Vikes, Vikes, and Vikes
 
It's that time of year and we're set to kick off another year of Vikings football.  After the Stadium drama is now behind us, we can all relax and know that the Vikings will still be here next year and the year after, and so on.  This is also the fun part of the season because there's no expectations.  All we can do now is HOPE that everything turns out ok. 
 
The Mrs. and I got the privilege of attending our first Vikings Training Camp down in Fankato (as we like to call it).  It was fun to get a way for the weekend, but we missed our daughter so it was bitter sweet.  Since I'm such a great football mind (LOL), here are a few thoughts on what I observed and what I've read so far about our favorite football team.  I'll be posting more as we go (no really I will) and provide 3-4 bold predictions for the year so stay tuned.

First of all, it was easier to observe the QB's, WR's, TE's, and Defensive Secondary because of the practice-type structure.  No one even touches the QB so they have all day to throw the ball, and the WR's and TE's are going pretty much full speed against the D-Back's.  It was hard to judge the Lineman, RB and LB.  That being said, Christian Ponder in my opinion is clearly the best QB in camp.  Click here for a good write up from Tom Pelissero about Ponder.

He looks more confident, and is making better decisions.  He and Jerome Simpson are going to be great together.  Simpson absolutely burned our D-backs a few times and Ponder lead him for a perfect catch for six.  It's a bummer Simpson will be out for the first three games.  Joe Webb has struggled to remain consistent so far.  He makes a great throw on one drill, but an absolute terrible throw on another.  He still has a the mentality of a "tuck-and-run" QB, which will not last long in the NFL, and he's not as good as Mick Vick.  I was actually really impressed with our current 4th stringer McLeod Bethel-Thompson.  He has a strong arm and has been extremely accurate for a young guy.  He needs to work on his footwork and mechanics, but if we ever could have a QB controversy, this would be it.  With 4 QB's on the roster right now, I'm curious to see what Speilman will do.  I do not think they want to, nor can afford to lose McLeod off the practice squad.  (If we cut him, he can get picked up by another team off waivers, he does not automatically go to our practice squad).  Remember Tyler Thigpen?  

Our D-Backs will be 10 times better this year.  We've added depth and skill to that position.  Winfield and Chris Cook look good, but I was impressed with Harrison Smith, one of our 1st round draft picks this year.  His hit on Percy Harvin shows he likes to hit, and that killer instinct is not something we've had in the safety position for a long time.  

Our Offensive line will also be 10 times better this year.  Matt Kalil is a beast.  I stood down by where the players walk into the field and I was in awe of how huge this guy was.  Not fat either, just built like an ox.  (All the players are huge, we just don’t realize how big they are watching them on TV).  One of my favorite things to watch at TC was the matchup between Jared Allen and Kalil.  Kalil was getting the best of Allen more often the not, which goes to show the Kalil is the real deal.  (My best attempt at being a rapper).  

Oh yes, and our new rookie kicker was booming field goals past 50 yards with plenty of leg left.  It seams the Blair Walsh Project could turn into a success.  We'll see how he does during real games.

Overall, I'm hopeful for significant improvement this year.  It's training camp so it's hard to know until the actual season starts.  Now for my first bold prediction.  The Mrs. said her bold prediction was that the Vikings would go 8-8.  "That's not that bold"  I said.  I'm not going to predict a record, just yet….  However, my prediction is that Christian Ponder will pass for over 3,500 yards, 28 TD, and 15 INT.  What say you sports fans?  What are you most looking forward to this season?