Vikings fans, there is so much reason for optimism!!!

Is there a better feeling than knowing less than 10 days and the Vikings will be practicing at Training Camp with the season just around the corner? It seems like forever from the Super Bowl to Training Camp. I watch a ton of NFL network which helps pass the time. The time is here and excitement in my heart is boiling over,

I was asked a few years ago by a South Dakota TV station to predict the Vikings record. My answer came out quicker than he had just finished the question. It is an easy answer. My response,”16-0” and the man smiled and could not believe I would say that. I had to tell him if I said 11-4, 10-6, 9-7 or anything but 16-0 that means I am going to watch my team lose. Why would any fan want that? I know 16-0 is near impossible but right now everyone is 0-0 and no one knows. I believe anything can happen. The man actually told me he never thought of it that way. A true fan stands by his or her team and wills them to victory. We are not the players but we the fans can make a huge difference especially at home games.

I tell you there are so many reasons for Vikings fans to feel good about the upcoming year. We have pieces we have not had for quite some time.

I want you to think of Christian Ponder playing a full season like he did the last 4 of 2012. I want you to just think of the possibility.

Adrian proved he is a beast and now think of receivers added giving the Vikes the extra threat. I want you to think of defenses not sure what the Purple will do. I do not believe teams can focus on AP. Can you say 2500-3000 yards smashing Dickerson’s record? It is not a dream, it can really be reality.

The offensive line did mass destruction last year in road grading for AP. I want you to think if the team was that successful last season and now a year under the belt what is the unit really capable of. I want you to think of the 2 ends, Kalil and Loadholt destroying men in front of them. We will find ourselves shaking our heads as we watch grown NFL men getting knocked to the ground repeatedly by the dynamic duo of Kalil and Loadholt.

The receiving corp has not got the respect in the past by national media. I want you to think of the weapons Ponder now has: Jennings, Patterson, and Wright to name a few. We have size and speed. Are you not excited to see Ponder cock his arm and let the ball fly? Oh my, there is Patterson wide open on a 50 yard bomb. The announcer just has to call after the catch 40,30,20,10 Touchdown!!!!!!! Patterson is jumping into Syd Davy’s arms in the end zone. The new 84 is now on the scene.

I want you to think of Kyle Rudolph and his 6’6” frame running the seam pattern and Ponder put the ball on the mark. These short defensive back are helpless. I want you to think when the ball is first and goal. The Vikes line up AP in the backfield, with Ponder under center. He drops back and there is Rudolph in the back of the end zone. Ponder throws an ally oop and who comes down with it. Yes, Rudolph with another TD.

I want you to think of the years we have to see Ponder to Rudolph. I believe Rudolph will be a high drafted player in fantasy leagues.

The defensive side of the ball is just as exciting to think about. Lets’ start with looking at the defensive line: The team has 4 in the last year of their contract. Who wants the new contract? How many sacks will the calf roper, Jared Allen get this season? How many sacks will pass rush specialist, Everson Griffen get? Will Kevin Williams be the run stuffer he can be?  Brian Robison has an engine like no other.

The potential of the line backing corp is incredible to think of.  You have Mr. Tackling machine, Chad Greenway along with a determined Erin Henderson to be the middle. You now add ex-Packer Desmond Bishop who will come in with the mind set to show teams he is back. He will come in fire up and help the defense take the Packers down twice along with the other opponents. I am excited about the possibility just writing this.

The secondary is full of youth and hard hitters. I want you think about Harrison Smith last year as a rookie and now coming back for year two. The man is a hitter. I want you to think of Chris Cook and Xaxier Rodes, both big and like to play physical. Some more names to think about, Jarmca Sanford and Mistral Raymond, who will win the other safety spot?

The NFC North is full of great receivers. I cannot wait for matchups with our secondary young and full of energy.

The kicking position we should be excited for as well. Will Blair Walsh year 2 outdo what he did in year one? I saw him kick 60 plus field goals last year inn camp with plenty of room to spare. Can you say NFL record in 2013?

Jeff Locke, comes in as unknown as the new punter in town. I will miss Kluwe but also welcome a player who will help?

When all this comes true that I have just written about it leaves only one thing: a Vikings Super Bowl and as an added present, Coach Frazier, coach of the year.

I can no wait for Friday July 26^th when the boys hit the field for the beginning of the Super Bowl run. You read it here. Please remember to mark this blog so when the next Super Bowl is over you can reread it and see all the truths.

GO VIKES

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

Training Camp info Part 1

Directions

All practices will be held on the football practice fields or Blakeslee Stadium on

the campus of Minnesota State University, Mankato. Scrimmages will be held in

Blakeslee Stadium.

 

From the North

Travel south on Highway 169 to Mankato. Take the Riverfront Drive exit. Turn

left (north) onto Riverfront Drive and continue to Stoltzman Road. Turn right

(east) onto Stoltzman Road and continue until you get to Stadium Road. Turn

left onto Stadium Road and continue up the hill to Ellis Avenue. Turn left onto

Ellis Avenue. The Visitors Pay Lot 4 entrance is on the left (west) side of the street.

From the South

Travel north on Highway 169 to Mankato. Take the Riverfront Drive exit. Turn

right (north) onto Riverfront Drive and continue to Stoltzman Road. Turn right

(east) onto Stoltzman Road and continue until you get to Stadium Road. Turn

left onto Stadium Road and continue up the hill to Ellis Avenue. Turn left onto

Ellis Avenue. The Visitors Pay Lot 4 entrance is on the left (west) side of the street.

From the East

Travel west on Highway 14 to Mankato. Take the Highway 22 exit and travel

south on Highway 22 to Highway 83. Turn right (west) onto Highway 83 and

continue to Victory Drive. Turn left (south) onto Victory Drive and continue to

Stadium Road (this will be the first turn on the right). Turn right (west) onto

Stadium Road and continue to Ellis Avenue. Turn right onto Ellis Avenue. The

Visitors Pay Lot 4 entrance is on the left (west) side of the street.

From the West

Travel east on Highway 14 to Highway 169. Take the Highway 169 South exit.

Turn right (south) onto Highway 169. Take the Riverfront Drive exit. Turn left

(north) onto Riverfront Drive and continue to Stoltzman Road. Turn right (east)

onto Stoltzman Road and continue until you get to Stadium Road. Turn left

onto Stadium Road and continue up the hill to Ellis Avenue. Turn left onto Ellis

Avenue. The Visitors Pay Lot 4 entrance is on the left (west) side of the street.

 

Fan admission and parking

All scheduled practices and scrimmages are free and open to the public. All times

and practices are subject to change

 Parking for fans will be in Lots 20-23

 

 

practice  times

Morning walk-thrus typically begin at 10:30 a.m. Afternoon practice times vary

throughout camp. Most afternoon practices will begin at 2:45 p.m. A complete

schedule with times and dates can be found on page 3 of this release. All practice

times are subject to change.

 

autographs

Members of the 2013 Vikings will be available for autographs based on position

groups. Players will sign autographs in the Ford Autograph Zone. A complete

schedule of autograph sessions can be found online at www.Vikings.com and on

this page. All autograph sessions are subject to change.

 

vikings village

Fans will have the opportunity to purchase Vikings apparel and merchandise in

the Vikings Village. The air-conditioned tent will feature Vikings jerseys, t-shirts,

hats and other items that can be used in the Ford Autograph Zone. Concessions

will be available for purchase in the Hy-Vee Food court, including hot dogs,

Angie’s Kettle Corn, Caribou Coffee products and more. Fans can also take a break

in the Miller Lite End Zone Bar, which will be open during all regular Vikings Village

hours.

 

Weather conditions

If practice is forced to move inside Myers Field House due to inclement weather,

limited indoor seating will be made available for the public. In the case of severe

Weather the Vikings Village will close. The Gatorade Jr. Training Camps and

Minnesota Vikings Cheerleading Clinic will move into Myers Field House during

inclement weather.

 

Autograph schedule

Monday, July 29

Offensive Line

Tuesday, July 30

Defensive Backs

Wednesday, July 31

Linebackers

Thursday, August 1

Wide Receivers

Friday, August 2

Defensive Ends

Saturday, August 3

No Autographs - Team Intros in Stadium

Sunday, August 4

No Practices

Monday, August 5

Quarterbacks

Tuesday, August 6

Defensive Tackles

Wednesday, August 7

Running Backs

Monday, August 12

Specialists

Tuesday, August 13

Tight Ends

Wednesday, August 14

Entire Team

Autograph sessions will take place following morning practices in

the Northland Ford Dealers Autograph Zone. All autograph sessions

are subject to change.

 

Hope this helps. If any questions please feel free to email me at breyerstick@yahoo.com

Thank you

Purplestick

 

Keep your eyes open

I have walked the MSU campus for 19 now going on 20 years during training camp. You just never know who you will see. Yes, there is practice going on but it is important to keep your eyes open because you never know who will see on the sidelines and around campus.

I had a thrill a couple camps ago when I got a chance to meet Vikings linebackers coach, Mike Singletary. I remember growing up and watching Singletary play middle linebacker for the Chicago Bears. Who can forget the camera work showing the eyes of Mike and how determined he was. Yes, a Bears player back then and now a Vikings coach. It was a true thrill to get a picture with this former great middle linebacker.

I have seen former Vikings running back great, Chuck Foreman around. I even saw Tommy Kramer back in 1998 when Red McCombs bought the team. It seems Kramer and McCombs were friends.  Tommy was my favorite Vikings quarterback when I was growing up.

I have seen Jay Glazer at MSU campus working for FOX. I was simply amazed how short he really was.  

If you keep your eye peeled on the sidelines you may see the likes of ESPN’s John Clayton, Peter King.

Cris Carter was there one year doing a taping for HBO back a few years.  Mike Mayock, who does the Vikings preseason color commentator and also is on the NFL Network, has been there.

I am not saying all these guys are there every day my point is just keep your eyes open. A football fan should be well advised you just might see the guys you see on TV. I know they are only people but they have jobs dealing with football I would love to get into.

Keep your eyes open

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

 

Who will replace Percy?

The days are over for Percy Harvin in Minnesota and now it is time to move on. I loved watching Percy run with that ball. He was like the human pin ball coming through the hole. Harvin stands at only 5’11” but his strength and determination is what gave him the advantages.

We saw Harvin win 2009 rookie of the year, add in the migraines he went through, and then 2012 the way he started out seemed to be a leading candidate for MVP of the league.

The kickoff returns he had were incredible. How about the catch against Tennessee at home last season as he refused to go down on his way for a touchdown?

I thank Percy for what he did for the team but it is time to move on. The NFL sometimes stands for Not for long. Percy lasted 4 seasons here. He has moved onto a very good team in Seattle. I will be interested to see what he does west.

The question is now, who replaces Harvin?  2013 brings us another chance to see who wants the role.

I look at some options with positivity:

Jarius Wright in pregame

Jarius Wright- 2011 4^th round draft choice out of the University of Arkansas He is comparably sized to Harvin. Wright is 5”10 and weighs 180 while Harvin is 5’11” and weighs 184. The 2 were close on their 40 yard dash as Harvin came in at 4.41 and Wright 4.39.  

I really think the advantage for Harvin thus far is his ability to use his body strength. I believe in watching Wright at camp last year in Mankato and at the end of 2012 we saw Wright look the part and now with another year coming up as chance to show the coaches more.

Wright had 15 touchdown his senior year in high school and in college his last year 12 touchdowns at Arkansas. Yes, it was not the NFL but it shows he has the nose for the end zone.

I also believe he would be a nice option at punt returner with the speed he has.

 

Cordarrelle Patterson- 2013 rookie 1^st round pick out of University of Tennessee. The stat in college that stands out is 10 touchdowns in 12 games. The nice thing on this stat is they were not all receiving touchdowns. He scored on handoffs, punt and kickoff returns.

The size of 6’4” and 212 gets me even more reason to be excited. A big man who plays physical and maybe the last time we saw this was Randy Moss.

 welcome to Minnesota, Greg

Greg Jennings- The big prize free agent the Vikes signed away from Green Bay. Jennings comes in with 53 career touchdowns. He is 6 ‘and weighs 195 in his 8^th season. The years I have spent booing the Packers I must and will embrace Jennings. I do not like the Packers whatsoever but I must say they unfortunately are up towards the top with wins. Jennings has been a winner and will stay that way as he helps the purple take down NFL teams.

One things I would like to mention is I follow Jennings on twitter and although I have never met him. It seems the Vikes have found a guy who has passion and has some awesome tweets. I can’t wait to meet him.

I have mentioned 3 names to replace Harvin and maybe it will take all 3 to get the job done. The one advantage to multiple players is the fact it will be harder to scheme against the purple. When Percy was in most teams I believed focused on him which was advantage defense. It was simply the fact that Harvin could escape. The more options the Vikes have the more open the field should be.

Can you say bigger hole for Peterson? Can you say who is Ponder going to throw the ball to? It will be a huge year for the offensive line to give Ponder the protection. It has been a while since I can say I feel we have legitimate options.

The time is now as I say good luck to the 2013 Vikings. Lets’ make the playoffs again and then who knows.

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

 

Encouraging fans to come to a Vikes home game

This will be year 14 for season tickets and I will add being a season ticket holder is an honor. I will also add just because I am a season ticket holder does not make me the biggest Vikings fan. I have met so many out there who are huge fans and cannot make it to games. It is a choice I made in life to buy the rights to sit in watch 10 games a year, 2 preseason and 8 regular season games.

I do love the option the Vikings offer with 3 payments so I can afford the ability to be one of the 64,000 screaming maniacs.

I am simply telling people whether through this blog or talking to people in general who say the game is sold out and I cannot come, there are different ways you can be in there.

My words to people out there are you could go to every game if you wanted. The difference is you just may not sit in the same seat each game like a season ticket holder does. I walk the same path to the game and come across so many people selling tickets. It is just a matter of deals you can find with the scalpers. The other route I have seen is eBay, ticket exchange or ticket master.

I am encouraging people to take in a game some time and see how loud it really is in there and feel the electricity in the air.

Yes, I hear from many it is be easier to stay home and avoid the crowds and the car congestion both on the way into and out of Minneapolis.

 I can see that but, I also offer up the Light Rail if you do not want to drive into the craziness. It also saves parking money.

The first home game is just a little over a month when the Vikings host the Houston Texans on Friday August 9^th. It is the last time we will see a first home preseason game at Mall of America Field.

I know one of the biggest complaints about season tickets is the cost of the same price for preseason as regular season.

I enjoy the preseason games especially after attending training camp and seeing the guys battle. It intrigues me how players transfer their practice skills to playing in a live NFL game. Who will be the shocker to make the roster?

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

Vikings fellow NFC North team offseason changes

I am going to make a prejudice comment, and that is the NFC North is the best division in football.

The offseason has seen changes in every team and in my opinion some very big changes.

Let’s look at the other teams besides the Vikes in the NFC North and the changes that did come as well as players from last season that remain from each team.

Green Bay Packers: The loss of 2 veteran receivers with Donald Driver, who retired and Greg Jennings who came to the Purple. The Pack still has very good receivers in James Jones, Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb.

The tight end situation will be intersecting with Jermichael Finley. A talent but can he ever hang onto the ball?

The draft of running back, Eddie Lacy out of University of Alabama was a good choice. This man does not know the meaning of losing playing with the Crimson Tide and getting national titles. Will this be the man to give Rodgers some rest from throwing so much?

The Vikings signing Desmond Bishop away from the Pack so will this be advantage Vikings in covering the high powered Packer offense?

Place kicker, Mason Crosby, Will this be a more accurate year for him? He really struggled and had a very low accuracy rating.

The ability to stop the run was evident as Adrian Peterson ran wild in both games and then the beating the Pack took in the 49ers game. I will add I did enjoy all of this in watching the Packers defense get exposed. What changes will they make? How will the departure of Charles Woodson affect the secondary? The man is a Hal of Fame candidate in my opinion when he finally hangs up his cleats.

Detroit Lions: The signing of free agent, Reggie Bush should be a concern for the rest of the division. His ability to catch the ball out of the backfield and running had better be a defensive focus.

Calvin “Megatron” Johnson, Is there a way to ever stop him? Will he break his own record of yardage from last year?

Quarterback, Matthew Stafford in my opinion is a top quarterback and is not afraid to throw it 40-50 times a game. Will he have a pro bowl year?

The untimely penalties and lack of discipline by the Lions is a big fault in this organization. What will it take to get the boys playing football without the unnecessary after play penalty?

Chicago Bears- This is the team that faces the biggest questions in the division. Marc Trestman takes over coaching after Lovie Smith left. Trestman, an offensive minded coach so the question is, can he help quarterback Jay Cutler to become a better quarterback?

I admit Cutler has the tools to be a quarterback but his attitude is what will take him either way. How many times did we see him throw a fit if something did not go right? The Bears will go as far as Cutler will allow them to go.

The defensive side of the ball the big question comes with the retirement of Brian Urlacher. It will be interesting to see who steps up to fill in. The name Lance Briggs comes up often.

A new head coach and a new middle linebacker are two of the biggest questions in the NFC North. The reading I have done leads me to believe the Bears players really loved playing for Lovie. Can Trestman win the Bears over and show the players he can take guide them to the playoffs?

My prediction for the NFC North division:

1)Minnesota

2)Detroit

3)Green Bay

4) Chicago

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

 

 

T- Minus 25 days and counting until Camp begins

Sunday June 30^th left only 10 more Sundays until we have football action. As a Vikings fan there is so much to think about and so many questions.

10    Sundays until football I will also look at 10 Vikings questions to think about before and during camp while watching:

1)      Christian Ponder has been given some more weapons so can he use them then way   Offensive Coordinator Bill Musgrave has intended?

2)      Adrian Peterson is a work horse as proven in 2012. Can he stay on course to be a defensive team’s nightmare? The fact thrown in with the rule of how player must now run with the ball.  Can Adrian adapt?

3)      3 awesome first round picks in Sharrif Floyd, Cordarrelle Patterson and Xavier Rhodes. Which player of the three will make the biggest contribution to the team or will all three pay dividends throughout the season?

4)      Jared Allen coming from an off season surgery. Will this make him even better knowing he had taken the steps to want to be better? Honestly, he is so god already can he really be better? If so, I feel for the quarterbacks he will face each Sunday, but not really. My hope each qb is laying on the ground studying the roof tops and wondering should I get up.

5)      Blair Wash, Can he repeat year two the way he performer in his rookie season?

6)      Punter, Jeff Locke comes in with a reputation with a big leg in college so will we see what the Vikings organization saw in him that made them draft Jeff in the 5^th round and let go of Kluwe?

7)      The offensive line had a fabulous year especially in the run blocking department. Will year 2 give defensive lines in the NFL reasons to worry?

8)      Safety, Harrison Smith in my opinion had a great rookie year in 2012. Can he take the leadership role over in the defensive backfield in the absence of Antoine Winfield?

9)      The last few years of the draft the Vikings draft choices have shown well so much that a high percentage are making the team out of camp. How will the 2013 draft class do in their efforts to make the 53 man roster in 2013.

10)  Tight ends are big in Musgrave’s system, so who will step up to be the other option besides Kyle Rudolph

 This camp sets up for a ton to watch. It will be worth the trip to Mankato to see the day in and out battles.  These are just a few of my thoughts of what to look for in camp. Don’t forget camp breaks on Thursday August 15^th.

 

 The month of August also is huge for this organization. Former Vikings wide receiver, Cris Carter will join 6 other NFL stars as they will be inducted into the Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. I am so happy for Cris to finally make it. These 7 men will be the 50^th class inducted. What an honor and to have it on the 50^th anniversary just making it all that more special.

A look at Carter’s stats: Carter amassed 1,101 catches for 13,899 yards and 130 touchdowns during his 16-season NFL career. He recorded eight straight 1,000-yard seasons and had 42 career games with 100 or more receiving yards.

 

 

Thanks for reading

Purplestick