Got the fever

Today OTA's started for the Vikings. It is part of football process and then in 60 plus days training camp will be here.

I took the chance to sit down and study the schedule. As a season ticket holder I am thrilled with the teams and their stars that will be coming to Mall of America Field.

In week 1, Jacksonville comes to town and with that will come draft choice Justin Blackmon, wide receiver out of Oklahoma State. I really enjoyed watching him in college. It is always fun to watch your team and see how a player does that you team passed on does. The Kalil choice was a must, but I still am excited to see how Blackmon's career starts out. The running game lead by Maurice Jones-Drew could not give the Vikings defense a better back to see how they stack up in trying to stop this back.

The 49ers come in week 3. This team lost in the NFC Championship game to NY Giants. I believe will be just as good if not better. The addidtion of Randy Moss is worth the price of admission for this game. The way Moss came and left a couple years ago will be interesting to see what kind of attitude he will bring. The 49ers defense will be a great challenge for the young Vikings offense to see how the team does.

Tennessee Titans come in week 5 lead by running back Chris Johnson. The first 2 out of 3 home games will present the Vikings defense with a huge challenge with Jones-Drew and then Johnson. The other fun player to watch will be Titans new guard Steve Hutchinson. It always seems ex Minnesota players always come to show they should not have been let go.

Arizona Cardinals come in week 7. It seems the Vikings play the Cardinals every year. I am not complaining because I get to see Larry Fitzgerald Jr. in action. I love the play of this guy. I remember seeing him in training camp when he was younger of course. I can remember watching him play catch with Cris Carter and Randy Moss. Who would have ever thought a ball boy would become one of the best receivers in the NFL. The addition of rookie wide receiver, Michael Floyd, out of Notre Dame will be fun to watch this season having Fitzgerald work with him.

Tampa Bay in week 8 will be the next home challenge. It was last year the home opener the Vikings had a big half time lead only to be shocked in losing. The Bucs were a major player in free agency and landed prize receiver Vincent Jackson. The Vikings defensive backs will have their hands full with this big body.
The Bucs a playoff team a couple years ago and then last year struggled. It will be interesting to see how the additions of all their free agents pays off.

The other 3 home games all involve the NFC Central. The receiver corps for the Bears,Packers and Lions will be worth the price of admission to see how the Vikings defense can cover. The quarterbacks as well from these teams all are young. There can be no excuses.This has got to be the year that the Vikings will show their youth can stay with the rest of the NFC North.

I believe!!!

Purplestick