djskillz
Posts: 56863
Joined: 7/17/2007
From: Nashville, TN
Status: offline
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Hope all is well, gents. Things are still pretty crazy busy, but I had to pop in quick and give a stadium report.
Back story: I got season tix this year (selling most tix, going to a couple, and wanted playoff priority) but figured no way I could go to this one between justifying return money cost, plus I had a buddy's bachelor party this weekend in Austin, TX (which is an incredibly city for a bachelor party, btw; what a town). Anyway, still hadn't sold my tix as of late this week and started to think "maybe I should fly out there and go instead". As of Saturday morning, I pulled my tickets and convinced (didn't take much) a Vikings buddy from San Diego who was with me in Austin to go. We booked last minute flights and got there Sunday at 5pm, just a couple hours before the game. Side note; I was blown away by the lack of traffic. Not sure if people just got there crazy early on Sunday for tailgating or what, but I've had a tougher time getting into Twins games traffic-wise. There was practically zero. Our flight literally landed at 5pm and we had deplaned, got a rental car, drove and were parked at the stadium across the street by 5:45. Amazing. Anyway, the report:
The stadium is freaking incredible. I haven't been inside the JerryDome but I just can't imagine it being any better than our new home. What a place. It is huge. As you drive up, you can't help but be impressed by the sheer size and beauty of it. Love basically everything about it. The glass, the roof, the lighting, the huge, impressive glass doors. The awesome Vikings bar right across from the stadium. The ship and the sculpture outside. All of it awesome. And we have some of the best seats in the house if you ask me. About 30 rows up in the endzone looking out at the skyline end. That's usually my favorite place to watch a football game because you can see everything unfold in terms of the lines, etc. vs. watching from the 50 or whatever. Anyway, awesome. The place is also LOUD. Probably the loudest stadium I've ever been in in my life. Vikes fans represented really well. Loved the opening stuff with the PPE. Loved the Ahmad Rashad intro and use of the GOT/VikingsTVshow stuff. Loved, loved, loved Bud Grant's blowing the horn. Jordan Sparks' anthem was awesome (I didn't kneel; haha). And the Prince halftime show was incredible too. The lighting engineering in that place has to be the best I've seen in a large stadium too. I'm not sure it's possible to design a much nicer place. Going to be so sweet to win a SuperBowl in that building next year. The one thing that was disappointing to me was there was no commemorative giveaway, etc. for the opener. I figured that'd be a no-brainer. But not a big deal. Onto the game quickly:
Bradford: awesome. What a game for his first one with us. Have always liked the kid and loved the trade. We just have to keep him healthy; that's the big question mark. Our OL is still among the worst in the league. But Bradford can make all the throws and will only get better and better as the offense opens up and we get Quan involved more. Treadwell is going to be very, very good to add to Diggs, who is obviously a monster and perhaps my favorite Viking already. A buddy has made the comparison with Bradford situationally career-wise to Carson Palmer. He may not be far off. Going to be a great problem to have next year if he's playing like this and Bridgewater is back.
Diggs; not much to add. What an awesome talent. As good as anyone in football in space with his cutting ability.
AD: tough to take too much from 2 games, but he just doesn't look right. Too much dancing, didn't hit holes with explosion, etc. Injury sucks but could be a blessing in disguise to open up the offense for Bradford. And I like Jet.
Rudolph was solid. Still want to see Treadwell very soon, though in the offense.
The defense was incredible. A few unlucky breaks and LOTS of holding from GB. Without those holds and unlucky bounces we win this game by 3 scores. Bradford actually badly outplayed Rodgers. Part of it was the defense for sure, but Rodgers still just doesn't look the same anymore. Lots of missed throws; same thing last year. I have a few Packers friends who are very worried about him and think something is wrong. I'm not sure they're not right.
Overall, as a Vikings fan, I was nervous to the end, but man I love what we have put together with this bunch. Zimmer and Spielman are both awesome, and we have talent everywhere (except OL). No reason we can't be a beast for years to come. This team is only going to get better as Treadwell, Hunter, Waynes, Kearse, etc. play more. That's what's really fun to think about. They're young and ascending, and we may have the best defense in the league already. Things are looking WAY up. Tough test this week against the Panthers, but one we can win. And that game COULD be for HFA in the playoffs. Let's get it done.
Anyway, Skol Vikes! And if you're even thinking about going to the new stadium this year, DO IT. You won't regret it. I'm completely sunburnt, dehydrated, tired, and hoarse after a bachelor party for 3 days and then the opener, but it was well, well worth it. Incredible experience.
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"People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring."
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