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Minnesota Vikings LT Matt Kalil: ‘Football is fun again’

By Adam Carlson

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The Minnesota Vikings have been chosen as a trendy pick by many media organizations to make the playoffs during the 2015 season.  In order for them to reach that point this year, the team will need their players to be at the top of their game.

Sadly, left tackle Matt Kalil has been struggling the last couple seasons.  Between injuries to his knees and issues with confidence, the former #4 overall draft pick has been a major disappointment when it comes to protecting the quarterback, specifically young passer Teddy Bridgewater.

But Kalil claims to have found his motivation again according to an article on the ESPN website.

"“Football is fun again,” he said. “You can actually work on stuff. You can improve; you can get better. That’s what I feel I’m doing right now, especially going against Everson [Griffen]. That’s making me a lot better.”"

Nov 23, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings tackle Matt Kalil (75) blocks against the Green Bay Packers in the second quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Although I am personally not sure why he couldn’t ‘work on stuff’ and ‘improve’ at other points in his professional football career, it’s good to see that he is back to having fun on the football field again.  Going up against a talented defensive end like Everson Griffen is great for testing Kalil, but now it is about technique for the 2012 Pro Bowl left tackle.

"“I’m stronger, bigger. I’m quick again on my feet,” he said. “It’s about getting that back. It’s just a year of bad technique — you’ve kind of got to break all those habits. But it’s going along well.”"

With the Minnesota Vikings picking up the fifth year option on Kalil’s rookie contract allows them to get one more seasons worth of observations out of him.  Then, they can determine what the future holds for him in the organization.  The only way to get back into good graces with both the team and the fans is to return to the high level of play that he achieved during his rookie campaign.  And that begins this Sunday when the Minnesota Vikings take on the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game.

Next: Minnesota Vikings 2015 Game By Game Previews

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