special teams

Free agency and the releasing of players is part of the NFL but one of the biggest shocks is when I heard Ryan Longwell has been released. The Vikings have stated the intention to get younger. Is this the case?

I did hear a radio interview done with Chris Kluwe who was the holder for Longwell's field goal attempts. Chris brought a valid point. His statement made about the Vikings releasing Longwell at the time they did could help him land a job a litle easier especially before training camps begin. The release during training camp really puts extra pressure on the player to try and find a home. I thank Ryan for his efforts during his career here in Minnesota.

The new era of Blair Walsh, rookie draft choice out of Georgia University begins. The question of how he can handle pressure in the NFL will be answered quickly. To follow up behind a kicker like Longwell will be a test. The first make, the first miss, the timing of all will be interesting to see how fans react. The Vikings have made a choice to go with youth at this position and I support the management.

2012 Training camp is one story line after another just waiting to happen. The kicking situation is huge. How many games come down to a kick?

Chris Kluwe coming into his 8th season with the Vikings. It is hard to believe 8 already. Chris is so good at his punts inside the opponents 20. His name seems to come up as a possible Pro Bowl player. Chris,this is your year to go to Hawaii. He is so dependable for this team. A punter and field goal holder is truly valuable for this squad. In looking at the roster he is one of the seniors on this team.

Long snapper Cullen Loeffler is coming into his 9th season with the team. He made it in 2004 as a rookie free agent from the University of Texas. Cullen has snapped for 4 of the 5 longest field goals in team history.

It was a shock when Loeffler ended the year last season on IR. It is sad to say but the job he does is not noticed until after he left for the season. The special teams just did not seem the same. You take for granted what a player does and when they are gone then it is noticed.


2 players with 17 years expereience amd a rookie should be a fun group to watch.

Next up-defensive backs

Thanks for reading
Purplestick