| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
Lil Uno
Joined: 17 Sep 2007
Posts: 5277
|
 Posted: Thu Jun 21, 2012 5:24 pm Post subject: |
 |
|
|
Also, Josh Robinson switched his # to 21.
_________________
 |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
Vikefan79
Joined: 05 Apr 2005
Posts: 25112
Location: Atlanta
|
| Posted: Thu Jun 21, 2012 5:45 pm Post subject: |
|
|
|
Apparently Ponder has bulked up to 233lbs thanks to the off season conditioning program. He started at 212. 
_________________
 |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
vikingsrule
Joined: 15 Nov 2005
Posts: 39514
Location: Land of 10,000 Lakes!
|
| Posted: Thu Jun 21, 2012 5:48 pm Post subject: |
|
|
|
| Vikefan79 wrote: | | Apparently Ponder has bulked up to 233lbs thanks to the off season conditioning program. He started at 212. |
I just hope he isnt too muscle bound, which may restrict range of motion in his shoulder, hurting his throwing strength. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
NorthCountryEvo
Joined: 26 Jan 2012
Posts: 345
Location: Maple Grove, MN
|
| Posted: Thu Jun 21, 2012 6:32 pm Post subject: |
|
|
|
Here is an article updating progress on Vikes rookie kicker Blair Walsh:
http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/Adjustments_could_be_key_to_success_of_Vikings_rookie_kicker062112
I understand why we drafted a kicker, and I understand why we released Longwell. Going after a young kicker who we can groom into our guy for years to come is a smart play. I am, however, a little bit skeptical at this point about Walsh. His senior season alone makes me a bit fearful of how he can perform. I have my fingers crossed that Blair will turn out well for us, and as the article says, our special teams coach feels that he has worked out this issue that plagued Walsh last season. Still, I read updates on his progress, and I see things about him missing field goals from ranges in the 30's and 40's, which to me should never be missed by a professional kicker unless there are incliment weather conditions.
Thoughts on Walsh?
_________________
"ARMY AVIATION: HIGH ABOVE THE BEST" |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
vikingsrule
Joined: 15 Nov 2005
Posts: 39514
Location: Land of 10,000 Lakes!
|
| Posted: Thu Jun 21, 2012 6:41 pm Post subject: |
|
|
|
| NorthCountryEvo wrote: | Here is an article updating progress on Vikes rookie kicker Blair Walsh:
http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/Adjustments_could_be_key_to_success_of_Vikings_rookie_kicker062112
I understand why we drafted a kicker, and I understand why we released Longwell. Going after a young kicker who we can groom into our guy for years to come is a smart play. I am, however, a little bit skeptical at this point about Walsh. His senior season alone makes me a bit fearful of how he can perform. I have my fingers crossed that Blair will turn out well for us, and as the article says, our special teams coach feels that he has worked out this issue that plagued Walsh last season. Still, I read updates on his progress, and I see things about him missing field goals from ranges in the 30's and 40's, which to me should never be missed by a professional kicker unless there are incliment weather conditions.
Thoughts on Walsh? |
I hated the idea of drafting a kicker, with the assumption that Longwell would be on the roster. But it makes sense now, since Longwell was released.
Doesnt hurt to get younger and cheaper at the position, especially if Walsh can add 5-10 yards on kickoffs and force more TBs. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Kellerman
Joined: 16 May 2010
Posts: 3190
Location: Amsterdam
|
| Posted: Thu Jun 21, 2012 6:56 pm Post subject: |
|
|
|
| vikingsrule wrote: | | Vikefan79 wrote: | | Apparently Ponder has bulked up to 233lbs thanks to the off season conditioning program. He started at 212. |
I just hope he isnt too muscle bound, which may restrict range of motion in his shoulder, hurting his throwing strength. |
Perhaps he's still planning a cut before the season.
I wouldn't worry too much about Brady Quinn-esque proportions. It's not like those 20 lbs are pure muscle, that's practically impossible in one off-season, and then there is location. Core + legs are the most likely focus, his arms look big, but not huge (a la Gerhart).
_________________
sig by Jamison
#97 Everson Griffin: 0 tackles : 0 sacks : 0 FF |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
PurpleMugen
Joined: 05 Feb 2008
Posts: 3590
Location: Rutgers University
|
| Posted: Thu Jun 21, 2012 6:58 pm Post subject: |
|
|
|
In total honesty, I think the FO was targeting Greg Zeurlein, the star kicker from Missouri Western, with the pick they drafted Walsh with. I heard the name linked to our Vikes two, three, four times leading up to the Draft. Unfortunately, he was selected by the Rams just a few picks ahead of where we took Walsh. I think the FO just said, "drats, Walsh it is."
Hope the kid surprises.
_________________
Peppers90 on the sig. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
vikingsrule
Joined: 15 Nov 2005
Posts: 39514
Location: Land of 10,000 Lakes!
|
| Posted: Thu Jun 21, 2012 7:00 pm Post subject: |
|
|
|
| agreed Kellerman. Have to look at where the gain occurred. If a lot of the weight gain was in the chest or legs he should be fine. Even gains in the biceps dont really affect throwing motion all that much. Its really just the shoulder and neck area that you need to become concerned with for muscle gains in a QB.. The throwing motion all comes from the shoulder (unless your a freak like Michael Vick who can sling it 60 yards with the flick of a wrist). |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
vikingsrule
Joined: 15 Nov 2005
Posts: 39514
Location: Land of 10,000 Lakes!
|
| Posted: Thu Jun 21, 2012 7:05 pm Post subject: |
|
|
|
| PurpleMugen wrote: | In total honesty, I think the FO was targeting Greg Zeurlein, the star kicker from Missouri Western, with the pick they drafted Walsh with. I heard the name linked to our Vikes two, three, four times leading up to the Draft. Unfortunately, he was selected by the Rams just a few picks ahead of where we took Walsh. I think the FO just said, "drats, Walsh it is."
Hope the kid surprises. |
You could be onto something.
I did not follow kicker prospects what so ever pre-draft, due to Longwell on the team, so forgive me. However, I just dont like the kind of prospect that Walsh is as a kicker. I think the most important trait a kicker can have is being resilient and able to forget things immediately to not impact your ability as a kicker. Things like missed kicks, standing around on the sidelines. I want my kicker to come in and drill the ball, with little though and little concern for anything. Stone faced, ice in the veins type.
The fact that Walsh was so pitiful last year, which was supposedly tied to personal reasons like his GF dumping him, that is just a huge red flag for me in terms of the mental make up of a kicker. For this, I wouldnt be shocked if Walsh is out of the league in two years. How is Walsh going to respond if he gets in a slump? What if he gets dumped again? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Freakout
Joined: 05 Mar 2007
Posts: 1768
|
| Posted: Thu Jun 21, 2012 7:08 pm Post subject: |
|
|
|
| vikingsrule wrote: | | agreed Kellerman. Have to look at where the gain occurred. If a lot of the weight gain was in the chest or legs he should be fine. Even gains in the biceps dont really affect throwing motion all that much. Its really just the shoulder and neck area that you need to become concerned with for muscle gains in a QB.. The throwing motion all comes from the shoulder (unless your a freak like Michael Vick who can sling it 60 yards with the flick of a wrist). |
I doubt we need to worry. He was very small last year at 212 and he intendeds to be in 220's this season. Once the padded practices start you will lose some weight. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Freakout
Joined: 05 Mar 2007
Posts: 1768
|
| Posted: Thu Jun 21, 2012 7:11 pm Post subject: |
|
|
|
| vikingsrule wrote: | | PurpleMugen wrote: | In total honesty, I think the FO was targeting Greg Zeurlein, the star kicker from Missouri Western, with the pick they drafted Walsh with. I heard the name linked to our Vikes two, three, four times leading up to the Draft. Unfortunately, he was selected by the Rams just a few picks ahead of where we took Walsh. I think the FO just said, "drats, Walsh it is."
Hope the kid surprises. |
You could be onto something.
I did not follow kicker prospects what so ever pre-draft, due to Longwell on the team, so forgive me. However, I just dont like the kind of prospect that Walsh is as a kicker. I think the most important trait a kicker can have is being resilient and able to forget things immediately to not impact your ability as a kicker. Things like missed kicks, standing around on the sidelines. I want my kicker to come in and drill the ball, with little though and little concern for anything. Stone faced, ice in the veins type.
The fact that Walsh was so pitiful last year, which was supposedly tied to personal reasons like his GF dumping him, that is just a huge red flag for me in terms of the mental make up of a kicker. For this, I wouldnt be shocked if Walsh is out of the league in two years. How is Walsh going to respond if he gets in a slump? What if he gets dumped again? |
Actually if you read the article Priefer believes his accuracy troubles are related to him rushing the kick. They are working on getting him to slow down. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
vikingsrule
Joined: 15 Nov 2005
Posts: 39514
Location: Land of 10,000 Lakes!
|
| Posted: Thu Jun 21, 2012 7:14 pm Post subject: |
|
|
|
Maybe so, but wasnt Walsh quite good the year prior to last year? Hopefully some coaching and technique work will correct those flaws, but I do worry about a kicker not having it mentally. Look how Mike Vandegerjagt fizzled out. Such a fragile position.  |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
PurpleMugen
Joined: 05 Feb 2008
Posts: 3590
Location: Rutgers University
|
| Posted: Thu Jun 21, 2012 7:18 pm Post subject: |
|
|
|
| vikingsrule wrote: | | PurpleMugen wrote: | In total honesty, I think the FO was targeting Greg Zeurlein, the star kicker from Missouri Western, with the pick they drafted Walsh with. I heard the name linked to our Vikes two, three, four times leading up to the Draft. Unfortunately, he was selected by the Rams just a few picks ahead of where we took Walsh. I think the FO just said, "drats, Walsh it is."
Hope the kid surprises. |
You could be onto something.
I did not follow kicker prospects what so ever pre-draft, due to Longwell on the team, so forgive me. However, I just dont like the kind of prospect that Walsh is as a kicker. I think the most important trait a kicker can have is being resilient and able to forget things immediately to not impact your ability as a kicker. Things like missed kicks, standing around on the sidelines. I want my kicker to come in and drill the ball, with little though and little concern for anything. Stone faced, ice in the veins type.
The fact that Walsh was so pitiful last year, which was supposedly tied to personal reasons like his GF dumping him, that is just a huge red flag for me in terms of the mental make up of a kicker. For this, I wouldnt be shocked if Walsh is out of the league in two years. How is Walsh going to respond if he gets in a slump? What if he gets dumped again? |
I totally agree with you. I wonder if some counseling might not go some ways toward remedying his issues, though I obviously don't know him personally so I can't prescribe an option like that. I love your image of the 'right' kicker, also; I see it the same way.
I do believe I've got something with the Zeurlein thing. I heard numerous connections leading up to the Draft, and when he was still available around there, I was pondering it. Then, curiously, he goes two picks before we also take a kicker (a much less heralded one, at that). It points to something, I think.
_________________
Peppers90 on the sig. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
vikingsrule
Joined: 15 Nov 2005
Posts: 39514
Location: Land of 10,000 Lakes!
|
| Posted: Thu Jun 21, 2012 7:22 pm Post subject: |
|
|
|
| I didnt follow kickers, but Randy Bullock went right at the end of round 5 as well. Right before the vikes pick. I wonder if they maybe had an interest in him too. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
vike daddy
Joined: 12 Mar 2005
Posts: 66638
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
|
|
|
Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2005 phpBB Group
|
FAQ
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
