The enthusiasm
is building for the season as shown by a huge crowd today in Mankato on
Thursday. I found on twitter that the attendance was just over 6600.
I got to
Mankato at my normal time and saw an incredible amount of people lined up
already. It went about 2 blocks long and it was still an hour early before fans
could enter.
Today’s
autograph line was the wide receivers. I talk to several people who felt Greg
Jennings and Cordarrelle Patterson would be the big draw.
The
inquisitive person I am went further in research to see just what time people
started lining up, I ran into the man I met from Phoenix earlier in the week
who told me he was there by 6am and felt he was about 50th in line.
He said a buddy of his who is from Minnesota got there at 4:30am and was about
10th. There is so much passion for autographs of certain players you
would have to see it to believe it. I see it every day and still can’t believe
what people will do.
The weather
was the best of the camp so far with sunny skies and a breeze in the morning
but by the afternoon the hot Mankato sun was baking the fans.
The
afternoon practice had once again a lot of spirit and for one play a little bit
too much spirit. A pass was intercepted by Xavier Rhodes who was taking the
ball back when offensive linemen Seth Olsen grabbed Rhodes by the jersey and whipped
him down not necessarily hard but enough a group of players came together. It
was short lived incident quickly settled.
Today on the
offensive side of the ball I really like Jerome Simpson who made some very good
catches. It seems every day the receivers are getting better. The one constant
is Greg Jennings who looks ready for the game opener.
Thursday a
situational play was set up with 3rd and 20. McLeod Bethel- Thompson
was at qb when he took the ball was chased and found Chris Summers for a long
touchdown. I talked to McLeod after practice and told him, great throw to
Summers. He looked at me and said, “Great route.”
The tight
ends look again once again. I love what Rudolph and Carlson are doing. Rhett
Ellison is also making consistent plays. The one tight end camp I am keeping an
eye on is number 86, Chase Ford who was signed in 2012 by the Vikings. He was
on the Dallas, Philadelphia and then Minnesota practice squads last year. He is
6’6” and 255 pounds. He has some very good hands but has tough competition in
front of him. I will enjoy watching him in camp and then preseason to see how
his future turns out this season.
The goal
line offense was worked on today. It was earlier in the week when the offense
really struggled getting the ball in. Today was much better with both running
and passing. It was not 100 percent but I counted at least half of the chances
the offense punched it in. It was very encouraging to see the progress yet I
know much work needs to be done. If I can see small steps each day I will take
it.
The
defensive side of the ball two players stood out to me and they were Everson
Griffen and Sharriff Floyd.
This is a
big season coming up for contracts to be renewed. I am a big Griffen fan. I
believe he has the motor to get double digit sacks this year. One play Toby
Gerhart took the handoff and as soon as he had the ball Griffen had broken around
the corner and dropped Gerhart instantly.
Floyd was
getting through the line and causing problems for the offense, I believe I
counted 3 times in a short time when he caused havoc. This big man showed me
his quickness in a big way today.
Vikings
fans, I believe we are in for a special year as we will watch the defensive line
wreak havoc and will have big sack numbers when the season ends.
Erin
Henderson showed signs today his hustle will pay off. One again, Gerhart took a
handoff and at the same time Henderson hit him low and knocked him back on his
butt.
It was a hot
day in Mankato with a big crowd. The practice ended and I actually hear people
clapping which I do not hear very often to end a practice.
It was the
best day thus far with the weather and the supportive crowd.
Friday is
defensive line autographs.
Practice:
10:30-11:30 and 2:45-4:45
I left
practice at 5 pm and there was already a man in line for tomorrow. He had his
lawn chair set up at the gate. Yes, people are crazy and I love it.
That’s all
from Mankato
Thanks for
reading
Purplestick
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