Vikings Preseason Update (Including games 1 and 2)

First off I have an error to admit in my previous blog, I said the Vikings first pre season game would air on KSTP at 7 p.m. It was at the same time, however it was on a kare 11 associate channel 23 (due to Olympic coverage). I am sorry for an confusion.

One other thing to note, for the preseason and perhaps the first few games of the season after I name a player I will list the position in parentheses. This is just so fans of the Vikings can look up players and stats easier.

Now on to the analysis!

In the first preseason game (versus San Fransisco) our Vikings defense looked absolutely terrible. This just further solidified my stance on a 4 or 5 game win season, however Christian Ponder (qb) hit a 42 yard yard bomb to Stephen Burton (wr). Of course with no Adrian Peterson (rb), Antoine Winfield (cb), Jared Allen (de) and Kevin Williams (dt) I suppose we couldn't except too much. Here is the quick breakdown of (preseason) game 1.

Stand out player

Toby Gerhart (rb)- Even though he wil be the back up to A.P. he proved he could carry the load even if A.P. were to go down again.

Position Battle

Quarterback

Although I am an avid Joe Webb (qb) fan his play was poor enough to make his chances of stating week one slime to none. However he did probably solidify his role as the second and "change" up quarterback. Sage Rosenfels(qb) signed a two year deal earlier so he is and probably will be the third string quarter back. However our fourth string quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson or M.B.T. is turning some heads. Coming out of Sacramento State is not the most glamorous thing, but I'll tell you one thing he can throw the ball. Despite throwing an interception he is impressing and will likely try to be kept on the Vikings practice squad. He could be a solid quarterback in a Tyler Thigpen type role (former vikings qb, now plays for Buffalo).

Final Score

San Fransisco 16 Vikings 7

Now onto week preseason week two. The Vikings faced the Buffalo Bills week two and this time Christian Ponder was "dressed for success." He played very well going 10 of 13 with a touchdown. However read further and he was not the player that stole the show.

Impact Player

Blair Walsh (k)- He is the reason we released longtime vikings (and packers) kicker Ryan Longwell. Blair went 4 of 5 on field goals and had many touch backs which will and did and vastly improve the defense. With "KFAN's" Paul Allen making a statement that "no kickoff's will be returned for touchdown's this year (with our kicker)."

Position Battles

Linebacker

Audie Cole (lb) is the player who stole the show (see video highlights). He had two interceptions in the 4th quarter including one returned for a touchdown. Audie who is a 7th round pick from NC state had a good first game but still remained on the bubble in terms of making the roster. In my opinion he made the team with his performance last night. Not only was it his two forced turnover's it was his performance in terms of tackling and special teams. Look to go and get his rookie card as he has exponential talent.

Running Back

This is a battle to be the third running back who could get flex carries with AP getting a rest and the type of play the vikings want to run not suiting Toby Gerhart. This battle is between Derrick Coleman, Lex Hilliard and perhaps Matt Asiata (listed as fb). Matt Asiata had a 6.1 rushing average on seven carries including a 22 yard burst. Out of the university of Utah he may be listed as a full back in order to be in the  flex rb/te/fb. He impressed me and could very well turn some heads as a "secret weapon" perhaps ahead of a true fb Ryan Di' Imperio.

Wider Receiver

This position totally depends on how many wr MN decides to keep on the active roster. With a "normal" number being between 7 and 8 (keeping in mind that Jerome Simpson will miss first three games due to suspension). Except to see the battle between Emmanuel Arceneax, Micheal Jenkins (veteran but has been under par at times), AJ Love and Larry Taylor. Areceneax caught both of his passes and Micheal Jenkins caught a nice 34 yard pass, with Taylor being missed by Sage in the end zone.

Final Score

Vikings 36 Bills 14

 
Next Game

Friday on Kare 11 at 7 p.m. (Home Mall of America Field)

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