[Bryan88]

Shiancoe gets grip on the game — and the ball

Tight end Visanthe Shiancoe has been a primary receiving target during the Vikings' offseason workouts that have been open to the media. This hasn't always been a good thing.

Coming off a disappointing first season with the Vikings, Shiancoe dropped at least three short and catchable passes during a practice late last month that was part of Organized Team Activities. It was reminiscent of the struggles Shiancoe had last spring after joining the team as a free agent from the New York Giants.

But Shiancoe looked like a different player during the Vikings' three-day (four practices) minicamp that ended Sunday with a single session.

He not only didn't drop any easy passes, but he also made several nice grabs. This included three acrobatic receptions in Friday's practice and two more nice ones during red-zone drills Sunday. "It all comes with the trust of the team," Shiancoe said. "I feel like the team trusts me, so I have to make the play."

The ability to have a tight end as a reliable receiving threat in the Vikings' version of the West Coast offense would be a major plus and something that was lacking last season. Shiancoe, whom Minnesota signed to a five-year, $18.2 million contract that included $7 million in guarantees, finished fifth on the team with 27 catches for 323 yards and one touchdown. However, he also dropped three potential touchdown passes and wasn't the receiving option that many had expected.

Shiancoe, according to coach Brad Childress, took it upon himself to lose some weight this offseason in an attempt to become more effective.

But Childress said the biggest reason that Shiancoe should be improved is familiarity with the system. "When you're flowing, you can't be thinking about what you're doing," Childress said. "The game's being played. I say this all the time on the other side of the ball, and where are you going in reaction to what they're doing to you."