The new look begins Sunday

I can’t help but think this Sunday’s game might be one of the bigger ones in franchise history. That may sound funny, but with 2010 and 2011 being tough years as far as record wise the start of 1-0 could be huge for players and fans. The old saying take it a week at a time is so true especially in 2012. Let’s get in the victory column and go from there.

I will be looking at 10 different areas that were a concern coming into this year. The first will be looking at Christian Ponder coming into his second year. I have seen the arm strength so that is not the concern rather his decision making when he is being pressured. The ability to get rid of the ball and make sure it is legally done so not to be called for intentional grounding will be huge. Ponders’ hanging onto the ball to long and taking a sack will be something to watch to see if he can avoid. I like what I saw out of Ponder in Mankato but the real test will start Sunday.

The offensive line is young with this the first year they will be starting to work together. Two new guards in Brandon Fusco and Charlie Johnson along with new left tackle Matt Kalil is quite the overhaul of a line. Johnson is believed to be back in his natural spot. Fusco and Kalil are young and inexperienced. I feel with Sullivan at center and Johnson, both veteran players will be huge keys to communicating with the youngsters. I rather like the youth because if it does work out and I believe it will the team will have an O-Line for years to come. Ponder took such a beating last year but with the big man at the left tackle Ponder should have more time. I am very excited about this line the team has assembled.

The drafting of Toby Gerhart might go down as one of the better picks in team history. Who would have ever thought Adrian Peterson would go down last season and have major knee surgery? Yes, he has made an awesome comeback so far. It is just nice to have Gerhart who finished runner-up in the Heisman trophy award when he was at Stanford as a backup. Toby will be more valuable than people would have thought when he did get drafted. Toby is a punishing runner and does not quit. I rather like our running back situation.

The loss of Jerome Simpson for the first 3 games is a blow but it does give others a chance to step up. Percy Harvin is a proven receiver who is a threat to score each time he touches the ball. Who will step up and want the ball is the question. Michael Jenkins, a former 1st round pick is a veteran but after that is a lot of youth and inexperience. The hands I saw in camp were awesome but now it counts. Who wants the ball, please step up.

The free agent signing this off season of John Carlson I thought was great. The injury early in camp we never really got to see what he can offer. These first few games will be a major tell in what the team has in John. We know Kyle Rudolph, but do we know what Carlson can do yet. He has the size to be a nice target. I cannot wait to see his first catch. I feel it will be worth the money the team spent.

The days of the Williams Wall are over but it seems like it has been a while since Kevin Williams has had a partner that can help stuff the run consistently. I really like what Christian Ballard, LeTroy Guion and Fred Evans offer. Which one of these 3 will be the other half of the wall? If they rotate them so be it, but it needs to be tight so no runs occur up the middle forcing the linebackers to take the running back down.

The new middle linebacker Jasper Brinkley has been anointed as the man who patrols the middle. He is young and athletic. I really thought preseason he made some strides. On Sunday all eyes will be on Brinkley. Can he cover tight ends if needed? Will he be in position to make the tackle if needed? I cannot to wait to see him in action. The team has 3 athletic linebackers in Chad Greenway, Erin Henderson and Jasper Brinkley. This will be a fun group to watch this season.

The defensive backs are all young. Chris Cook I thought looked very good in camp. Can he keep this up? Antoine Winfield is solid although getting up there in age. Which youngster steps up and shows he wants playing time? The safeties will be something to watch for as rookie Harrison Smith gets the start along with Mistral Raymond in his 2nd season. This is as young as a team can go. If the pass rush can be successful these 2 young men’s lives will be a lot easier.

The release or Ryan Longwell and the keeping of rookie Blair Walsh will be something to watch. Walsh’s kickoffs in preseason were outstanding. The obvious question will be if he struggles at field goals how will his attitude be. He is young and I have a ton of faith he can get the job done. I even drafted him in both my fantasy drafts this week.

The last area of concern is the fans themselves. I believe the team will come out strong and get the victory. If I am wrong and things do not go well for the team how do fans react? The team is young and with that how patient are the fans with these youngsters? It might be the most interesting story line of the game. A win and you have 64,000 smiling fans whereas a loss, god forbid and what are fans saying as they leave the stadium on Sunday?

I do not believe I have to worry about a questioning crowd rather I will be walking back to my car in a swarm of purple clad fans who are celebrating a home opener victory. The Vikes win 27-10.

Thanks for reading
Purplestick