There are two groups of Vikings fans: one that expects the ultimate kick in the teeth each season, and one that always seems surprised when that kick arrives.

After the Vikings’ exhibition opener against the Bengals, people remain split into the two camps. Some have to be talked off the ledge. Some have to be reeled in from the clouds.

Camp One after Friday’s opener:

“Oh my gawd, our first unit offense looked terrible against the Bengals first unit defense. And, according to the TV announcers, our defense maintained gap integrity but still was reading way too much instead of just putting their hands down. I don’t know what that means, but it sounds awful!

“The offensive line was trampled and Teddy Bridgewater could have been hurt. Trae Waynes had a rough time and even Mike Zimmer said the defense was soft. Blair Walsh clanged one in off the goalpost. Here we go again. I hear Adrian Peterson has the Zika virus or maybe malaria from riding that camel two years ago. I can’t take it anymore.’’

Camp Two after Friday’s opener:

“Did you see Teddy throw that long ball? That was exactly what we needed. We’re on our way. The defense strapped in and denied points on several long Bengals drives. Laquon Treadwell looked pretty good. And how about that kid quarterback from Wisconsin? Joel Stave is a keeper.

“Man, I can’t wait. Finally, this is our year! With the new stadium and with the young players coming along, Zim will take us all the way if the referees don’t hose us. I wish the regular season could start right now! Redemption is near.”

Oddly, there is trace evidence of a third camp emerging on our humble tundra. We can’t really see it but we kind of know it’s there. It’s like looking through a powerful telescope and determining the existence of a distant galaxy by the wobbling of a few nearby planets.

Camp Three theoretically contains people who paid some attention to Friday’s game but weren’t consumed by it. They took it for what it was worth — which is next to nothing — and had no strong reactions either way. Their most impassioned plea of Friday night may have been: “Pass the cheese dip.”

That last group has it right, of course. Yet there was plenty to rile up all those who chose to be riled up, which is considerably more fun. To me, just one important question emerged from Friday’s game: Did anyone get hurt? Otherwise it was all just a less dusty bit of training camp.

The young players did get a chance to demonstrate whether they understood the nuances of the system. And even though most don’t, that’s not a problem. There is plenty of time. It’s no big deal. All that said, it probably was enjoyable for a lot of people to see fellows running around in football suits again. It means Opening Day is drawing nearer and soon it will be time for oodles of light beer and soggy hero sandwiches. Meanwhile …

Dear Camp One: I know you sense impending disaster. You have a right to be concerned about the offensive line, as it is being restructured. However, don’t worry about the defense being soft. This should be a good defense. And Walsh likely has recovered from his traumatic experience against Seattle in the playoffs. Cheer up.

Dear Camp Two: I know you really, really expected Walsh to make the 27-yarder against Seattle. Yet take heart because it was good to see Bridgewater throw a lovely deep ball on Friday. That certainly is cause for optimism. Just remember that any quarterback can do it once. Let’s wait before we declare the problem is solved. Yes, the defense kept points off the board despite long drives. Very good. Of course, you don’t want too many of those long drives during the season. Calm down.

Dear Camp Three: Even though you may or may not exist, you are perfect. Carry on.