Vikings – Page 269 – David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

Ryan Longwell: Ponder Debut Best

Posted on October 26, 2011November 27, 2011 by David Shama

Vikings kicker Ryan Longwell is playing in his 15^th NFL season and he told Sports Headliners that Christian Ponder’s first game for the Vikings was the most outstanding rookie quarterback debut he’s seen. Ponder threw for two touchdowns last Sunday and almost rallied the Vikings to a win over the undefeated Green Bay Packers.

“That’s the best I’ve seen, honestly,” Longwell said. “You’re short the win, but everything else ─ the poise, the decision making, the throws ─ just the command was awesome to watch. He’s got a bright future.”

Ponder’s performance not only was superior to anything shown this season by Donovan McNabb ─ the man he replaced ─ but the rookie brought an energy that certainly lifted the crowd at Mall of America Field and maybe most of his teammates, too.

An NFL quarterback who can make big plays is that important. “No doubt,” Longwell said. “You’re never out of it. I’ve had the blessing of being with a great quarterback (Brett Favre) through most of my years, and you’re just never out of it. I think we saw that today.”

Former Vikings defensive lineman Bob Lurtsema said he was “totally excited” about the switch from McNabb to Ponder. Ponder’s down the field throws helped loosen up the Packers’ defense and enable Adrian Peterson to rush for 175 yards.

Ponder’s play in the 33-27 loss wasn’t perfect. He seemed confused at times by the Packers pass coverage and timing with his receivers needs to improve.

Ponder threw two interceptions, both to veteran Green Bay cornerback Charles Woodson. “He realizes now that the defensive backs in the National Football League close a lot quicker than they do in college,” Lurtsema said.

The Vikings, 1-6, have nine games remaining on the schedule including Sunday at Carolina. All but two of the remaining opponents are playing at .500 or better but Lurtsema believes the Vikings can win about half of their games with their rookie quarterback now in charge.

“When the players believe in the quarterback, that’s the big difference,” Lurtsema said.

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Vikings Hold Cards Now on Stadium

Posted on October 24, 2011November 27, 2011 by David Shama

What a mess! Back in the 1990s a Vikings executive told me Governor Arne Carlson informed franchise leaders to be patient until the Twins need for a new stadium could be resolved.

Guess what? Three governors later and the Vikings are still waiting. During the last 15 years, new stadiums for the Twins and Gophers football were approved while the Vikings unsuccessfully courted host communities to help them.

Get the idea the Vikings upper management and ownership is frustrated. Bet your autographed Adrian Peterson jersey on that!

Now if you don’t care whether the Vikings stay in Minnesota and you oppose public funding for a new stadium, then God bless you and the Constitution. You have plenty of company, but understand the majority of state political leaders are likely to disagree with you. If they don’t today, sometime soon they will.

The Vikings will remain in Minnesota.

Franchise owners and the NFL office in New York have leverage like never before with the Minnesota stadium issue. The whole mess is reaching critical mass. Not only have the Vikings been knocking on the doors of governors and host communities for more than a decade, but their lease in the Metrodome expires at season’s end and Los Angeles is flirting with the franchise.

It’s a new Minnesota stadium or bust mentality that the Vikings and NFL are presenting. That view threatens a cultural entity even more important to some Minnesotans than our 10,000 lakes.

No wonder Governor Mark Dayton is scrambling to call a special legislative session before Thanksgiving. He wants no repeat of 60 years ago when Los Angeles became the new home of the Minneapolis Lakers.

Dayton might be able to convince enough legislators to approve a new stadium in the coming weeks, but even if he has to kick the can a little further down the road that’s not likely to send the moving vans to Winter Park before New Year’s Day.

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A.P. in L.A. Might be California Dreamin’ But…

Posted on September 16, 2011November 27, 2011 by David Shama

With a Beverly Hills smile and Hall of Fame promise, Adrian Peterson would be a welcome addition to the Hollywood scene in southern California. The odds seem unlikely the Vikings will relocate to Los Angeles anytime soon, but an expiring lease at Mall of America Field and new stadium uncertainty in Minnesota encourages all kinds of speculation about the franchise’s future.

Peterson’s reputation as the NFL’s best running back and his personal charm would cast him perfectly as a celebrity in Los Angeles. Southern California thrives on the star system and has been entertained by some of the classic names in sports through the years, from Sandy Koufax to Kobe Bryant.

An L.A. NFL team would need a box office draw and even on a bad team Peterson will command adulation from fans and sponsors. A superstar like Peterson means butts in the seats and eyeballs on TV.

That’s part of the reason committing Peterson to a seven year contract that practically guarantees the 26-year-old running back will play his entire career in Purple was a smart move by the Vikings. So, too, was signing linebacker Chad Greenway, 28, to a new deal. Owner Zygi Wilf has committed over $140 million in contract money to Peterson and Greenway.

Savvy business decisions. The Vikings, 12-4 two years ago, appear to be rebuilding. Keeping Greenway and Peterson around sends a message the Vikings aren’t interested in fire sales. Just the contrary. Ownership wants to win and build a Super Bowl contender.

That’s a good mantra to send fans, business supporters and legislative backers for a new stadium. But the commitment to Greenway and Peterson, both of whom agreed to deals just last week, brings clout beyond the Minnesota constituency.

If the Wilf family wants to sell or relocate the team, player personnel assets add to value. Peterson and Greenway won’t have their names on the company year-end financial statements but their presence on the roster has value in determining the worth of this franchise ─ wherever it’s located.

Could it be L.A.? The NFL doesn’t like relocating existing franchises, and Los Angeles has been without a team since 1995 when the Rams left for St. Louis. Through the years it almost seems like a “flavor of the month” has been the norm regarding new stadium ideas in southern California. And still there’s nothing finalized on a new venue for a Los Angeles team.

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