Friday’s game was not the prettiest and it is maybe easy to look at it and say the team played a disappointing game. It was the 3rd game and the starters would play the longest of the three thus far.
I would like to throw out some positives in a loss. It starts with the crowd. I was pleasantly surprised to see how many fans came considering it is a preseason game and the state fair going on. The crowd had dwindled towards the end of the game but the remaining fans really cheered loudly when the Vikings scored the go ahead TD. Then the ensuing drive by the Chargers the fans did what they could to make noise. It was impressive to see the loyalty by those who stayed.
Christian Ponder and his ability to throw a nice deep ball continues to impress me. The first to Percy Harvin came so close. He laid it out beautifully for Harvin. The next one Harvin did come down I thought was a great combo of the location of the throw and Harvin coming down with it.
Sage Rosenfels did a very nice job in leading the team to its only TD. I know he was up against 3rd and 4th units but he still had to get the job done. He had some good pressure come at him and was able to get rid of the ball.
Matt Asiata did have a costly fumble but the play before he burst through a hole for a large gainer. I like his tough running style. I just hope the fumble does bot cost him a roster spot. I was very happy for him as he caught the go ahead touchdown in the end from Sage Rosenfels.
Joe Webb I thought made his nicest throws of the preseason. He made a couple to the sidelines that were very accurate and only a Vikings player could get it. The knock I had been reading is Webb is too quick to run. It was nice to see the throws and completions.
Tight end, Alan Reisner made the most of his opportunities making some late game catches. The drive at the end he made a great seam catch while taking a hit and hanging onto the ball. Reisner came last season as a rookie free agent out of the University of Iowa. The injury to John Carlson has really given a player like Reisner a chance to get more reps.
The kickoffs by Blair Walsh were deep once again this week. The only way to prevent a return is kicking it out. The deep kicks Walsh has done make the return man become daring in having to decide to come out or take a knee. The coverage team did a very nice job.
I also thought Chris Kluwe had a very nice night with booming kicks including one that pinned the Chargers deep. Can this be the year Kluwe finally gets the Pr Bowl nod?
Fred Evans is making the most of his playing time as he got another sack. It is nice to see guys contribute.
The defensive line as a whole showed good pressure coming up with sacks. Yes, they played against some of the non-regulars but still needed to get the job done. It is a nice confidence boost coming into the regular season.
Jasper Brinkley played his best game by far and boy was I happy for him. He was flying around to the ball and even got in on the sack parade. If he can build on this game the future at middle linebacker will be bright. He is a physical guy, but missing all of last season he just needs reps and get his body into football shape.
How about Jarius Wright and his fake of catching the punt? He caused a Chargers player to make a not so smart tackle drawing the flag. I do not know if I have seen such a good fake. I really liked Wright in Training camp as he flashed quickness. Marcus Sherels sprained his ankle Friday; Bryan Walters got cut on Saturday. Is the door open to seeing more Wright in the return game?
The game ended in a loss but I remain optimistic that the 2012 season will be much better. I am predicting 10-6.
Thanks for reading
Purplestick
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