What aspect of the team will improve MOST in 2012?

Purple-Pride07 · Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 17173 Location: Right Behind You

Question is in the title. I'm looking for specifics. Players. Coaches. What'cha got?

Obvious options include the development of Christian Ponder, Matt Kalil's ability to protect the blind-side, a wide receiver stepping up - a la Sidney Rice circa 2009, etc.

While we may not be too good this year, there will be quite a few players and storylines worth keeping tabs on.
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"When a team outgrows individual performance and learns team confidence, excellence becomes a reality."
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vikingsrule · Posted: Sat Jul 28, 2012 2:21 pm Post subject:

I think the secondary will be the most improved unit given they have the most room to grow. I legit like Chris Cook as a potential top 10 CB. I also like Mistral Raymond's potential, with a full offseason learning the system. Raymond seemed to have a knack for being in the right spot in the zone, eventually his instincs will take over where he will get in position to disrupt passes.

Throw in Harrison Smith and Josh Robinson, two prospects I like a lot too, I think there is a lot of potential for this unit to develop together. Even if only half of them pan out, that still isnt a bad hit rate and the team can use the 2013 draft or free agency to patch remaining needs. I havent felt this good about the secondary going forward in a long long time. Since 2010, MN has added some nice DBs with the speed, athleticism and the size to be successful NFL players. Now its just a matter of coaching them up and putting it all together.

[UMN] · Joined: 13 Nov 2007 Posts: 11823 Location: Desolation Row

1. QB - Ponder has a year of experience, a full off-season and better surrounding talent
2. DB - Cook/Winfield are back, much better depth, added Harrison Smith
3. OL - Added Kalil, got rid of the declining guards, contract year for Loadholt
4. WR - Added Simpson/Childs/Wright, TE's will draw attention
5. LB - Griffen moving to LB, E.J. gone, Erin is more experienced

EvilNuff · Joined: 10 Feb 2007 Posts: 826

I think the most likely candidates are:
Ponder improving
The Secondary becoming not terribad
A WR, perhaps simpson, stepping up.

SteelKing728 · Joined: 23 Aug 2008 Posts: 10869 Location: Pittsburgh

disaacs · Joined: 13 Dec 2005 Posts: 19972 Location: Brownbackistan

1. Improvement of Christian Ponder (the obvious)
2. Significantly better secondary play (another obvious)
3. Interior Defensive Line
4. Wide Receiver play outside the hash marks and beyond 20 yds
5. Interior Offensive Line
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ArcticNorseman · Joined: 06 Mar 2005 Posts: 1431 Location: Fairbanks, Alaska

Early on, my vote for improvement goes to the lack of drama!
-- Team has a full off-season.
-- By all reports, there's a level of accountability not seen in previous training camps . . . i.e.: Everyone's there to make each other better.
-- From the front office on down to the greenest of undrafted FA's the organization gets to focus on football -- no stadium issues, no Starcaps, no QB or WR or whoever commotions.

Although I'm not on site, seeing the practice field, what I like about what I'm reading and watching is the style of the apparent focus players and coaches have. They know the core vets on that team are good players. They think some of the younger vets can be great players. And the rookies appear to be filling roles well, if not pushing vets.

In the end, the lack of drama, the sense of accountability and the focus might well lead to a more formidable team.

Klomp · Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2012 12:17 pm Post subject:

Maybe I'm getting too excited over a rookie, but I think our kicking game will see a lot of improvement. Last year, Longwell was near the bottom of the league in both field goals and kickoffs. Blair Walsh will be an immediate upgrade in kickoffs, and will provide a stronger leg on long field goals as well.

CriminalMind · Joined: 25 Aug 2011 Posts: 2965 Location: Toronto, CA

Interceptions and touchback by % increase

The bar was set very low last season.

This is my guess for "MOST"
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vike daddy · Joined: 12 Mar 2005 Posts: 66625

Want a few last statistical nuggets on the productivity of the first team offense through two preseason games? Ponder and the first unit have been on the field for five possessions now. Those drives have averaged nine offensive plays and 59 yards. The Vikings have penetrated the opposition’s 35 yard line every time and haven’t punted. Overall, Ponder is 14-for-22 for 216 yards and a touchdown. He has yet to turn the ball over and has been sacked twice. Those five series have ended with a touchdown, three field goals and a missed field goal.

http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikings/blogs/166624186.html
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