Changing Of The Punter: Trust The Vikings
By Adam Carlson
Oct 2, 2011; Kansas City, MO, USA; Minnesota Vikings kicker Ryan Longwell (8) kicks off in the first half of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 22-17. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
It was around this time last year that the Vikings released a key Special Teams player by the name of Ryan Longwell. The Vikings replaced the veteran Kicker with a rookie in the draft by the name of Blair Walsh. To many Vikings fans, this was an unpopular move and left them wondering if the rookie could live up to the high standard that was set by Longwell. Longwell had been very consistent as the Vikings Kicker, but was starting to lack the ability to kick it deep.
Jan 5, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Minnesota Vikings kicker Blair Walsh (3) kicks a field goal in the first quarter of the NFC Wild Card playoff game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Fast forward to the end of last season. We discovered that Blair Walsh not only has the power and accuracy to kick field goals, but can be a master on kickoffs. Walsh also made a couple game winning kicks which showed he has the ability to to be a clutch kicker as well as connect on kicks in the cold weather. Some of them were from a long, long distance. Soon, fans forgot about Ryan Longwell and started praising Blair Walsh for his impressive skills.
Sept 3, 2011; Houston, TX, USA; UCLA Bruins punter Jeff Locke (18) kicks an onside kick against the Houston Cougars during the fourth quarter at Robertson Stadium. Houston won 38-34. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports
This year, we are in a similar situation. The Vikings used a mid round draft pick on Punter Jeff Locke from UCLA. Locke shows a lot of flexibility and promise as a player. Locke can really do it all as a Punter. Not only can he punt with excellent power and accuracy, but he is a fantastic holder on kicks and can even handle kickoff or field goal duties if needed. He has all the skills to be an excellent Punter at the next level.
Oct 9, 2011; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings punter Chris Kluwe (4) against the Arizona Cardinals at the Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Cardinals 34-10. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Fans are skeptical again though. This time, the veteran that was released was Punter Chris Kluwe. Although Kluwe is still a good punter, he had dropped to being rated as in the bottom half of the league and had a couple pretty awful looking punts last year. Despite his struggles, Kluwe was still a fan favorite in Minnesota. His activity on social media really helped fans embrace him. He is well known for his political activism and outspoken nature. Many fans are very upset to see him go.
The advice to give these fans is this: trust the Vikings. They made an excellent decision with Blair Walsh that paid off very well last year. Before sending the new Punter angry tweets or over reacting about Kluwe’s release, remember that the Vikings have a direction they want to go with this team and fans should just sit back and enjoy the ride.