I showed up
in Mankato Friday to exactly what I had thought it would be or at least hoped
and that was a big crowd. I knew the numbers were big by seeing the stands full
this afternoon. I found on twitter once again the crowd was at least 6500. This
is incredible in 2 days having over 12,000. There is so much excitement in
camp. The amount of purple watching practice is such a beautiful sight.
Today was
practice number 13 and 14 with Saturday morning’s practice marking the half waypoint
of camp.
Friday
morning was the 10:30-11:30 walk through in Blakeslee field. I just wanted to
give you a rundown of a walk through practice. It is the first 30 minutes working
on special teams. The last half hour the offense spends the time on the west
side of the field and the defense goes to the east end. There is on offense vs.
defense in this session.
The weather
was a cool overcast day for the afternoon practice, which went 2:45-4:45. The
team started out with special teams in which the punt team worked. Rookie, Jeff
Locke nailed 3- 70-yard punts, which brought cheers from the fans in the stands.
It is incredible to see that distance and to watch the return man run back to
get under it. I cannot wait for you to see it yourself next Friday either on TV
or if you are at the game.
The next was
a favorite drill of mine on special teams. A padded mat was laid on the field,
reminding me of a gymnastics mat. I would guess 5’ x 8’ or so. A person begins
pouring water all over the top side. The next step is watching players simulate
blocking a kick by running and diving through the air in attempt to block the
kick. The player slides across the mat. The process continues as player after
player go diving. The mat is made sure to stay wet by a person pouring water
when needed.
One shocking
development in practice was Blair missing two field goals, one of 43 and one 50
both wide. He has plenty of distance. This was a rare day so I will not get
worked up. He is working with a new holder and if there is a time to miss, it
is now. His leg does look stronger than last year. I feel very confident he
will be all right and keep booming 50 yarders again this season.
On Saturday
July 27, I witnessed a struggling quarterback in Ponder. I knew it is early, as
things will get better. Today, Friday August 2, I can stand behind my words and
say Ponder looked very sharp. He threw a beautiful pass leading Greg Jennings
towards the sideline and Greg hauled it in. I was on top of Blakeslee Field overlooking
practice so on that play I could watch the ball through the air and watch Greg
corral it in. It was a work of art.
Ponder
through the week is starting to develop a relationship with his receivers. The
majority of the balls were right where they had to be. I am really fired up to
see him develop even more. He is showing me hope.
Cordarrelle
Patterson is everything as advertised. His leaping ability to catch the ball,
the routes he runs, and the ability to get off the chuck at the line are all
awesome to watch. I will go one-step farther and yes, I know it is only
practice but when he gets the ball on returns, he comes through that hole and
seems to have a gear even higher. I am anxious to see him in preseason and show
the world that “Flash” is the real deal.
The running
back situation has all world, AP, Toby Gerhart, a solid backup and Matt Asiata
who made the team in 2012. There is a player in camp, who is turning heads including
mine. His name is Bradley Randle and he wears number 38. He is 5’7” and 190 out
of UNLV. He is having a whale of a camp and I would not be surprised if he made
the team.
I wrote a blog
back in July about Vikings fans have reason to be optimistic. I believe I can
back my words up. I have a gut feeling we are going to have a special season to
remember. I have not been this excited for quite some time.
If we can
stay healthy, I see no reason the NFC North cannot be ours, then the playoffs
and then capped off, as Mission to Meadowlands becomes reality and we our Super
Bowl Champions.
Do not
forget Saturday is a walk through 10:30-111:30 and then tomorrow night is
Family night. The players will be on Blakeslee Field from 7-9 and then team introduction
followed by fireworks when it is dark enough.
If we have
had 12,000 in the last 2 days, I will expect a huge purple crowd rocking
Blakeslee Field. If you have never been to one, I encourage you to make the
trip. I guarantee it will be worth the drive.
That is all
from Mankato
Thanks for
reading
Purplestick
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