I have been a Vikings fan all my life. The one fact in the last few years is the quarterback age has not been exactly young. The list of veterans that have lead this squad is amazing. Each contributing and a couple getting close to making it to the Super Bowl.
The list of Brad Johnson, Randall Cunningham, Jeff George, Brett Favre, Donovan McNabb is impressive because each had such a good NFL career. The teams of 1998 with Cunningham and 2009 with Favre were so close but in the end came it was just another season with no title.
These years of watching each of the quarterbacks was fun to watch but now in 2012 is a year where a young quarterback drafted right out of college,Chrisitian Ponder, will get a 2nd year in a row a chance to shine and be the teams long term qaurterback.
I am a Ponder supporter. It was said coming out of college teams NFL teams had concerns on his arm strength. I just did not see it. The problem last season was his inability to feel safe in the pocket and seemingly running for his life most of the time. The injuries along the front line and the different combinations of guys trying to help protect just never really materialized.
Yes,he made some questionable decisions on the run. The interceptions thrown at times were painful to watch. If he can learn from last year from his mistakes this season should prove interesting.
The team has made some major changes hopefully for the better starting with number 1 pick at left tackle, Mat Kalil. The advantage Kalil will have is the off season along with training camp going against Jared Allen day in and day out.
Two things come to mind from last season about Ponder. The speed he showed when it came to scrambling and his ability to take hard hits and get up. He has my respect when it comes to toughness.
Joe Webb in one word is gifted. The U Tube video found of his high jump is awesome to watch. If hope you get a chance to see it because it is unforgetable. I worry the Vikings keep him on the bench too much. The wildcat, I love this opportunity for Webb, but the way it was used at times last season was a head scratcher. Joe Webb at quarterback and Christian Ponder lined up in the backfield at running back fooled no one. I hope Bill Musgrave will be a litle more creative with Webb this season. I feel Webb is another Randy Moss, a freak of nature. I would love to see Ponder step back and just heave it and let Webb go get it. The man can jump as seen in the video. The size of hands Webb is incredible. His leaping ability and hand size should prove to be a weapon.
Joe Webb has proved he can quarterback as proven the Philadelphia Eagles game a couple of years ago. He showed his arm and also the athletic ability.
The 2 young quarterbacks if they can stay healthy I believe will lead this team in the right direction. The third quarterback is Sage Rosenfels who brings knowledge and experince that can help Ponder and Webb with. I really hope when I am at a game or watching on TV I see Sage on the sidelines working with these youngsters. I will also watch in Mankato how the three work together. It is called a team for more than one reason.
Monday I will give my thoughts on the tight ends which will be different with no Visanthe Shiancoe or Jimmy Kleinsasser this campaign.
Thanks for reading
Purplestick
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