A look at the Vikes opponents draft picks

As each draft closes I like to look at the Vikings upcoming schedule and see picks from other teams and see how they do vs the Purple.

Preseason starts with the Saints but they had no first round picks then we come home to play the Seattle Seahawks who drafted DE, LJ Collier out of TCU so we will see him try and penetrate our tackles.

The third game of the preseason at home vs the Cardinals we will hopefully see # one pick overall, Kylar Murray. The third game is usually the boring game because typically no starters get action so we will see this stays true or Murray.

The last game of the preseason the team travels to see the Buffalo Bills who drafted at pick nine, Defensive Tackle, Ed Oliver out of the University of Houston. I had seen a couple mock drafts with the Vikes taking him so I will be interested to see how he does vs our guards and center.

The season opens at home vs the Atlanta Falcons who drafted at #14, Chris Lindstrom guard out of Boston College. I had seen so many mock drafts with him coming to the Vikings so I will be excited to see how our defense does against Lindstrom.

The next game at Lambeau Field will see two first round picks by the Packers with #12, Rashan Gary, defensive end out of University of Michigan and pick 21, Darnell Savage safety out of Maryland.

The Oakland Raiders come to Minnesota with 3 first round picks with # 4 pick Clelin Ferrell, DE out of Clemson, #24 Josh Jacobs, RB out of Alabama and #27 Jonathon Abram, Safety out of Mississippi State.

The team travels to the Windy City to take on the Chicago Bears who had no first round picks so on to a road game at the New York Giants who like the Raiders had three picks. The Giants took with the 6^th pick controversial, Daniel Jones QB out of Duke. I say controversial because I believe the pick at 6 of Jones has the football world baffled. The Giants took at 17, Dexter Lawrence, DT out of Clemson and last #30 Deandre Baker, CB out of Georgia.

The Philadelphia Eagles invade US Bank with their pick # 22, Andre Dillard OT out of Washington State.

The Vikes travel to the Motor City to take on the Detroit Lions who took with pick #8 TJ Hockenson, TE out of the University of Iowa. I had seen again through the mock drafts the Vikes taking him. I really liked him but on this day I hope his day does not go well vs the Vikings.

The Washington Redskins come to US Bank with Case Keenum and Adrian Peterson and also their pick at # 15 Dwyane Haskins QB from Ohio State. It’s unfortunate for Keenum because all I heard watching the draft is Haskins will be starting at some point of the season. The Redskins also took at pick 26, Montez Sweat, DE out of Mississippi State who some football experts had classified him as a top 10 talent so will see how he does vs our new offensive line.

The Vikes next two games are on the road at Kansas City and then Dallas with neither of these teams having a first round pick.

The Denver Broncos come to US Bank with their pick at #20, Noah Fant, TE out of the Iowa. This pick made history as he joins TJ Hokanson as the only two Tight Ends ever drafted in the first round from the same college.

The Vikes fly west to Seattle to once again face LJ Collier but this time during the regular season so we will see how he is doing coming in to this game. The NFL season is longer than the college season and much more physical.

The last three of four games are home vs the Lions, Packers and Bears so we will see the draft picks and how they do in the loudest stadium in the NFL.

The other game sandwiched in is at Los Angeles Chargers who had pick #28, Jerry Tillery, DT from Notre Dame so we will see how he does vs our offensive interior.

The draft in my opinion is a real crap shoot so in the Vikings case each player we will see we will wonder why that player was picked because we made them look silly and foolish.

That’s all from the draft

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

A Vikes draft that did not disappoint

Draft night Thursday night finally came and as I headed to US Bank tried to keep telling myself do not allow yourself to be disappointed if an Offensive lineman was not taken with the 18^th pick.

One thing I love about draft parties is listening to Paul Allen, Pete Bercich, Ben Leber and Paul Charchian discuss the draft and occasionally bring a Vikings player up on stage and interview. There is a huge TV screen behind them so I can watch the draft as well as listen to the guys on stage.

Arizona was on the clock to start as you know and when the pick of Kylar Murray was announced it brought a huge cheer from the fans in attendance. I know that pick was historical as that makes two years in a row where a Oklahoma quarterback was taken with the first pick and both men were Heisman Trophy winners. I along with other fans were wondering about last year’s Cardinal’s pick at # 8, Josh Rosen? What a story line.

The next picks were going and as each one passed I kept thinking the Vikes have a shot at a decent to great Offensive Lineman. The amount of defensive players going was great to see with the exception of the surprise of the first round with Daniel Jones going 6 to New York Giants. I had seen mock drafts that sighted this but when it really happened I could not help but shake my head in disbelief.

I did enjoy the Green Bay pick at # 12, Rashan Gary out of Michigan because as the screen showed Gary crying in happiness the Vikings Pete Bercich said he would cry also if he was picked by the Packers. It is always good to have some humor in this event.

The next pick at # 13 by Miami Dolphins, Christian Wilkins came out on the stage in Nashville jumping through the air and the face of fear and unknown by Commissioner Goodell was priceless.

The players continued to be pick and I was feeling better and better about getting a need and then I see Atlanta take Chris Lindstrom, guard and I thought oh no this is a guy that would fit the need.

The sage continuers and finally at # 18 the crowd arises all as one to hear Commissioner Goodell announce the pick, and yes it was Garrett Bradbuy center from North Carolina State and with that announcement the crowd as loud as I have heard in years. My heart was beating so fast with excitement saying to myself Thank you Vikings for not letting me down. I have been to 15 or so Draft parties so believe me I have heard my share of unhappiness by way of booing along with a few unmentionable words.

US Bank was rocking with so many happy fans as I looked around. My wife and I did take a your of the locker room and then headed back to Owatonna on a high. It’s a great high yet bad when you get home and have to try and sleep as I needed to be to work the next morning, It is so worth the tiredness!!!!

Friday and Saturday I watched well over 12 hours of the draft which puts me in heaven. The Vikes came into the draft with 8 picks but after Friday they made trades and Saturday we would have 9 picks making it for a total of 12 which is the most since 1991 when there were 12 rounds.

The two picks Friday with 2^nd round, Irv Smith Jr.  Tight End out of Alabama I absolutely loved as he was a name I was very familiar with and know he comes from a winning program so he knows what it takes. I will admit the first two picks I knew of but after that all other names drafted I googled and read twitter to get info on these players,

The last pick of the night Running back out of Boise State, Alexander Mattison I believe was a need for competition especially with the loss of Latavius Murray to the New Orleans Saints by way of Free Agency.

Saturday stared out with the Vikings taking a guard out of Oklahoma, Dru Samia who all he is done is block for the past two Heisman Trophy winners. The drafting of a guard makes the first four picks all on the offensive side of the ball. The last time the Vikes started the draft with offensive picks was 1991. It has been thought that in the War room Coach Zimmer gets his defensive person but in this case it was different and I believe it stems from last year with Coach publicly saying he wants to run the ball more,

Saturday was a busy day and I saw the Vikes do a great job of drafting need in hopes of depth as they drafted 9 total players including three picks in the 6^th and three players in the 7^th round including the last of the 7^th a long snapper out of Air Force Academy.

The NFL draft saw a record breaking 40 trades and also saw two kickers taken from the same school, University of Utah. The last time this happened was 1985 when two kickers from the same school were drafted,

I could not be happier to see all these guys added and believe me I will be doing a lot of reading and  watching videos to see why the Vikes thought so much of these players to draft them.

The three day draft I saw so many things I enjoyed as far as TV watching on NFL Network especially the last two days seeing picks made from different parts of the country and even in Mexico. It was so awesome to see kids involved and maybe the best was the Baltimore Ravens young man who was blind and became the first person ever to announce the pick by way of a brail card.

I loved former Colts punter, Pat McAfee and his humor as he announced the 93^rd pick as well as other former players taking their turns announcing for their respective teams.

I loved seeing Carl Eller, Steve Jordan and even Sid Hartman announcing the Viking picks. I had no idea what Nashville would be like but now that it’s over I pointlessly say I wish I would have gone and been part of the 200,000 fans.

Overall I loved the Vikes draft and can’t wait to see the plan for each player starting with minicamp and onto Vikings Training Camp in Eagan.

Thank you for reading

Purplestick

Vikes draft parties through the years

I have gone to Minnesota Vkings draft parties for as long as I can remember and each and every year has left a memory with a few occasions bad memories.

I can remember when the Draft party was held at the Mall of America which was definitely big enough but too many non-draft party goers with so many shoppers throughout which I get because it is a mal but for football fans you really could not get a comfortable feeling. I remember autograph lines both in the Rotunda and also on the 4^th floor in a couple of bars. It was a crazy venue but also again as I mentioned a memory.

I remember it shifting from the Mall of America to Winter Park which I truly loved because for one I had never been in it. It was awesome to see and players were mingling amongst the crowd as well as players in areas for autographs. I remember waiting outside of Winter Park in the shade and boy was it cold but I did learn to bring a coat the next year. I was on heaven knowing I am standing in the place where players practiced. I met Ziggy Wilf for the first time as well.

I mentioned memories and one I will never forget as Vikings fans started chanting Suggs,Suggs, Suggs and then the unthinkable we see on the big screen TV the Vikes taking to long to turn their card in and we pick Kevin Williams and the next pick Terrell Suggs going to the Baltimore Ravens, I remember fans were so upset by this pick of Kevin Williams but in the end the winner was Kevin Williams who had a terrific career as a Viking and Suggs had a great career in Baltimore and still playing now for the Arizona Cardinals.

Who can forget the Draft party in 2011  at Winter Park where fans were hungry to draft a quarterback and the names people talked about leading up where Blaine Gabbert and Jake Locker for the Vikings. The draft disappointed fans when Locker went to Tennessee at pick 8 and Gabbert was taken by Jacksonville with pick 10. I remember the shock of fans on who does the team take now? The TV announced the Vikes pick is in at # 12. I remember so clearly ESPN and Commissioner Goodell saying with the 12^th pick the Minnesota Vikings pick, Christian Ponder, quarterback out of Florida State. I can still here the booing like I had never heard.

I remember the draft of 2013 at the Metrodome with the Vikes taking 3 picks in the first round with Xavier Rhodes, Sharrif Floyd and Cordarrelle Patterson. What I remember was it was late at night and people were packing up when KFAN’s Paul Allen comes on the mic and says folks the Minnesota Vikings have made a trade with the New England Patriots to move into the first round to take Cordarrelle Patterson. There as just a few fans left so those few were so happy to get another pick in the first round.

The Draft party moved to the Minneapolis Convention Center which I had never been in and to say big was an understatement. The amount of purple in this large convention room was awesome. The lighting was in purple so it was a little dark but not too dark to see where you were going. This was the night where the Johnny Manziel hype was huge. Fans listened to each pick and no Manziel so when it came time to hear the Vikes pick the Manziel chants were going strong until the pick was made and with it was Anthony Barr, linebacker out of UCLA. The crowd was irritated and so many people I could hear, who was Anthony Barr? I was included as I had never heard of him either. I will admit I wanted Manziel but can admit I have never been so glad to be wrong as Barr has been great so far and Manziel has been a bust so far.

The draft party has moved to US Bank and it is by far my favorite venue being on the field the Vikes play on with a huge TV with plenty of folding chairs to pick if you so desire to watch the draft. There is so much to do for families including a self-guided tour of the locker room, as well as autograph opportunities with players, and of course plenty of food. The gates open at 6:00 and it goes to 10:00. It’s a dream night to be a Viking fan and be in the coolest stadium in the NFL

I absolutely love the 2019 Vikes schedule

As a football fan there is so much to look forward to and one of those is revealing of the NFL schedule. It would be more exciting in my opinion if there were no leaks during the day but oh well it is revealed at night and the wait is worth it.

The questions going through my head such as when is the first home game? When is the Packers home game? Do the Vikes get any prime time games? When do the Vikes play warm weather city teams?

Yes we have known for some time each of NFL teams opponents just did not know the dates and times.

I love the schedule for many reasons and it starts with the home opener vs Atlanta Falcons which my first year of season tickets was 1998 and yes I was at the Metrodome seeing my beloved team lose in OT and see Atlanta go to the Super Bowl.

The month of September sees 2 home and 2 road games so in this month the scheduling Gods sees the Vikes get another Week 2 matchup in Lambeau in hopes of a win and not the dreaded tie like last year.

I am excited to see Jon Gruden and the Oakland Raiders come to town and all their silver and black followers. This is going to be intense!!

The next week the Vikes travel to last year’s Division Champ, Chicago Bears. Will this year’s Bears team be tough like last year or was last year a fluke? We will see as I know no matter what this game will be very tough.

The moth of October 2 home and 2 away again starting hosting the New York Giants with no Odell Beckham Jr but we will get to see Eli Manning throw to his favorite targets and they happen to wear purple.

The next game another NFC East but this time at home vs the dreaded Philadelphia Eagles. This game might be the 2^nd best home date besides the Green Bay Packers. How will the Vikings fans react seeing Eagles fans? I believe Minnesota fans will stay much classier but I would not be surprised if a random fan or 2 may think differently from me.

The Vikes travel to Detroit which completes the trips to the NFC North team’s stadiums so in the first 7 games the Vikes will see the 3 teams all on the road. Week 2, 4, and 7 all NFC North road games. How strange but good to get them out of the way early,

The last game of the month is home and it is a prime time game as we host the Washington Redskins. This game will have so many storylines with Adrian Peterson coming back and then of course the quarterback story with Case Keenum coming back to Minnesota to face former Redskin and now current Vikes QB, Kirk Cousins. This Prime time game should get viewing numbers.

The month of November has 3 games and a bye and the bye is the 2^nd latest ever in team history. It’s going to be tough extremely tough games on the road at Kansas City and then off to Dallas for Prime time but then come back home before the bye week and host the Denver Broncos.

The last month will be awesome starting out at Seattle in Prime time and then 3 of last 4 are home games vs NFC North teams with a trip to Los Angeles in the middle. It goes like this Week 14 home vs Lions then off to warm LA for Prime Time and close out the season with home games in Week 16 vs the Green Bay Packers in Prime time and week 17 home vs the Bears. Will Week 16 and or 17 be a chance to wrap up the division?

What a schedule which is so nicely done by the NFL. I still can’t believe all 3 NFC North teams on the road in the first 7 games of the season and close out the season in December with all 3 at home. If this is not a recipe for winning the division I don’t know what is.

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

Thoughts on the 2019 Minnnesota Vikings Draft

The time is soon approaching to Thursday April 25^th for the NFL draft and this guy can’t wait. My wife and I will be making the trek to US Bank for the Vikings draft party which I attend every year and our wedding anniversary is the 28^th so the draft party is usually part of our extended anniversary celebration.

The upcoming season will be my 20^th year of season tickets and I look at the schedule and use the word brutal. It is full of playoff teams and just plain great teams.

It was 2 years ago the magical season as the Vikes headed to the NFC Championship game in Philadelphia only to get crushed so then last year I was fired up for another run but as it turned out far from a repeat trip to the NFC Title game.

The new season once again is coming quickly and my favorite weekend of watching draft coverage will soon. Yes. I attend the first night but then spend countless hours on the couch with my remote in hand watching the draft and flip to other channels during commercials to catch any info I can. I shake my head with the knowledge these guys display since as Mel Kuiper and Todd McShay to name a couple. Yes I know there are people behind the scene that gather info on players from DIII schools. I can’t hear enough or watch enough football especially this weekend. I do spend a lot of time in February watching the combine so when the draft time comes I am familiar with a few names.

I also state by the time draft day comes I am so glad because it ends the endless Mock drafts which in my opinion are worthless. Who really knows who will take who? I look at last year when the Cleveland Browns stunned the sports world by drafting Baker Mayfield which I happened to love.

The draft is a crap shoot but sometimes can be a huge win as how many high picks have we seen be a complete bust? I look at the Vikes and it’s hard to admit but the Christian Ponder and Troy Williamson were major disappointments to name a couple.

The draft not knowing what young man will be Hall of Fame caliber, or 53 man roster worthy took a huge hit when Tom Brady drafted at pick 199 by New England now will be a first ballot Hall of Famer.

I now look at the offseason by the Vikes and see some huge losses with the likes of Latavius Murray, Marcus Sherels and Sheldon Richardson all leave via free agency so more holes to fill. I add my heart was ripped when Sherels left as he was one of my favorite players and story making the NFL the hard way. I have nothing but respect for Marcus and wish him the best even if it is with New Orleans.

As for my thought on the draft and what I would love to do with the first round pick in the upcoming draft and my heart whole heartedly says Offensive Linemen. I spent the last season contemplating going to the chiropractor as watching repeatedly seeing Kirk Cousins taking a beating and I couldn’t stop shaking my head in disbelief. I always try and be positive but on this it’s hard because it was brutal watching the beat down Cousins took.

I must also add the line play was awful but a lot of times I must add it just didn’t seem Cousins had the awareness that he was about to get hit. My wife and I yelled and yelled to Kirk but it just did not help. I give Cousins some credit in his toughness but if we are going to have this man run the offense and his salary to boot we need to protect him a lot better. You look at a Tom Brady and his line play giving him the time.

I know Coach Zimmer publicly made it known he wants to run the ball way more is concerning how he professed in public his idea of a game plan because if I know and heard him say won’t the other 31 teams know as well?

I am a big fan of Coach but that did bother me the way it came out. I agree the run game should be important but to have a run game there must be consistent blocking and holes opened. The ground game what we had was by virtual of running backs making their own yards.

I have read and heard speculation that Riley Reiff could switch to guard and I have also heard consideration of moving Pat Elflein from center to guard as well. I guess no matter what when it comes to the draft any kind of lineman drafted would be much appreciated.

I know the saying take the best player available I don’t believe the Vikes can do unless that best player is an Offensive lineman.

The past drafts the Vikes have found some mid to later round players who have made a great impact such as Danielle Hunter for a prime example of later

The draft is to get needs as well as depth to make the Minnesota Vikes a threat to make it back to the NFC Title and of course hopefully the big game.

One more final point on why I want Offensive Line I look at the schedule and see home games: Washington, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Denver, Oakland, Chicago, Green Bay and Detroit. The road goes like this: New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys, Seattle Seahawks, Kansas City, Los Angeles Chargers, Bears, Packers and Lions.

I look at this and think Khalil Mack twice this season with the Bears and Joey Bosa (Chargers) DeMacus Lawrence (Cowboys) as 3 of the best pass rushers in the league.

That’s all for now

Thank you for reading

Purplestick

Let’s get a keeper in the 2019 NFL Draft

A look at the Vikes schedule and 2019 Free Agency

This upcoming 2019 season will be the NFL’s 100^th year and it will be my 20^th year of season tickets and I for one could not be more excited. It is my intent all season to write more articles with so much excitement and all 32 teams are 0-0 so just who will win the Super Bowl?

Yes, New England Patriots are Las Vegas best odds to win the Super Bowl and along with one major shock and that is the Cleveland Browns after shocking the world when they traded for Odell Beckham Jr and after this earth shaking news the Browns now have the 5^th best odds in the NFL to win the Super Bowl.

I am a huge Vikings fan and say in 19 years of season tickets I have missed 2 games in this span and 2019 plan on keeping this streak intact going 10-10 this year making the trek to US Bank Stadium.

This week has been so exciting with the official day of NFL Free Agency as we no longer have to read or hear about speculation rather we can see and read who signed when and where. It is like my Christmas in hopes Santa gives us a great gift.

Two years ago the Vikes make it to the NFC Championship game but fall badly to the Philadelphia Eagles and then last year I came in so excited knowing we had the pieces but obviously it did not pan out. I truly believe the embarrassing home loss to the Buffalo Bills was a season back breaker along with the tie at Lambeau after seeing 3 missed field goals.

This year is a clean slate and once again I am fired up to see the Purple not only at home but on TV for all the road games.

Yes, the opponents for this year were made known just not the dates and times so I want to look at the home schedule and see what the teams that are coming to US Bank have done in Free Agency thus far.

The Green Bay Packers now have a new coach so that right there is a big story line but as far as free agency goes I see Za’Darius Smith (LB) left the Baltimore Ravens to sign with the Packers.

The Detroit Lions signed Trey Flowers a member of the Super Bowl winning, New England Patriots to a massive deal leaving me curious again about the Vikes offensive line.

The Chicago Bears coming off a season winning the NFC North signed one of my former Vikes favorites in Cordarelle Patterson to a 2 year deal and like new Lion, Trey Flowers comes from the Patriots. The Bears also added former Packer and Redskin safety, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix.

Oakland Raiders pulled off a huge trade earlier with the Pittsburgh Steelers and got Antonio Brown so I can’t wait for a Xavier Rhodes one on one match up vs Brown all game. The Raiders also signed from the San Diego Chargers (WR) Tyrell Wiliams so the Vikes secondary will be fully challenged. The teams also signed left tackle from the Patriots, Trent Brown. I know I am reading teams are calling the Vikes to inquire about Trae Waynes so this will be a story to follow.

Philadelphia Eagles will be interesting as the question of keeping both Nick Foles and Carson Wentz was answered as Foles signs the big contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars so can Wentz stay healthy will be the big question. Wentz is extremely athletic and big so will be a great test for the Purple’s defense.

Denver Broncos traded Case Keenum to the Washington Redskins and now have former Ravens quarterback, Joe Flacco in charge of the offense along with a always strong defense will make for a great challenge for the good guys.

Atlanta Falcons were a major disappointment last year as they were the host city for last Super Bowl but failed miserably at being the first team in the NFL to play in their own stadium in the big game. Atlanta’s quarterback Matt Ryan is an incredible talent along with WR, Julio Jones so as a Vikes fas anytime we play Atlanta at home makes me think back to 1998-99 season watching the Falcons doing the Dirty Bird on the stage beating the Vikes to go to the Super Bowl.

Washington Redskins come to town with 2 former Vikes which may be the best home game on the schedule as Case Keenum and Adrian Peterson come back to Minnesota. How much booing or cheering will we hear for either player?

What a great but extremely tough home schedule I along with 65,000 other Vikes fans will see in 2019.

The road schedule will see the Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions, New York (OBJ less) Giants, Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Chargers, Kansas City Chiefs and Seattle Seahawks.

This in my opinion will be one of the toughest road schedules in many years seeing the AFC West teams with the Chargers and Chiefs both with outstanding teams and with the Chiefs we will get to see the most exciting quarterback in the league, Patrick Mahomes.

NFL Free Agency truly is fun for me to watch and signings of note to see long time players leave their teams were Terrell Suggs leaving Baltimore to sign with the Arizona Cardinals and Earl Thomas leaving Seattle to sign with the Baltimore Ravens and longtime Lion, Golden Tate who was traded to the Eagles last year now signs with the New York Giants, The NFL in my opinion along with so many more see it as NOT FOR LONG so it is hard to keep building winning programs watching their players leave for more money,

In finishing up the Minnesota Vikes I knew had not much cap room so I did not know what to expect so to see Sheldon Richardson leave for the Browns hurts but also had a feeling we may not be able to keep him.

I am excited to see the Vikes resign Anthony Barr although I thought for sure we lost him to the New York Jets but thankfully he had a change of heart. I am thankful to see Everson restructured his contract so we could keep him and finally resigning Shamar Stephen a great add for depth on the DLine. I believe the New York Jets will want nothing to do with potential Vikes or former Vikes as just last year they thought they had Kirk Cousins signed and now this year Anthony Barr changing his mind.

That’s all for now as I will keep watching the Free Agency tracker and I look soooooo forward to the draft where I hear with the Vikes pick e choose an Offensive Lineman.

Thank you for reading

Purplestick #VIKESFANFOREVER

Firsts at TCO Perfomance Center over the weekend

This past weekend was one of first with one not so fun and the second was a memory made never to forget.
Let’s get the not so fun over first and it was bound to happen because weather is out of all our control. Friday I headed up to TCO Performance Center for another day of camp. As I was heading north I noticed lightning yet nothing in Eagan until I got near camp and the rain began. I got to the parking lot and the guys running the lot said camp was closed until further notice so we were offered the chance to turn around. If camp does get cancelled your 10.00 fee will be refunded. I opted to stay and did if ever rain and even hailed. I sat for 45 minutes and saw clearing coming so sure enough we were allowed to come in the lot but not before our phone was scanned.
I finally parked and was eager to get into camp. I got out of my car and saw a line already formed I would guess 3-4 blocks long and growing. I waited almost an hour in line but before I finally got to the gate where you go through security and get your ticket scanned.
I was so excited until I looked up and saw massive amounts of people waiting again. I have never seen this much confusion and of course heard a few choice words. We were brought through so they could fit more people in. We waited there almost 30 minutes before getting in Training Camp.
It’s funny because as much bad talk I heard of unorganization and Mankato would never be like this I saw a ton of smiling faces as I walked around camp waiting for practice.
The autograph line has been run the same as Mankato except on Friday fans that got in before the storm stated were cleared out of camp as they closed for a while. Fans that were in line were given wrist bands so when camp would re-open these fans would be guaranteed their spot.
My question to myself was yes fans were given wrist bands but would they be the same number when they re-entered? I never could find an answer.
I came upon another difference from Mankato on Friday and that was if rain occurs and the team opts to practice inside no fans would be allowed to come in and watch unless you had a pass from the Vikes. In years past in Mankato fans were allowed to come in the building where the indoor track and other track use used to watch. The one thing though was no flash photography or talking had to be held to a minimal as the team had the right to ask fans to leave who were not following the rules.
The afternoon practice was in better weather with a little on the hot side but I did get to watch practice.
It seems the same report about Kirk Cousins and his arm strength along with the connection with the recievers.
I am concerned about the Offensive line still especially with the injury bug hitting as Nick Easton, Mike Remmers and Pat Elflein all on the sideline with various issues so O Line will be hard to be judged with so many different combos.
The defense is unbelievable to watch as I have loved watching Linval Joseph and Sheldon Richardson work the middle.
The big story in camp is Anthony Barr and will he or won’t he be part of the 3 man roster. No one knows so I will leave that one alone.
The man who every day thus far who has shown me the most is Marcus Sherels. It is a true pleasure to watch his hustle and determination.
Saturday night I was so eagerly awaiting as it was the inaugural night pasing scrimmage starting at 7.
Last year in Mankato was about 12,000 the crowd was decent size but looking around a lot of empty seasts. I read later that night they felt crowd size was down a little with the weather threat of rain.
It was so exciting to be there and one of my first questions was where would the players enter the field? Answer came quickly as in the northwest corner of the steps was players coming into the stadium by way of the steps. This field is lower so all camp seems to be the same height except for this stadium. My concern as a fan was what if they fell down the steps.
The srimmage really is a lot of position group work and special teams as well as each kicker, Kai Forbath and Daniel Carlson were perfect from 23,35,45 and 53. My gut and only feeling as it is tough watching practice from kickers is Carlson seemingly to have the stronger leg of the 2 and of cousrse I could be wrong in my feeling.
Kirk Cousins continues to impress me with his arm strength and hitting the receivers. One of my favorite batttles in Xavier Rhodes vs Stefon Diggs in one on ones. Sefton has won quite a few but Rhodes is making his share of plays.
My stand out defensive players of the night was Eric Wilson jumping a pass at the line of scrimmage and taking it for 6. The other one is a repeat of all week and that is Marcus Sherels. Ths guy is playing beast mode every practice I have seen abd I pray he makes the 53 man squad because he earns everything he gets by his work ethic.
The scriammge ended at 9 and with that came the Voice of The Vikings and introduced each player in camp. These player each thew up 2-3 autographed balls into the frenzied crowd. Itr is quiet a site to see this in person.
The player intros ended and with ttan came an announcemrnt that a fireworks show wouls start soon and so it did with 20-25 minutes of an awesome display.
It was a historial weekend and one I will never forget.
Thanks for reading
Purplestick