The New England Patriots were back at work on Thursday for their second practice with the Minnesota Vikings. After landing their punches on the first day of joint work, the team of head coach Mike Vrabel encountered more challenges during the second session.

The Vikings, frankly, spoiled the head coach’s 50th birthday. Minnesota was the better team on both sides of the ball, and while the Patriots did again have some encouraging moments they were few and far between. The difference between a dark-horse Super Bowl candidate and a rebuilding team was on full display Thursday.

Here is what went down on the practice fields at TCO Performance Center in Eagan, MN:

Setting

Attire: Full pads

Duration: ca. 120 minutes (1 p.m.-3:00 p.m. ET)

Conditions: Cloudy, temperatures in the 70s

The rain

See Full Page