Is there a
better feeling than knowing less than 10 days and the Vikings will be
practicing at Training Camp with the season just around the corner? It seems
like forever from the Super Bowl to Training Camp. I watch a ton of NFL network
which helps pass the time. The time is here and excitement in my heart is
boiling over,
I was asked
a few years ago by a South Dakota TV station to predict the Vikings record. My answer
came out quicker than he had just finished the question. It is an easy answer.
My response,”16-0” and the man smiled and could not believe I would say that. I
had to tell him if I said 11-4, 10-6, 9-7 or anything but 16-0 that means I am
going to watch my team lose. Why would any fan want that? I know 16-0 is near impossible
but right now everyone is 0-0 and no one knows. I believe anything can happen.
The man actually told me he never thought of it that way. A true fan stands by his
or her team and wills them to victory. We are not the players but we the fans
can make a huge difference especially at home games.
I tell you
there are so many reasons for Vikings fans to feel good about the upcoming
year. We have pieces we have not had for quite some time.
I want you
to think of Christian Ponder playing a full season like he did the last 4 of
2012. I want you to just think of the possibility.
Adrian
proved he is a beast and now think of receivers added giving the Vikes the extra
threat. I want you to think of defenses not sure what the Purple will do. I do
not believe teams can focus on AP. Can you say 2500-3000 yards smashing
Dickerson’s record? It is not a dream, it can really be reality.
The
offensive line did mass destruction last year in road grading for AP. I want you
to think if the team was that successful last season and now a year under the
belt what is the unit really capable of. I want you to think of the 2 ends,
Kalil and Loadholt destroying men in front of them. We will find ourselves
shaking our heads as we watch grown NFL men getting knocked to the ground repeatedly
by the dynamic duo of Kalil and Loadholt.
The
receiving corp has not got the respect in the past by national media. I want
you to think of the weapons Ponder now has: Jennings, Patterson, and Wright to
name a few. We have size and speed. Are you not excited to see Ponder cock his
arm and let the ball fly? Oh my, there is Patterson wide open on a 50 yard
bomb. The announcer just has to call after the catch 40,30,20,10
Touchdown!!!!!!! Patterson is jumping into Syd Davy’s arms in the end zone. The
new 84 is now on the scene.
I want you
to think of Kyle Rudolph and his 6’6” frame running the seam pattern and Ponder
put the ball on the mark. These short defensive back are helpless. I want you
to think when the ball is first and goal. The Vikes line up AP in the backfield,
with Ponder under center. He drops back and there is Rudolph in the back of the
end zone. Ponder throws an ally oop and who comes down with it. Yes, Rudolph
with another TD.
I want you
to think of the years we have to see Ponder to Rudolph. I believe Rudolph will
be a high drafted player in fantasy leagues.
The
defensive side of the ball is just as exciting to think about. Lets’ start with
looking at the defensive line: The team has 4 in the last year of their
contract. Who wants the new contract? How many sacks will the calf roper, Jared
Allen get this season? How many sacks will pass rush specialist, Everson
Griffen get? Will Kevin Williams be the run stuffer he can be? Brian Robison has an engine like no other.
The
potential of the line backing corp is incredible to think of. You have Mr. Tackling machine, Chad Greenway
along with a determined Erin Henderson to be the middle. You now add ex-Packer
Desmond Bishop who will come in with the mind set to show teams he is back. He
will come in fire up and help the defense take the Packers down twice along
with the other opponents. I am excited about the possibility just writing this.
The
secondary is full of youth and hard hitters. I want you think about Harrison
Smith last year as a rookie and now coming back for year two. The man is a hitter.
I want you to think of Chris Cook and Xaxier Rodes, both big and like to play
physical. Some more names to think about, Jarmca Sanford and Mistral Raymond,
who will win the other safety spot?
The NFC
North is full of great receivers. I cannot wait for matchups with our secondary
young and full of energy.
The kicking
position we should be excited for as well. Will Blair Walsh year 2 outdo what
he did in year one? I saw him kick 60 plus field goals last year inn camp with
plenty of room to spare. Can you say NFL record in 2013?
Jeff Locke,
comes in as unknown as the new punter in town. I will miss Kluwe but also
welcome a player who will help?
When all
this comes true that I have just written about it leaves only one thing: a
Vikings Super Bowl and as an added present, Coach Frazier, coach of the year.
I can no
wait for Friday July 26th when the boys hit the field for the
beginning of the Super Bowl run. You read it here. Please remember to mark this
blog so when the next Super Bowl is over you can reread it and see all the
truths.
GO VIKES
Thanks for
reading
Purplestick
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