Camp Ponder

Today is the day that about a dozen Minnesota Vikings players gather in Florida to do some actual football work. Wow, professional football players actually playing some football? In a sign of impressive leadership at such a young age, rookie QB Christian Ponder has called this meeting. Fellow QBs Joe Webb and Rhett Bomar will be there, but Ponder seems to be taking the lead. The incredibly versatile Webb can still make a significant contribution to the offense even if Ponder is starting. His unique set of skills will give defensive coordinators headaches no matter where he lines up. This gathering of Vikings is such a promising sign. The most significant sign, possibly even greater than Ponder's leadership, is the expected presence of receiver Sidney Rice. Currently, Rice has no contract. Whenever this idiotic lockout ends, the Vikings first order of business is re-signing Rice. His being at these workouts is a pretty good indication that he is looking to remain with the team. Fellow receivers Percy Harvin and Emmanuel Arceneaux and tight ends Visanthe Shiancoe and rookie Kyle Rudolph will be there. I'm a little disappointed that I haven't seen Bernard Berrian's name on the guest list. He's had a somewhat rocky past two years. Injuries have played a role, but he needs to get it together. This would be a good place to start. When at the top of his game, Berrian completes a very dynamic trio with Rice and Harvin. I hope that Adrian Peterson and his backfield mates can be there. Centers John Sullivan, rookie Brandon Fusco and Jon Cooper would do well to be there. The center-QB exchange is always very critical to the success of an offensive play. I can't wait for Camp Ponder. Seeing Steve Hutchinson, Kevin Williams, Chad Greenway, Antoine Winfield, Jared Allen, EJ Henderson, Brian Robison and the rest at the camp would make it all better. Sure can't wait for this ridiculous labor mess to end.