The morning practice resulted in the sighting of two former Vikings players’ former quarterback Rich Gannon and part of the famous Purple People Eaters, Alan Page on the sideline. Rich does a radio show for Sirius NFL in which they did this afternoon in Mankato.
Today I did something I have never done in camp. Today was Minnesota Momentum day and those that are part of this were put in the VIP tent. I am part of this organization and today I was invited with others to come and have lunch in the tent in the north end zone. Lester Bagley came and addressed us with a stadium update. Coach Frazier came and talked about the 2012 Vikings team. Paul Allen, the voice of the Vikings also came up and talked. We then could watch the afternoon practice. In 19 years I have never been in this tent. It was truly different sitting and watching from the end zone view versus sitting in the bleachers and watch end to end.
The afternoon practice was conducted in maybe the best weather all camp. It was not so hot and there was a breeze.
Today was the first day I watch kicker Blair Walsh struggle somewhat. There was a wind and he had plenty of leg but the kicks seemed to go wide. He went 5 of 8 missing 32, 38 and 44.
The kick return battle is still going and today seeing Josh Robinson and Jarius Wright take turns. Both these men were 2012 draft choices. Josh looked lightning quick and on Friday I am hoping he can show the rest of Minnesota how fast he can be.
The receiving corps, the more and more I watch there are 2 guys I like more and more every day. Percy is already a known talent. I have 2 others to pay attention to during the rest of the preseason. Please keep an eye on Bryan Walters and Devin Aromashodu who have been very consistent. I believe they have a legitimate shot to making the squad.
Adrian Peterson was out there tonight and was with the team until they had physical contact. He can do some of the individual drills and one that brought smiles from fans was catching a swing pass. It is still amazing having surgery and 7.5 months later running and cutting.
The goal line offense had a struggle getting the ball in. One of the plays Toby Gerhart came through the hole and was involved in a violent collision causing a fumble.
The hitting and little extra shoves is increasing, making me excited to see to see how they perform on Friday.
The defensive side of the ball I am seeing day in and day out later Harrison Smith make play. Monday’s afternoon practice was like watching a man possessed. A sack, interception and some blitzes done by this man was a true pleasure to watch. He has been named the starting safety for Friday’s game at home vs Buffalo. You may already know this info by TV or news, but to see it in practice every day makes me feel like the team has a future long term safety in Smith. The altercation Smith had with Percy Harvin last week brought notice that Smith will not be pushed around.
Coach Frazier had addresed the Minnsota Momentum and one question asked of Coach was where Everson Griffen is going to play, linebacker or defensive end? Coach made mention of how well Erin Henderson and Marvin Mitchell are playing at this posistion allowing the team to put Griffen back on the D-Line. The 2 plus week of experimenting is over with him.
Reminder Tuesday is Fan Appreciation day with the autograph group for the morning will be the entire team. If it is anything like last year it will be crazy in Mankato.
Thanks for reading
Purplestick
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