Vikings – Page 257 – David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

Vikings Loadholt Talking Super Bowl

Posted on May 7, 2012May 7, 2012 by David Shama

Reporting from Winter Park:

Last season’s 3-13 record hasn’t lessened Phil Loadholt’s optimism about 2012. “Our goal is to win the world championship,” the offensive tackle told Sports Headliners.

Such a statement may surprise outsiders but the off-season is a time of renewed optimism, particularly for players who have been taught since Pop Warner football to set goals and anticipate success. Loadholt said having the Vikings participate in the next Super Bowl is “definitely possible.” His opinion is the team has the “right” talent and coaching staff to make that happen.

With no NFL labor strike preventing players and coaches from working together as training camp approaches, the Vikings won’t be at the disadvantage they were a year ago when they were learning a new offensive system under then new coordinator Bill Musgrave, according to Loadholt. That’s another reason for his optimism.

The return of running back Adrian Peterson from an ACL injury will make a difference, too. Like a lot of observers, Loadholt looks at Peterson’s physical gifts with wonder. “I expect him to come back faster than anyone else (from the injury),” Loadholt said.

Loadholt was one of many veteran players watching last weekend’s Vikings Rookie Mini-camp at Winter Park in Eden Prairie. There were ten 2012 draft choices, 15 rookie free agents, seven pre-draft signees and 39 pro-college tryout players listed on a roster provided to media. There were 71 total players listed including a few being counted on in 2012 like first round draft choices Matt Kalil (offensive tackle) and Harrison Smith (safety), but the roster consisted mostly of long shots to make the team.

Brandon Fusco, a sixth round draft choice last season who did earn a 2011 roster spot, was one of the veterans who watched the drills at mini-camp. He could be lining up at right guard next to Loadholt this season. He told Sports Headliners as last season progressed, “the game slowed down” because his knowledge improved. Now he’s more experienced and in his best physical shape ever. “I feel a lot more confident I am the guy for the (starting) job,” he said.

Another second-year player, quarterback Christian Ponder, was at the mini-camp. Coach Leslie Frazier said he liked having Ponder volunteer to watch Musgrave’s offense being installed. “That’s a big deal because we’re counting on him from a leadership standpoint and you like the fact that you’re starting quarterback is a football junkie,” Frazier said. “He would take the time to just watch and observe. That’s encouraging.”

Kalil left USC after his junior season but said the decision to turn pro wasn’t a difficult one even though the Trojans could be the No. 1 team in college football next fall. “I think I accomplished everything I wanted to at USC,” he said.

Vikings starting center John Sullivan said playing in a pro style offense and in “pressure games” at USC will help Kalil make the adjustment faster to the NFL. Kalil agreed that the offense was similar to the Trojans but he’s learning different terminology with the Vikings.

Although the Vikings drafted Georgia kicker Blair Walsh in the sixth round, Frazier said it’s not likely the team will keep two kickers. That means either Walsh or 15- year veteran Ryan Longwell will be responsible for field goals and kickoffs. Walsh was a first team USA Today prep All-American.

Wide receiver draft choices Greg Childs and Jarius Wright have been friends since elementary school. After playing football together at Arkansas, they have a chance to be teammates on the same NFL team.

“I know,” Frazier said. “…I was talking to them and it’s just amazing to go from elementary school, middle school, high school, college and then teammates in the pros. What are the odds of that happening?

“They’re great friends as you would expect and tremendous players. They are reminding me, ‘Coach, we’ve always been winners. Everywhere we went.’ I said, ‘Hallelujah, we’ll take that. Bring some of that with you.’ We’re glad to have them and looking forward to seeing how they progress.”

Among the players on the mini-camp roster were several former Gophers including tight ends Tiree Eure and Nick Tow-Arnett, and wide receiver Da’Jon McKnight. Two other ex-Gophers listed were defensive linemen Anthony Jacobs and Brandon Kirksey.

Another name of local interest was Minneapolis native Marcus Fitzgerald, brother of Cardinals All-Pro wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald Jr. Marcus is 26 and although out of football for awhile is trying to make a pro roster as a wide receiver. His dad, Larry Sr., said Marcus has been working as a social media consultant.

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Spielman: Wilfs Best NFL Owners

Posted on May 4, 2012May 4, 2012 by David Shama

Rick Spielman has worked in the NFL for 22 years but the “best owners” who have employed him are the Wilf family.

The Vikings general manager told Sports Headliners that Mark and Zygi Wilf have impressed him with their commitment to the organization and willingness to learn. In a word, the Wilfs want to win.

“They’re willing to do whatever they have to do from their end to make that happen,” Spielman said. “They believe in the direction we’re going right now. How we’re building this roster. How we will continue to build this roster, and they’re just very, very supportive of what transpires as we go forward.

“Just being able to speak with them almost on a daily basis—or every other day basis—it’s not ownership that’s absentee. They want to know what’s going on. They want to know why we’re doing this or doing that, so they understand it as well.”

The Wilf’s involvement includes sitting with Spielman during the NFL Draft each year including the 2012 selections last week. Spielman said it’s “exciting” to have the NFL’s “best owners” in the room with him.

“They are front and center every year. They are very passionate owners but they also give you the sense that they don’t interfere. They put you in charge because they ultimately believe you are going to do the right things for the organization, but they are very, very supportive. They enjoy the draft very much.”

Part of Spielman’s philosophy in shaping the roster is to look for more than physical ability. He wants players with high football intelligence. That’s particularly an asset for what Spielman describes as the middle of a team.

Spielman believes he has the right football intelligence in new draft choice Harrison Smith at safety, along with inside linebacker Chad Greenway, center John Sullivan and quarterback Christian Ponder. “The middle of that football team from the safety to the linebacker to the center to the quarterback, those are the ones that are making all the calls and adjustments during the games,” Spielman said.

Ponder, a rookie last season, had his progress interrupted by the labor dispute that prevented players from working with coaches during the off-season. Spielman expects improvement from Ponder in 2012.

“We’re looking for strides every year,” Spielman said. “Different quarterbacks hit it at different times. I know Christian has been working extremely hard since we’ve been allowed back in the building (Winter Park). He came back in great shape. He’s out there throwing with our receivers.”

How good can Ponder become? “Time will tell,” Spielman said. “We have a lot of faith in Christian and his ability to be our franchise quarterback.”

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Put the Lynx near Your Heart

Posted on May 2, 2012May 2, 2012 by David Shama

If you only reserve your money and emotions for winning teams, then invest in the Lynx. That’s the advice of Sports Headliners after contemplating likeability rankings of the major local pro sports franchises along with the Gophers.

Season outlooks for Minnesota teams are often dreary as real estate values. The April start by the Twins is the latest evidence of our “Losers Club,” but as we look toward the next 12 months we aren’t without hope.

Here are Sports Headliners’ rankings as to who is most and least likely to make us happy:

Love those Lynx. The 2011 WNBA champs brought the first pro title to town since the 1991 World Series Twins. The Lynx opened training camp last Sunday and have their star players returning, including three who will play for Team USA in the Olympics. Seimone Augustus, Maya Moore and Lindsay Whalen are winners, and that’s what these rankings are all about. No guarantees but it will be no surprise at all if the Lynx win the WNBA title again.

The hockey Gophers played in the NCAA semifinals where they lost to eventual national champ Boston College. Minnesota goalie Kent Patterson had a great season but is a senior and will have to be replaced. If the Gophers don’t see young talents like Nick Bjugstad leave for the pros during the off-season, or somehow experience other important personnel losses, Minnesota might be even better next winter than last. The Gophers could certainly start the season ranked among the top college hockey teams in the country.

Before Spanish point guard Ricky Rubio tore his ACL and was sidelined, the Wolves were approaching unprecedented recent popularity. Injuries later hit other teammates and the team’s collapse was as attention demanding as the wonderful start to the season led by Rubio and star forward Kevin Love. What’s next for this franchise isn’t easy to answer. Rubio might not be the same player next season as last, and the complementary pieces to Rubio and Love aren’t in place yet.

The Gophers basketball team looks good on paper. We’ll wait and see how they look on the court in February before moving them higher in the rankings. Academics, off-court behavior issues and injuries have wrecked past Tubby Smith teams. Like their predecessors, this Gophers team will not be deep in talent but Minnesota does have three exceptional starters in forwards Rodney Williams and Trevor Mbakwe, and point guard Andre Hollins. Pray for good fortune.

Jerry Kill has more admirers than any coach or manager I can remember who won just 25 percent of his games in a first season. Maybe all these admirers know something. I think they do. Kill’s second year team could win half its games and earn a bowl game invitation. More important, the Gophers just might look pretty good even in games they play against the better teams in the Big Ten. Put your money and emotions on Kill’s Gophers in 2014 and 2015.

The Wild has off-season personnel acquisition intentions like the Wolves. The franchise had a fast start under first year coach Mike Yeo who looks like the right guy on the bench for this team. But the Wild faded miserably during the season and missed the playoffs for a fourth consecutive season. Too many injuries and too few goals. This is a franchise that has shown it can draw fans, but not win many games. We’re waiting.

Maybe it’s the optimism of the off-season and the glitz of last week’s NFL draft, but we’re nudging the Vikings ahead of the Twins in the rankings. Yeah, the 3-13 record of last season will be remembered for a long time but this club has some playmakers. Like they say, on a lot of Sunday afternoons running back Adrian Peterson or wide receiver Percy Harvin can be worth the price of admission. And don’t you just feel better about yourself when Jared Allen does his calf-roping celebration after another franchise record sack? Come on downtown to see the Vikes before they head west. (Just kidding. I think).

It’s not all bad news about the Twins. I am still smiling after that acrobatic double play turned last week by shortstop Jamey Carroll and second baseman Trevor Plouffe against the Red Sox. New left fielder Josh Willingham can even hit balls over the fence at anti-home run Target Field. So far the starting pitching is probably the worst in the franchise’s 51 season history but there’s a way around that. The Sports Headliners method is to watch the half innings when the Twins bat. When the Twins pitchers are throwing, tune in the Golf Channel. Both your mood and golf swing will improve.

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