The last day of practice began with the usual morning walk through. There were no autograph groups scheduled today and coincidentally the crowd was small. The practice began at 10:30 and I actually counted 76 fans in the stands. As the practice went on people filed in slowly with a rough estimate of 150-175 total. The weather was beautiful ,just not many fans.
One fan who did make it was Minnesota’s own Jack Jablonski. It was so neat to see him on the sidelines. The players after practice came over and signed a football along with shaking young Jack’s hand. It was a great sight to see this young man. He was in such good spirits talking to fans.
The last practice will take place later this afternoon at 2:45.
This gives me time to talk about Friday’s game vs Buffalo with some things to watch for. Let’s start with Blair Walsh’s leg. I am not to concerned about field goals Friday rather in the loud dome how far can he kick it off. Field position will be a huge key this year. His kickoffs in San Fran were awesome just wait until he comes inside with no weather to deal with.
The next would be at safety with Harrison Smith being named one of the starters. It will be fun to watch to see how he comes out as a rookie playing in his first home game. In staying with the safety thought both Mistral Raymond and Jamarca Sanford have been taking turns as the other safety opposite Smith. Which man will come out of this game for the better?
The defense last Friday gave up way to much rushing yards so the obvious question can this be changed? I believe it will as it will be neat to see Jared Allen and Kevin Williams out there for a little bit.
The middle linebacker,Jasper Brinkley will continue on his gaining form of being the man in the middle. He is talented just needs more game experience which he will get. I have faith he can get it done.
The offensive line starters last Friday showed some signs of improvement from last season. Matt Kalil will get to go up against a premeier pass rusher,Mario Williams who Buffalo signed as a free gent from Houston Texans. This will be another great test for Kalil.
The fierce battle in Mankato in the wide receiver position will again be something to watch. Jerome Simpson faces a 3 game suspension to start the season. We have so many talented young receivers who is going to step up until Simpson comes back in week 4.
Christian Ponder will get another opportunity to continue to make progress in this his 2nd season. I was encouraged last week but know improvement is a must. Ponder is looking better in camp so Friday we will see if it translates during the game.
It’s time for more football as the 30th and final practice is coming up shortly.
Later in the day I found out that Chad Greenway had asked Jack Jablonski to blow the
Gjallarhorn on Friday before the Buffalo Bills game. Jack accepted. This will be so fun to be at the game and see this brave young man in action.
Thanks for reading
Purplestick
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