Its’ been a
busy week for the Vikings in the news which gets me looking at my calendar and
thinking not too much longer until my favorite team pulls into Minnesota State
University Campus and the start of training camp.
Monday was
the unveiling of the new stadium which will be a talker until it is built. The
questions all week is how will we pay for it? I believe if there is a will
there is a way.
Chris Kluwe
was signed this week by the Oakland Raiders. I am happy for Chris that he found
a home. I honestly had a feeling Seattle even if they did already have a punter
they would still sign Chris. Antoine Winfield, Percy Harvin, Sidney Rice
already a Seahawk and then sign Kluwe would be my luck. Good luck to Chris in
Oakland!!
This brings
up my thought going into training camp of who will be the new holder. Chris can
be questioned on his punting ability but you cannot question the job he did
holding the ball for Blair Walsh. Chris made it seem so easy and smooth so now
who can we count on. We have a 2nd year kicker, Blair Walsh and a
rookie punter Jeff Locke. The key man in this team of three will be veteran
long snapper Cullen Loeffler. I feel he will be needed more than ever to keep
this group solidified.
One item to add on Jeff Locke is not only will he try to replace Kluwe but we will see a left footed punter. It is strange to see how the ball comes off a left footer when the Vikes have played against one. There are not many, so it will be a unique chance to see our own. I am looking forward to camp and see how the return men cope with this. Ah yes, another reason to be a fan who makes a trip to Mankato.
The middle
linebacker question of who should be the starter is getting real intriguing. I
for one am on the Erin Henderson side. I have read like probably most of you
that the name Brian Urlacher keeps popping up. I found a quote from Erin
Henderson regarding this upcoming chance. He stated’ “I don’t think I have been
this pissed in my entire life, to just hear people talk about stuff that they
have no idea what they’re talking about, he told ESPN Twin Cities. He also added “I guess it’s getting to the
point where it’s like. “Dang. I just want a little bit of respect.”
I love Erin’s
attitude as I have followed his whole career making it from the start as an
undrafted rookie free agent and then becoming starting outside linebacker.
He added in
the interview, “I’’ve got to hear they might bring in Urlacher,” Henderson
said. “Cool bring him in. And if he’s better than me, if he can outplay me at
this position then let him play.”
If I had to
pick a position fight I am most excited about coming into training camp it will
me the middle linebacker. I have 100% faith in Erin he can do it. The guy has a
personality you want to see make it big. I am a huge Henderson fan.
The decision
to move Joe Webb to full time receiver will be a blast to watch. I believe
other than Adrian that Webb is the 2nd best athlete on the team. It
is about time the team sees what they have sitting on the bench. The team has
nothing to lose and everything to gain by making this switch. His height, the
leaping ability will all be on display coming late July, early August in
Mankato. I hope you can make the trip and see the day in and day out battles.
If you ever
have a question about anything regarding Training Camp or anything during the
season please feel free to email me at breyerstick@yahoo.com.
I would be more than happy to meet you in Mankato and we can talk football.
The
defensive line will be a treat to watch in camp. We have guys on contract
years. You think they won’t be hungry? The 2 starting defensive ends, Jared
Allen and Brian Robison are free agents after this season. Pass rush
specialist, Everson Griffen is playing for a contract as well as starting
defensive tackle, Kevin Williams. I feel it in my heart we are going to see a
lot of quarterbacks lying on their backs after a sack. I will even go as far as
saying we will see the Purple People Eaters 30 years later. This group will be
a top 5 sack group in the NFL I boldly predict.
These are 4
of the major thoughts I have for now and will keep on thinking as the time gets
closer to camp.
Thanks for
reading
Purplestick
Source: NFL.com
Chris Wesseling, Around the League writer
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