defensive backfield this season with the Vikings selecting Clemson cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. in the second-round of the 2022 NFL draft. The team already has legendary corner Patrick Peterson on the other side of the field with Chandon Sullivan working in the slot.

Some might think that signals another rollercoaster year for Dantzler with the new coaching staff as well. However, last season truly made a world of difference for the rising young corner. This version of Dantzler is ready to compete and let the chips fall where they may.

For him, it’s all about the team’s success right now.

“When we drafted him, I was excited,” said Dantzler. “I was glad to add some firepower in the secondary. Booth, he’s a great player, and I’m going to love competing with him. Whoever starts, it’s whatever helps the team win at the end of the day. … But it’s going to be a great battle.”

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Vikings warm up in ‘Free Odell’ shirts

Minnesota Vikings players had interesting fashion statements before their game with the Ravens

A number of Minnesota Vikings sent a message before their game with the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday.

The players, including Cameron Dantzler and Justin Jefferson, wore shirts that read “Free Odell.”

They were referring to former Cleveland Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. who was released by the team earlier this week after a turbulent stay.

Have to wonder if the players are also hoping team management finds a way to add the former LSU star to the Vikings.

Vikings lose three CBs in win over Vikings

The Vikings were already without two of their top corners heading into the game.

The Vikings beat the Packers 28-22 on Sunday at Lambeau Field.

Unfortunately, they lost three cornerbacks to injuries in the process.

Rookie Cam Dantzler left on a stretcher in the first half after suffering a scary neck and head injury. Reports came out that Dantzler had movement, but regardless, still a scary situation that will be monitored.

In the second half, second-year cornerback Kris Boyd left the game with a leg injury.

The Vikings also lost Mark Fields to injury, a player they had just brought up from the practice squad.

The Vikings were already without Mike Hughes and Holton Hill in the game.

It’s something to keep an eye on as the Vikings approach Week 9 against the Lions. Right now, the Vikings’ lead cornerback is rookie Jeff Gladney.

I would expect the Vikings to sign at least one cornerback this week given their injuries. We’ll keep you updated.

Vikings rookie CB Jeff Gladney is ready for challenge of top WRs to start season

First-round pick Jeff Gladney is using the talent the Vikings will be playing early in the season as motivation.

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The Vikings will be relying a lot on young cornerbacks in 2020. That’s especially true with 31st overall pick Jeff Gladney

In the first six weeks, the Vikings will see Davante Adams, T.Y. Hilton, A.J. Brown, DK Metcalf and Julio Jones.

Gladney is ready for that challenge and it sounds like he’s using it as motivation.

“I’ve checked out the schedule,’’ Gladney said via the Pioneer Press. “We’ve got some good teams coming up. But our focus really is on Week 1 against the Packers right now. All the great receivers that we are going to face, I mean, that’s what you live for as a corner. So, it’ll be fun.’’

Another rookie cornerback for the Vikings, Cam Dantzler, said that safeties Harrison Smith and Anthony Harris have been huge for the development of the young corners.

Of course, we’ll have to wait until Week 1 to see if that’s the case with no preseason games.

Vikings’ safeties have been ‘phenomenal’ for young corners

The duo of Harrison Smith and Anthony Harris has been huge with the development of Minnesota’s young cornerbacks.

The Vikings will have some new, and young, faces at cornerback in 2020.

Gone are Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander. The Vikings will rely on third-year players Mike Hughes and Holton Hill, along with rookies Jeff Gladney and Cam Dantzler.

A huge help for these young players has been the safety duo of Harrison Smith and Anthony Harris.

Per ESPN’s Courtney Cronin, the communication from those two has really helped the younger corners, especially Dantzler.

Smith and Harris are two of the best safeties in the NFL and having them behind these young corners is a huge safety net for Mike Zimmer’s defense.

Even so, most are expecting the Vikings’ secondary to fall off in 2020. However, it’s not like the three corners the Vikings are losing were anything special in 2019.

Rhodes ranked 109 among corners in 2019 per Pro Football Focus Waynes ranked 48th and Alexander 51st.

These young players will surely have some hiccups, but what saved Minnesota’s secondary in 2019 still remains.

Breaking down Tennessee Titans draft target Cameron Dantzler

Here’s a complete look at what Dantzler, who the Titans have already shown interest in, brings to the table.

The Tennessee Titans have just a few small changes to make before they’ve got the makings of a team that can consistently contend in the postseason.

One position the Titans would do well to address in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft is cornerback.

The future of Logan Ryan remains uncertain, and this is a big year coming up for Malcolm Butler to continue to prove his worth. Adoree’ Jackson hits the fifth year of his rookie contract in 2021, if he doesn’t secure an extension beforehand.

Mississippi State’s Cameron Dantzler presents an option for the Titans here, and could very well be the best player available for the team and its needs with pick No. 29 in the first round.

Here’s a complete look at what Dantzler — who the Titans have already shown interest in — brings to the table.

Pros 

One of the SEC’s best at the position over the past couple of years, Dantzler is going to enter the NFL with no lack of experience, making 22 starts in his time with the Bulldogs.

Dantzler provides a versatile option with length and solid athleticism, and does particularly well in the red zone and in zone coverage.

While Dantzler has had some missed opportunities over his career, his ball skills are good overall and he’s got aggressive hands.

His production at Mississippi State was impressive, as he totaled 108 tackles (78 solo), 1.5 sacks, five interceptions, 20 pass deflections, and one forced fumble and recovery.

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