Mike Wobschall makes a living by being one of the Vikings biggest cheerleaders in writing and in front of the camera, so you won’t get much of the disappointing news from his stuff at Vikings.com, but he is also one of the best in the business. Plus, when other media outlets are not allowed access to practices or other events, he is right there to make sure he keeps us informed.
Through the first two days of Minnesota’s OTA’s, Wobschall has been there to keep us updated on everything. Here are some highlights, accompanied by links, as to how the first two days have been going.
DAY ONE OBSERVATIONS: Wobschall tells us that cornerback Antoine Winfield looks to be 100% this offseason and describes him as “spry,” while wide receiver Jerome Simpson showed his capabilities stretching the field, receiver Bryan Walters looked very sharp. More notes about which players looked good can be found at this link, too.
IMPROVEMENT ON OFFENSE: The offense, led by quarterback Christian Ponder, is bound to take their lumps as the installation process progresses. As noted by both Wobschall and Ponder, however, the offense showed marked improvement from day one to day two.
DAY TWO OBSERVATIONS: Cornerback Chris Cook made one of the best plays of the session and it could have been a defensive score, defensive coordinator Alan Williams is making a Frazier-like impression on his players, middle linebacker Jasper Brinkley is bound and determined to show his critics that he can defend the pass, undrafted cornerback Bobby Felder is a name to keep an eye on as a sleeper candidate, while fullback Matt Asiata turned some heads by making a diving catch way down field.
VIDEO LINKS
Leslie Frazier press conference on Wednesday: LINK
Christian Ponder press conference on Wednesday: LINK
Adrian Peterson and Percy Harvin continue their rehabilitation by pushing each other: LINK
An NFL Network report from Minnesota’s OTA’s: LINK
View Comments
I dont know about anyone else but I have alot better feeling going into this year than I did last year. For starters no Don McNabb, no Bernie, no McKinnie, no Madieau. I'm sure there's a couple I forgot.
Regardless of the win-loss forecast, Johnny, I know that I am personally more excited about the upcoming season. I don't necessarilly expect to see a ton of wins, but I do expect to see some very cool growth and improvement from this youth movement... I expect to see things that suggest a bright future :)
Couldnt agree more Adam and with a weaker schedule they could easily get several wins this year.
Hey Johnny,
I,m stoked those four are gone, I draw a blank on any others, They were on the top of the list for sure...
I agree with Johnny, the Vikings needed to do a complete over hall of their roster. As much as I bitched and moaned about Spielman, I feel much better about this roster than last years. I think this draft was a big step forward and bringing competition at every position is something that the Vikes have not had in years and it will only help. Jerome Simpson could be the steal of free agency.
Charlie, I dont know what the term they use now is but we used to call it "cutting the dead weight".
That term is still applicable today in my book.
That's great Norse. Sometimes the younger generation gets a little confused with our classic sayings. Not my kids tho, they get a steady dose. lol!
On the other hand, we will be without Kleinsasser and Hutchinson. I always value the presence of tried and true veterans in the locker room, and two very calming influences will now be gone. Not saying it shouldn't have happened, but it is nonetheless concerning.
what I hope for the most is not a 8-9 win season, but it's clear progress by ponder, the wr's (hopefully some contribution from the roks) a solid or close to solid secondary and avoiding an career injury to peterson.
I think this upcomming season will be very fun to watch and I could see us being underdog that surprices some teams
I think the win-loss forecast looks sunny side up this year for the Vikings. My prediction is 10-6.
Carl,
Nobody can say you aren't Positive lol.
This season looks to be fun, New Stadium approved, a young team that i really think as allot of you think, will grow together... So much better than last year!
stadium deal done, regular GM, committed owners that want titles - macro issues in place
now, can the coach, QB and the other players do it? won't go from 3-13 to champs this year, but things are looking up. yeah, feels good getting the stadium bill behind us, and we had a good draft. sure hope ponder steps it up
Here I am boys, ripe for the picking.......
Turn ons - Tow trucks, smoking Tiparillos while wearing Ray Bans (and nothing else), scatological Scrabble, hairy backs, lettuce, cream colored Bell Bottoms, gypsy music
Turn offs - Seat belts, skinny cigarettes, ear hair, wearing men's underwear, Disco Awareness Week, gay men with Unicorn tattoos, KFC cole slaw, getting kidnapped by pygmies, chain link fencing
I'm looking for someone to rub my feet (size 13). Any takers?
OMG Ole! The only taker I can think of is Freds. You'll probably be hearing from him very soon.
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