Five Things Benny Sapp Must Do to Win the Minnesota Vikings' Nickel Job

(Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Like many say, football is a game of turnovers. If Sapp can't make the play when he has the chance, Frazier and company will find the guy who can.

4. Step Into a Leadership Role

Sapp seemed to be the little brother of the cornerback group last season, it having been his first season wearing purple.

With a free agent in Paymah that is a couple years younger and a rookie in Allen, Sapp could prove a lot to coaches with his knowledge and leadership this season.

When the younger corners on the team have a question, he will need to help them out no matter if it's on the field or in the film room.

When watching Benny Sapp in practice this training camp, watch his communication with the guys around him.

While learning from some solid corners in Cedric Griffin and Antoine Winfield (assuming there is no contract dispute), he will need to be a teacher as well.

5. Do Not Gamble When It's Not Necessary

When Sapp took over for Gordon after the injury in 2008, he seemed to play well in the slot on quicker receivers.

However, when watching him on film, it seems Sapp likes to gamble on passes a lot. Now, sometimes gambling pays off for defensive backs and it did at times for the 5-year corner.

The part I did not like to see was when the Vikings defense faced some long yardage situations and Sapp took some chances that cost them some big chunks of yardage.

In camp, look for Sapp to give more cushion on wide receivers when the offense is trying to get 15+ yards.

I am not saying he needs to lighten up on jumping routes, just that he needs to be award of when he is doing it and not letting the offense pick up first downs that they had no business converting in the first place.

Next Article: Five Things Karl Paymah Must Do to Win the Vikings' Nickel Job

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