The sports world has shut down and events coming have either been postponed or cancelled including of my top five events I love and that is the NFL Vikings draft party. I absolutely understand but I can be honest and admit disappointment.
The Minnesota Vikings continue to mystify me with all the players that have left via free agency although know with the salary cap is an issue it is still sad to see guys leave. I see the last two to sign elsewhere were Xavier Rhodes signing a one year deal with the Indianapolis Colts as what has been deemed a prove it contract.
I then saw Friday morning that Andrew Sendejo signed with the Cleveland Browns. Yes I knew neither player was coming back but still to know its official is strange.
I was relieved to see the Vikings sign some guys as I watch NFL Network every day and see team after team seemingly sign so many yet I see no Vikings activities.
I like the addition of Michael Pierce from the Baltimore Ravens as I know the Ravens defense typically is very good so this should be a potentially nice replacement for Linval Joseph. The team also signed WR Tejae’ Sharpe and Anthony Zettel (DE) from Tennessee and San Francisco respectively.
I have seen so far the Vikings resigning Dan Bailey, Rashod Hill, and Friday they resigned Ameer Abdullah and Brett Jones. In my opinion none of the names I have listed as free agent signings or resigning is earth shattering news but at least it’s something to read about and study the new guys.
I read on twitter Commissioner Goodell announced the NFL draft will go on as plan but obviously a way different format. I can’t wait to watch how this goes down. I have heard theories make it a seven night draft which I would be in heaven. I don’t think it would go to that but will be strange to see the picks coming from different facilities or wherever they draft from. It will be strange not to see the player in the backstage room come out and hug the commissioner in getting his jersey with the number one on it and having hit team hat on.
My thought on the draft does not waiver as I know the team has two first round draft choices so I can see a package deal to trade both first round picks to move up and get a very good defensive back. I would not be upset if they don’t trade so take an offensive tackle and a defensive back.
I saw the schedule like most of you have and yes we don’t know the dates or times only know the home and away opponents. This will be my 20th year of tickets as I was thinking last year was. It must be my old age but know this the schedule is as tough as I have seen and after the Free agent signings I am even more concerned. I think even if none of the players had left it would be tough but since they are gone my stress level just got a little higher thinking what are we going to do?
The home schedule includes: Detroit, Green Bay, Chicago. Jacksonville, Tennessee, Atlanta, Carolina and Dallas.
Green Bay will always be tough as long as Aaron Rodgers in quarterback although I saw left tackle Bryan Bulaga left via free agency. Detroit signed former Viking, Jayron Kearse and appear to be the New England Patriots dumping ground as Jamie Collins and Danny Shelton both signed. The Chicago Bears acquiring quarterback, Nick Foles will be a real interesting story to see him compete with Mitch Trubiskey.
Jacksonville will be my least worry on the home schedule although this is the time I should worry. The Tennessee Titans come in with Derrick Henry and his tough running style and with the loss of some of our starters gone will be a more worrisome problem.
Atlanta Falcons come in with new running back, Todd Gurley. Yes he has been injured the last couple of years but you know he will come in with a chip on his shoulder. Matt Ryan and Julio Jones must be relieved with no more Xavier Rhodes as Jones always seemed to struggle vs Rhodes. The Carolina Panthers come with new quarterback, Teddy Bridgewater. I am so happy for Teddy but the day the Vikes play him will be my only day not cheering for him.
The Dallas Cowboys come to town and with that their fans will flock US Bank Stadium. They signed Amari Cooper to the 100 million contract and see Tight End, Jason Witten leave for the Las Vegas Raiders. The Cowboys did add Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and defensive tackle, Gerald McCoy.
The road schedule sees the Vikings travel to Chicago, Green Bay, Detroit, Houston, Indianapolis, New Orleans, Tampa Bay, and Seattle.
I start with looking at the quarterbacks will face highlighted by Deshaun Watson (Houston), Phillip Rivers (Indianapolis), Drew Brees (New Orleans), Tom Brady (Tampa Bay) and of course Russell Wilson (Seattle). Wow what a challenge for the Vikings defense and yes I can’t forget Aaron Rodgers although I would like to one day.
The Texans will be a challenge with the likes of JJ Watt and Watson but the subtraction of all world receiver, Andre Hopkins which might be the strangest trade all off season.
The Indianapolis Colts as I said earlier Rivers will be the quarterback but now add former Viking, Xavier Rhodes. How will he play? Will he be his former Pro Bowl self? My luck he will be very noticeable and not in a bad way.
The New Orleans Saints oh where do I begin? The playoff losses suffered to the Vikings and in New Orleans sets up for potential ugliness. Their offense is already wow but now add Super Bowl champ wide receiver, Emmanuel Sanders. I say the rich get richer!!!!!
Tampa Bay I mean Tampa Tom will be the story of the year as Brady signed the two year 50 million guaranteed contract. Yes, the next Super Bowl is in Tama and Brady there will be a nonstop talker. The weapons he has are not like he had in New England. The NFC South will be the most watched Division in football. I love the Vikings division I will watch honestly a lot more. Brees, Ryan, Brady and Bridgewater what a powerhouse of quarterbacks although I know Teddy is not necessarily proven.
The Seattle Seahawks and the 12th man is always a challenge for the Vikings and like the Packers until Russell Wilson retires the Seahawks will always be in contention for the playoffs. Seattle signed Tight End, Greg Olsen who always been a top tier tight end and just another challenge for the Vkings defense.
The Vikings have very good skill players with Kirk Cousins, Dalvin Cook, Adam Thielen, Kyle Rudolph and I look Bisi Johnson. The offensive line to make an obvious statement is truly concerning,
The defense is concerning so with Coach Zimmer and the defensive staff we will see just what they get for production.
I am a fan so I want to and have to believe in my favorite team, the Minnesota Vikings.
Thank you for reading
Stay safe everyone please
Purplestick
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