Players ready to break camp

Ponder and Jennings, the combo that won't fail

 

Well fans only one day left after Tuesday’s afternoon practice. I will say one thing and that is the players are ready to go.

The afternoon practice seemed so chatty by the players. You could hear voices all the time with players yelling out. It was so fun to be part of this practice.  I leave tomorrow with the thought this team is ready to make another playoff run.

The NFL has seen its share of season ending injuries but not the Vikings. It was one of the healthiest camps that I can remember in years here in Mankato. I have seen Greg Childs doing some running on the far fields. He is really the only one who did not participate.

The practice Tuesday afternoon spent a good chunk of time on the running game. Adrian Peterson is running like he is game form. He will break through the line and give it some gas. The cuts he is making are sharp and looks like he is eager to play Friday in Buffalo. We will see if this happens.

The subject of running backs I cannot help but be so impressed with Bradley Randle. The guy is amazing. One of the disappointments I forgot to add in the review of the Houston game was when Randle was back for the kickoff. The ball went out of the end zone so we just did not get to see what I see in Mankato.

The offense did quite of few run plays from the far five giving each back a chance. The defense jumped one time other than that it was hand off after handoff.

I must mention speaking of defense; I have been impressed with Audie Cole in the middle linebacker when he gets in. He seems to be getting more comfortable and has a good nose for the ball just ask the running backs he is meeting in the hole.

The catch of the day came on a deep seam pass from Ponder to John Carlson. The crowd approved as they clapped. I love the camp Carlson is having after last year’s disaster with the injury bug.

Greg Jennings had another Jennings day as he gets open and does not drop a ball. If he dropped 10 all camp I would be shocked. The guy just gets open and gets the job done.

Odds and end during and after practice

I love talking to people about their memories of the past training camps and the changes people have seen. I met a man who grew up in Mankato and said he can remember being around 7-8 years old and carried Fran Tarkenton and Grady Alderman’s suitcase to the Gage Towers where the Vikings had stayed in previous years.

I saw a golf cart with players coming off the field and to the locker room. Jerome Simpson was driving with Patterson, Jennings and Wright all aboard. Simpson not only drove up to the locker room he drove into it. What a sight!

Chad Greenway was along the fence signing autographs for fans. Toby Gerhart came running over as well. One fan said you are the man Toby. Greenway told Gerhart that fans said he was the man. It was so funny to see these guys having fun. Gerhart told Greenway that all day fans have been calling him Greenway. One fan added that he thinks John Sullivan and Jared Allen look alike. You should have seen the look Greenway gave the fan. It was great being over there and watching these 2 players interact with fans. I love it.

A sad part of camp also as I was leaving I watch a semi backup to the locker room so they could start packing up to head back to the cities.

It has been a great camp and I hope you have enjoyed these. I will write one last one tomorrow. Thanks to you that have read them. I appreciate it. I have had 2500 page views since camp began.

That’s  all from Mankato

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

 

 

 

Day 13 ends with a pleasant surprise

Hello fellow Viking fans. Well after Monday’s afternoon practice there are only 2 days left in Mankato. I have made it all 13 days and will say this. It is my 20^th year and maybe the nicest weather I have ever got to enjoy while watching practice.

Let’s look at what happened this afternoon. I can say that from 2:45 until around 4 every day it is a similar pattern of practice with much work on different drills. The time I look forward to is around the 4 pm hour.

I stated Sunday was a heavy dose of passing well Monday at 4 started a heavy dose of running plays with all 5 backs on the roster getting their shot to carry.

I also wanted to pay attention to who is lining up at wide out when the team came to the line of scrimmage. I see Greg Jennings and Jerome Simpson to start and when the team went 3 wide, Jarius Wright played slot receiver. 

The defensive side of the ball I saw Xavier Rhodes and Chris Cook line up as cornerbacks once again. Rhodes is getting the last 2 days a heavy dose of first string action. I saw Josh Robinson play the slot receiver again today. I am envisioning this opening day.

Rhodes had been out with an injury and now seems just fine. In staying in the health department Sharrif Floyd was back on the field but limited reps. Audie Cole was on the sideline Monday not participating but Tuesday he was back at it. In fact one play he blew up a run play up the middle.

I watched to see who would be 2^nd team defense. It was at linebacker Larry Dean and Desmond Bishop on the outside and Audie Cole was in the middle. The cornerbacks were AJ Jefferson and Brandon Burton. The safeties were Andrew Zendejo and Mistral Raymond. This is how Monday’s practice lined up so it many mean nothing for the future. I was just curious to see how the team would rotate after the 1^st stringers came out.

7 on 7 drills were worked on like every day. Ponder I thought look sharp once again. Cassel did not look bad either. He just had one hiccup where he threw a pick 6 with AJ Jefferson stepping in front of the receiver and taking it to the house. It was a sweet play by Jefferson.

No huddle was worked on heavily. Ponder marched the team down the field and ended the drive with a TD pass to Jarius Wright.

Goal line offense was worked on also. Ponder and the offense took on the 2^nd string defense and scored each time. Cassel lead the 2^nd string offense vs Vikes 1^st stringers and did not have much luck.

I did notice the matchups that make it intriguing to watch as 1^st string Offense vs 2^nd string D and 2^nd string 0ffense vs 1^st string D

I would like to add a little about the quarterbacks. It seems as I have watched practice that each quarterback is having success with at least one receiver. Ponder and Jennings, Cassel and Patterson and Bethel-Thompson with Thielen.

I will also add about Jennings as I watch the fact he can run every route and run them well. The fact I l love about his game is he works and works to gets open. He breaks off routes to help the quarterback. This will be something to watch as the season continues.

The catch of the day belongs to Joe Webb.  Ball is deep and in the air. You can hear players yelling “ball, ball, ball”!!. It is double coverage deep down the sidelines. Webb adjusts his body to beat the 2 defenders for the ball drawing a cheer from the stands.

In the end I had a thrill when I finally met Cordarrelle Patterson. He is a true crowd favorite and gets heavily crowded when he comes to sign autographs at the fence outside the locker room. Today’s crowd at the fence was thinner so I took my chance and was rewarded. What a thrill!!

That’s all from Mankato

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

 

 

 

 

Sundays afternoon practice pass happy, giving the crowd a show

19-ADAM THIELEN

Sunday afternoon practice is over and in the book. It was a practice I did not want to end. The weather even turned for the better. It was a day that seemed like it would rain most of the day the way the clouds had been. The sun came through those pesky clouds and we got a sunny and humid afternoon practice.

The defensive side of the ball got good news when Xavier Rhodes and Desmond Bishop both returned to the field. It is good news considering both guys are a part of the defensive plan.

The afternoon saw Sharrif Floyd, Audie Cole and Jacob Lacey all on the sideline. Floyd we know about and today Lacey has been said to be out the next 2-4 weeks. I will keep an eye on that situation.

The team did their 11 on 11 drill and at corners were Chris Cook and Xavier Rhodes manning those positions with Josh Robinson manning the slot. I love the potential with Cook and Rhodes both being big and like to play physical. Robison and his speed will be a fun development to watch the last 3 days of camp and of course the rest of preseason.

The offensive side of the ball today was 95 percent passing. It was an unreal day with very little balls dropped in drills. I’m sure you may think they should be able to catch it. I have seen my share of drops in these drills so today I left encouraged it will be something to build on tomorrow and then keep going. They need to get the confidence. I know I did read after the game Coach Frazier wanted to stress the passing game. I definitely saw it Sunday afternoon.

The offense ran the no huddle quite a bit and Ponder started it out going 4 for 4 including a beautiful deep seam pass to Kyle Rudolph. It is as nice of ball as I have seen all camp.

Matt Cassel was not perfect but did make a throw down field that Stephen Burton in double coverage was able to adjust to the ball and bring it in drawing a cheer from the crowd.

McLeod Bethel Thompson took his turn and looked good also. His turn also involved throwing a ball down field to Adam Thielen who made an unbelievable catch in double coverage again bringing a cheer from crowd.

I loved the quarterbacks today and their accuracy. Matt Cassel did have 2 passes batted down in a row with one by Fred Evans and one by LeTroy Guion. I will say that were the only real flaws today.

Joe Webb made 2 unbelievable catches in drills with one catch he did one handed on the side line. The other he had one bounce off his hands not once but twice but thanks to his concentration hauled it in giving the fans more to cheer about.

In staying with the theme of catching I thought Kyle Rudolph had an unbelievable day. I did not see him drop one pass. His size is amazing with coverage on him. I hope this goes into the season. Rudolph’s hands are huge and his size I just can’t see team successfully defending him. I dare say even in double coverage all Ponder needs to do is keep it high enough Rudolph can snag it.

The team’s offense today also included a lot of swing passes to the running backs. I am telling you today’s theme was passing.

The day ended with situational 3^rd and 3s. Ponder came up first and drew the defense off sides. Matt Cassel completed a pass to Burton for a first down. Bethel-Thompson’s turn drew the defense off sides again.   Three plays, three first downs and we call practice over.

That’s all from Mankato

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

Strange morning walk through Sunday

The men in purple are back in Mankato on Sunday, August 11^th for another day of training camp.

The crowd this morning for a Sunday was on the smaller side. The weather had some sprinkles but mostly cloudy.

The walk through practice was to be 10:30-11:30 and with fans lining up between 9:30-10 there began to be some grumbling. You ask why? The reason is the gates did not open at 10 like the schedule calls for.

A worker came out to the gate that is locked and announced practice has been moved from 10:30 start to 10:55 start.

I saw Sharrif Floyd come to the practice field making me believe he would be good to go. I just heard on the radio after practice that Floyd is feeling some pain and they will hold him out today and the feeling is he will not play Friday.

The rest of the practice was light literally. It was a walk through that began at 10:55 and ended at 11:30. Fans I talked to were disappointed but what can you do. It is the risk of coming to practice. I am here all day so I will look forward to the 2:45 session.

On a humorous note I was watching practice when I heard clapping down the stands from me. I look and here comes Brian Robison, Jared Allen, Kevin Williams, Everson Griffen and Fred Evans. All other players had been on the field for a good portion of the practice. Allen and the other 4 guys came with about 15 minutes left. The offense was running there walk through when these 5 guys came by. The offense stopped and joined the fans in clapping as these guys walked by.

It was announced today at Coach Frazier’s press conference that the starters would play all first quarter and a little second quarter.

That’s all from Mankato stay tuned later for the afternoon practice update

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

 

Review of Preseason Game 1

The game is over and we know the score now I would like to take you back to the game and all things involved.

I have stated I have only missed 1 game in 14 years and never been late to the games I have gone to. On the way up to the game my wife got a message from a friend there was a 7-8 mile backup with cars not moving going 35N. Thank you friend as we took the back roads up taking about half hour longer than normal. All is good. I talked to a friend who did not get to the game until 8.

We got to Minneapolis about 6 so plenty of time to walk around and take in all sights purple. We went through the pregame party on the plaza and found 2 good size tents set up that were there for fans wanting to check things in and hold while the game was going since they would be allowed to bring those items in. We found it located by the light rail drop off area.

 

We then headed towards the stadium and went through the first wave of security. We had nothing that was in question to bring into the game so we were good to go. We then headed closer to the dome where the next security had us put our arms out and the person ran this hand held device making sure we did not have anything that was not allowed. I had to take my cell phone and keys out of my pockets. Ok, we are good to go in the game.

The finally step getting in the dome and watching players warm up and seeing fans file in is exciting alone.

The Vikings players make their way through the Vikings ship as the announcer says, “Here are your 2013 Minnesota Vikings.” I will say it is not the loudest I have ever heard it but for preseason it was awesome.

The National Anthem, the coin flip and now and finally is kickoff.

I have written during Training Camp how impressed I have been with Cordarrelle Patterson and now you see why.

I sit in the upper deck which I love. I saw the hole open and thought he was gone. The place for a preseason game was lit up. The rookie sensation really set a tone for his own game.

A loss did occur but I wanted to share my take on the positive and disappointments in the game

POSITIVES

-Patterson already mentioned gets an A+ in my book

-Texans on their first drive march down the field by with 3^rd and 6 Houston qb Matt Schaub connects with his Hopkins; at first I thought a first down for sure but the hustle of (27) Brandon Burton catching Texans wide out, Hopkins and pushing him out of bounds leaving 2 yards short and forcing a field goal.

-The play of Stephen Burton was awesome. I would name him offensive game MVP. The catch and run of 61 yards along with his hustle up to be a blocker for the only Vikes TD of the game. His kickoff returns were decent as well. Burton is having a great camp already and now this game could help decision making.

-Blair Walsh, Jeff Locke, and Cullen Loeffler had god team work with all kicks successful. Walsh once again destroys that ball on kick offs as well.

-Jeff Locke- loved his ability to pin Houston deep. I was a little disappointed I did not see a 70 yard bomb like in Mankato. Overall, I thought Locke did a good job and I believe he will get better in games.

-Bobby Felder- he got picked on in one drive alone and when it counted down by the goal line he made a great diving knock down of a pass.

First round defensive tackle, Sharrif Floyd showed fans what he is capable of. I love his hustle and ability to knock balls down. His injury was concerning especially the way he was playing. I read he said he would be back to practice.

Some of the best news of the night came in the department of injuries. It was a clean game for those who suited up and now the 90 resume practice Sunday in Mankato.

DISAPPOINTMENTS

I won’t get worked up because these things are fixable.

-Houston had to easy of time swinging the ball out of the backfield to a running back who had running space. I believe this will be a fix when it comes to film work.

-It also seemed Houston quarterbacks were able to get the Vikes defense going the wrong way and getting easy completions. This again in my opinion is a fix through film watch and practice.

I was concerned about the backup offensive lineman not giving Bethel-Thompson and Vandenberg much time or at all.

I know the season is early and these guys are learning to work together. There are still 3 games left to figure out the continuity.

The drive home I always listen to KFAN and the call in show. A question was posed and it goes like this: Is 2 plays enough for a first string offense? It made for an interesting trip back to Owatonna.

The other question- The pass that was picked off that was intended for Simpson. Is that on Ponder or Simpson? I love to listen to all thoughts. My thought it is preseason so don’t get lathered up yet.

Thanks for reading

Purplestick

 

Let the home field advatage begin...all the way to the Meadowlands

Tomorrow is the night I have been waiting for since the playoff loss to the Packers in January. I feel like a kid sitting around the Christmas tree waiting for a present with my name on it. The blood is rushing at a fast pace and it is pure purple. I was at work one day and got cut.  I freaked people by saying “ I am bleeding purple.” The people that came to see it was amazing. They know what a serious passion I have for this team.

The 14^th season of having season tickets begins Friday at 7:00. The memories through the years such as last year’s game winning kick by Blair Walsh that put the team in the playoffs. How about the Favre to Greg Lewis in the back of the end zone vs. the 49ers? 

The last season at Mall of America Field is so hard to believe it is finally here. It is so important to keep the season tickets so when the new stadium opens I can transfer my 2 seats.

Yes, Friday is only preseason but for fans like myself and the other 63,000 crazies it is a chance to be there and cheering the 90 players that will be on the field.

I have got such a great response from people that read my blog. I love your passion and appreciate your comments. I will go to each game and write a blog not so much about stats. I rather like to give you the feel of what went on inside. The fans and their reactions I like to cover. I will add my thoughts of the team’s performance. My blog I feel separates from others because it is from a fan perspective. You can go on line and get stats all you want but to read about the atmosphere I believe is harder to find.

I enjoy watching people at the games and see how they behave or not behave. I have seen people throwing up at 12:30 in the afternoon. I have seen my share of fights in the upper deck. Please stay tuned during the season and get the info of how the game played out both by the team and by the fans. I hope you enjoy the read.

I know many of you are out of state and cannot come. It is my hope by you watching the game and my blog you will feel like you were at MOA Field.

Friday begins another interesting topic and that is the bag check. The NFL has a new policy. I am not looking for trouble but I am very interested to see just how many people will try to buck the system. My plan is to write a small blog on what I saw.

I did send a tweet to a member of the Vikings asking if the clear bags would be available. I got the answer today.  There will not be bags for sale until the home opener. I will admit I was disappointed to get that answer but it is what it is. I have read the memo from the NFL and will comply.

We do not plan on bringing our camera we use for great action shots. I will bring a regular small camera and save the other one when we can get the bag that complies with the NFL rules.

Friday we begin our 11-0 record at home. You ask 11-0?  Sure 2-0 preseason 7-0 regular season and 2-0 in playoffs including winning the NFC title game.  Then boys and girls it’s off to the Meadowlands for the Super Bowl.

Texans are going down!!!

Thanks for readiing

Purplestick

I am ready for Friday, ARE YOU?

Wednesday’s practices # 21 and 22 concluded this week’s portion of Mankato Training Camp. Thursday camp is closed and then Friday MOA Field will be rocking with the purple passion all over the stadium.

I have seen 2 different training camp schedules with both saying 2:45 start time but one has 5:30 end and the other one 4:45. The team has been staying pretty close to the 4:45 time. Tuesday’s practice went to a little after 5. Wednesday’s practice went to 4:20. I found myself a little surprised with the game less than 48 hours.

The weather was beautiful in the mid 70’s and sunny with a good size crowd in the afternoon. These fans are ready for football. They are clapping more this year than I can remember. There is a ton of excitement and it gets me pumped seeing fellow fans this passionate.

 

Yes, practice was cut off but I saw the continued chemistry with Ponder and Simpson and Jennings. The team ran the red zone offense and two touchdowns with the 2 combos I mentioned previous. The Jennings TD was a beautiful route in which Ponder hit him in the corner of the end zone,

I know its practice and I get reminded by fans it is only practice. I can’t disagree but the fact I am seeing guys build a quarterback-receiver relationship gives me the hope they can carry it forth.

It was great to see Jared Allen and Harrison Smith on the field and practice after the day before I left Mankato a little concerned.

WHO TO LOOK FOR FRIDAY

I want to look ahead to the 1^st preseason game and give you players names I have enjoyed watching and am looking for them to show their talents on the field. If you can remember I would like you to look for them and see what you think.

Yes, Preseason is a chance for the veterans to get a few reps but to me preseason is all about finding depth. Who is going to be the surprise to make the final 53 man roster?

Quaterback- # 4 McLeod Bethel-Thompson    I absolutely love his quick release and zip on the ball. I will also look for his accuracy.

Running Back- # 38 Bradley Randle   He is the man who is 5’7” and is so quick. I would love to see him make the team.

Wide Receiver- # 19- Ryan Thielen  The kid from Minnesota State University. I have wrote about him quite often. I really think this kid has a chance to make it. If not the Vkings

Tight End- # 86 Chase Ford    He is 6’6” and what I have watched has hands that can’t be overlooked. Rudolph and Carlson are lock. Preseason will be huge for Ford.

The 3 first round draft picks- Who will be he one who brings the most notice? I am very excited to see how Sharrif Floyd can compete against opponent offensive linemen. I am very excited to see what speed Patterson truly has. He has shown a couple burst in Mankato bringing cheers from the fans in the bleachers. Xavier Rhodes has been on the sideline most of the week so my assumption is he will not see much or any playing time on Friday.

 

Punter- # 12 Jeff Locke  Can he keep bombing 60-70 yard punts and can he pin teams inside the 20?  This will be a fun watch.

Kicker- # 3 Blair Walsh    I am not concerned about his field goals lengths what I will be watching is the new holder, Locke and how he does for Walsh. It will be a project to watch in preseason.

Defensive Backs   # 31 Bobby Felder is back for year 2 in camp and has looked good. Can he make enough plays in preseason to have the coaches keep him?

Linebacker-  # 54 Gerald Hodges and 56 Michael Mauti  The 2 draft choices out of Penn State.  These 2 guys can really play but when it counts in preseason can they do enough?

These are just a few names I would like you to look for Friday. There are 90 guys on the squad so pick your name. These names listed is who I am looking to have a big game Friday as they start their push to complete their life dreams.

That’s all from Mankato

Thanks for reading

Purplestick