Today is like Christmas for Vikings fans everywhere. The season opener is the event we have been anticipating since last January. We’ve followed the team through the draft. We’ve watched them at training camp in Mankato. We’ve felt the heartbreak of those who didn’t make the cut after pre-season and celebrated with the 53 who remain. The trials are over, but tonight the test begins.
As we watched the other 28 teams make their debuts yesterday and Thursday, our hearts were filled with anticipation for the Vikings to take the field in San Francisco tonight. Armchair quarterbacks and coaches will be riveted to their phones, televisions and computers filled with as much wonder, hope, and delight as a kid on Christmas Eve awaiting Santa’s arrival. This is it, this is the moment we’ve been waiting for… Football season has begun and the Vikings have the same clean slate to work with as any other team.
San Francisco had a rough off-season and their offense could be shaky. Not only are they starting fresh with a new coaching staff, they only have two offensive line starters returning to the team, Joe Staley – LT and Alex Boone – RG (but shifting to the left side). This could be a significant problem with a sub-par backup, Blaine Gabbert, in the QB position. If Kaepernick gets injured, all of San Francisco is going to feel the impact.
Defense may be the only saving grace in San Francisco and could challenge the Viking’s offense. Young and talented, but full of rookies with the release of veteran Darnell Docket. Ahmad Brooks indictment for sexual battery won’t keep him from starting, but as Vikings fans know all too well, it may be a distraction for the team, especially on their home turf.
Simply stated… The 49ers have had a lot of turnover and changes during the off-season that could prove to be detrimental to their bottom line. Their offense has a lot of room for improvement. With their weak o-line, the Vikings defense should be able to stop the run and get a few sacks on Kaepernick.
The defensive players may challenge our young offense, however, with Adrian Peterson back in the line-up; an arsenal of wide receivers, like Charles Johnson, Mike Wallace, and rookie Steffon Diggs; and Teddy’s poise in the pocket; I think the world will see a different team this year. As long as our offensive line does its job, protects the quarterback and gives Teddy time to read his options and spread the ball around this team has the talent to make an outstanding debut tonight in San Francisco.
The VWO will be out in force tonight cheering on the team with Skolt Scott who is holding an event at B52’s in Inver Grove Heights. (And we’ve heard he’s lined up some amazing surprise guests!) Sir & Lady Archer will be viewing the game with our friends at Joe Senser’s in Bloomington. Look for these and other events on Sir & Lady Archer’s Facebook page.
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