McNabb makes first practice with Vikings

MANKATO, Minn., Aug. 5 (UPI) -- New Minnesota Vikings quarterback Donovan McNabb admitted his first practice with the team started a little rough, but he eventually found his footing.

McNabb, who missed the first three days of practice along with nearly 20 other players due to the pending collective-bargaining agreement, which was ratified Thursday, conceded some of his early throws during Thursday's practice were off-target, but he was eventually able to connect with wide receiver Bernard Berrian for a 50-yard gain, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reported Friday.

"We made a lot of big plays today, but some plays we want back," McNabb said. "Everything was moving a mile a minute (early on); your legs feel so fresh that your drops are extremely fast. You just have to calm down."

Coach Leslie Frazier praised the performance of McNabb, who played for Washington last season.

"I thought for a guy who hadn't practiced with us and hadn't done anything ... I thought he did a good job," Frazier said. "The timing was there; he seemed to have a good command of the offense. Just to jump in there right away and begin to call the offense and set up and throw the ball accurately considering all the stuff's been going on, I think he did a good job."