Minnesota Vikings

Now that #4 isn't in the equation, let's briefly talk about the Vikes options at QB.  #7 Vick, uh NOOOOOOO. After the Sex Boat and the fact it's JUST now fading into the sunset, Ziggy, if Chilly brings this to you, for godsakes, slap HIM.....

Continue reading "Vikes QB options"

Well, it's over.  #4 has decided to listen to his body and say it's over OVER.  Does this Vikes Fanatic thinks we have heard the last of this drama?  I hope we have, but my spidy sen

Continue reading "The End of Favre-a-Palooza"

Attn VIKING Faithful!!!  Up until now, Chilly has been talking in code when it comes to Favre.  But yesterday he said "  I have 1st hand knowledge Brett is throwing now with NO pai

Continue reading "The Arm is Healthy or Not So Much?"

Ok, in my last blog post I said Brett Favre can't happen, so Sage or T-Jack has to.  Well, i stand corrected.  I saw u-tube video today of Favre throwing and saying it felt "OK".  He also said "ok" isn't good enough.  We all know give him the time between now and Training Camp, it's going to be a Brett Favre's level of "ok".  I guess this Viking fan needs to be on the "if you can't beat 'em join 'em" bandwagon.  I don't necessarily like it, but we all also know it's going to happen.  Brett is noticably drooling over the opportunity he is presented with with the Vikes.  He has a chance here to do what Jerome Bettis and Michael Strahan did.  If he can manage it more power to him, but this Vikings fan has also got a lot of Packer backer friends and he will never be accepted back the way he was if he does this.  Ted Thompson, hide that hunting knife you keep around, cuz attempts to split your back are coming from #4.  Obviously that is part of this scenario. 

Continue reading "Retraction from Previous Blog Post"

The Minnesota Vikings are sending representatives to check out Brett Favre.  Why, are we wasting more time pursuing this man?  He is a empty bucket with little incentive for the Vikings to follow.  

Continue reading "Brett Favre Should Find His Sofa ..."

The fact of the matter is, if the Minnesota Vikings ever want to come with a breath of touching the Vince Lombardi Trophy in the foreseeable future they should get Brett Favre in camp ASAP and get him sleeping with a Vikings playbook. There are three simple reasons Minnesota needs to continue to pursue Brett Favre and pray he dons the purple and gold of the Vikings come September. I should preface all of this by saying this is assuming Favre's shoulder is healthy enough to play again.

Continue reading "Who needs Brett Favre? The Minnesota ..."

Today wasn’t anything particularly special.  I woke up at 8:00a.m., a full hour after my alarm went off, not awesome.  Turned on the TV to see more Brett Favre.  His face, his grizzle and red jersey.  It seems that all the footage of Brett playing in Packer colors has been wiped off the face of the earth.  

Continue reading "Brett Favre -- Green Bay & America's ..."

I think we all can admit here that the QB competition has to be between the two we have in house now.  There have been too many current Vikes players that have dropped hints thru the media saying

Continue reading "Is it T-Jack or SRose, cuz Favre can't happen"

Overall, I think it must be said the Vikings draft was a success.  Percy Harvin was a very smart move with his play making ability.  However, I think it must be noted that the original structure for "character first" within the Spielman-Childress regime is being seen to be sliding a bit.  This Purple People Eater fan thinks the pressure to win and potentially salvage an  executive or two's job might be the cause for relaxing that standard.  Chilly must have received one heck of a warm and fuzzy feeling from those down in Gainesville to look beyond Harvin's character issues.  Time will only tell on that.  If one takes the time to examine some of the Gainesville blog's about Harvin's off the field antics in his last years down there, it is certainly not favorable.  It is painstakenly obvious that he got a lot of latitude from Coach Meyer when it comes to being on the field.  A player with less talent, may not have experienced the same.  If Percey can prove me wrong and become a model citizen as well as maintain his showtime ability, then I will glady eat the crow that will be waiting for me. 

Continue reading "Vikings Draft Day & Questions"

1st to my blogging fans.....I apologize for having a longer lapse between my entries.  I know, haha, some of you are waiting on the edge of you seat for every word I may write, lol.....yeah sure and now I will get over myself!!  Life has been busy and my store is taking off, so I won't complain about that and thank my lucky stars for it's fortune.  Now back to the Purple Crew;  latest news out of Chicago has some undisclosed (of course!!) Bears players not too happy with the fact of Jay Cutler not only not knowing who Sid Luckman is or was, but in his live press intro, he openly displayed the attitude of "whatever" toward the Bears icon.  Not good when it comes to the respect trait toward those that have come before him in the grand scheme of Bears country.  The reason I put this competitors thought in my Purple Crew speal is because the Bears ARE in our division.  Now, do I think Cutler will be able to impact the Purple's success?  Heck NO......the Bears offensive line isn't anything like what Denver's was or what our's is and with players such as JAllen, Culter will be seeing a lot of turf face to face.  Yes, Cutler is a mobile QB, but some of the DEs he will be facing are just as swift.  It is this bloggers opinion that Cutler will be lucky to get away with his health. 

Continue reading "Apologies and latest thoughts"

I just wanted to post a little note saying that I will no longer be blogging on this site in the future.  I want to thank the host of this blogosphere for letting me postulate about the Vikings during the 2008 season, and I'm definitely not leaving this blogosphere because I feel uncomfortable posting or anything like that.  Basically, I just want my blog to get a little more exposure in the NFL community.

Continue reading "Moving Day"

I don't ordinarily enjoy saying "I told you so!", however I wrote a blog article last week that chastised the Vikes for their Rosenfels choice and posed questions as to why they we

Continue reading "Let me be the 1st to say, I told ya so...."

Now that the infamous Favre has allegedly put his name back on the retirement list, let the rumor mills begin.  We all know "some" will start the unwelcomed rumors that Brett is

Continue reading "End of an Era, maybe?"

The first year I ever watched a Super Bowl was after the 1996 season, when the Green Bay Packers (whom I, ironically, as a Vikings fan, was rooting for) beat the New England Patriots thanks in large part to a kickoff return by Desmond Howard for a touchdown to open the second half (if my memory serves me right).

Continue reading "My Favorite Super Bowl"

Being a fan of the NFL, by all accounts right now I should be doing nothing but preparing for the "holiest" of all days...Super Bowl Sunday.  Now don't get me wrong, I will watch the game on Sunday and enjoy it, but I really don't get into all the hype that precedes it.  In fact, I really dislike the fact that two weeks must commence between the AFC/NFC Championships and the overall title game (although I DO like the fact that it gives the players a chance to rest up in order to give their best performances).  However, at about this time every year, I start to become hooked by another sport...bowling.  I'm usually just a baseball (Twins) and football (Vikings) guy (I haven't watched an entire basketball or hockey game in years), so that February-March void needs to be filled with something (and Spring Training doesn't quite cut it).  Thus, I turn my attention to bowling.  Whether it be lacing up the flattened shoes at the actual alley or watching the pros break a sweat over every ball, I love what the sport of bowling represents: the idea that a task (knock down ten pins) that looks so easy can be so frustrating.

Continue reading "The Third Season"

About a week ago, I blogged about what I thought was the biggest question mark for the 2009 Minnesota Vikings...Head Coach Brad Childress.  In this post, I would like to examine the quarterback position, which will also come under deep scrutiny as the season plays out.

Continue reading "Issue #2: The Quarterback"

There is breaking news amongst the website for the Federal Court system that the case for the Williams Wall might now be falling on deaf ears.  We all know the stories of how the NFL didn't discl

Continue reading "Newflash of Williams Duo"

Not sure if my followers have come across this tid bit of information, but per Siruis Satellite NFL Radio, Chilly is allegedly committing to a QB on staff for '09.  I own a novelty sports st

Continue reading "A potentially long 2009 for Purple Pride followers"

(First of all, I want to sort-of apologize for this picture...I usually don't like to personally attack people on this blog without due cause, but it is just too funny not to put up!)

Now that the proper time to reflect on the Vikings' first-round playoff loss to the Eagles has been taken, I want to comment on what I feel is the biggest area the Vikes should address in the offseason...the Head Coaching position.

Continue reading "Dismiss the Sheriff, Promote the Deputy"

Although "my" Minnesota Vikings were eliminated from the playoffs last weekend, the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs for both leagues offers a host of great matchups, Vikings or no Vikings...

Continue reading "Quick Picks For The NFL Divisional Playoffs"

Last Sunday's 26-14 Viking defeat at the hands of the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Wild Card round was a tale of two halves:

In the first half, the Vikings' stingy defense limited the Eagles to just three field goals (although an interception of Tarvaris Jackson by Asante Samuel gave them 16 points for the half).  On offense, the Vikings looked more than decent against a difficult-to-decipher Philly defense and got two Adrian Peterson runs for scores.

Continue reading "Eagles 26, Vikings 14: Can't Quite ..."

As I mentioned yesterday, the Eagles came right after Tarvaris Jackson. And they beat him. They brought some real pressure on him like I haven't seen before. He did make some good plays - I don't think he was absolutely terrible. But I do agree with Kevin Seifert ( http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nfcnorth/0-7-38/QB-questions-not-going-away-for-Vikings.html) when he says that the Jackson experiement is over and it's time to move on. The Vikings have a great runningback in Adrian Peterson. The defense is good when they are healthy. Special teams have been below average but that will improve in practice. They have some decent wideouts that can make the plays. They need a QB that can throw it to them.

Continue reading "Vikings lost"

Attention all Purple Pride fans.  Today (January 4, 2009) should spell the end of an era for the starting quarterback stint for Tarvaris Jackson.  Among national media types, if Chil

Continue reading "The Obvious End of T-Jack"

agles wild card playoff matchup was finalized last weekend, the Las Vegas betting line had the home Minnesota Vikings as 10-point underdogs to the visiting Philadelphia Eagles.  Personally, I think that a different sort of "line" will be much more important on Sunday, that being the defensive variety...

Continue reading "Vikings/Eagles Preview: "Line" Is ..."

All I've written about so far is baseball, but since it's prime time in football season I might as well go ahead and share some thoughts about that. I've been a Vikings fan for awhile now. And it's been painful; the first season I remember was 1998, when they went 15-1 but lost in the championship game when Gary Anderson missed his first field goal all season. Since then they've had some other playoff teams, but very underwhelming. When Cris Carter left in the early part of this decade I have to be honest and admit that I kinda stopped following them. There was nothing exciting about them anymore.

Continue reading "Thoughts for Vikings-Eagles game tomorrow"

Before previewing the big Vikings/Eagles matchup that will cap off the NFC Wild Card playoff round, I would first like to give my "official" (meaning they are most likely completely wrong!) predictions for the other three wild card games:

Continue reading "NFL Playoffs: Wild Card Preview"

I'm a bit late on commenting on the Vikings' last-second win over the New York Giants to catapult them into the playoffs on Sunday, but I do want to put in my two cents worth on the Vikings' effort.

Continue reading "Vikings 20, Giants 19: Getting the Job Done"

While listening to some of the National Media types, it is obvious that most feel Brian Westbrook is going to run wild on the Purple Crew's defense.  I don't know that I buy that.  However, I do think that if the Purple shut down Westbrook, #5 is very capable of picking apart the Purple pass defense.  I think it is obvious that our only chance, should this scenario come to fruition, would be for our pass rush to come alive (as it has all season) and continually make #5 very uncomfortable.  I also don't think its enough to just make him feel uncomfortable, the Purple D need to make him eat some turf repeatedly, whether or not they get sacks.  Historically, that reduces #5's efficiency and effectiveness. 

Continue reading "Sold short againstw Philly"

The Vikings didn’t fumble, bumble and stumble their way into the playoffs, but they didn’t exactly come up with a work of art.

Instead they team play in spurts against the Giants, a formidable team that rested its starters in the second half. The red-zone defense was good throughout, and the offense played well early and late for the final (small) margin of 20-19.

Continue reading "Vikings beat Giants, make playoffs"

I thought I would write this blurb while watching the Purple in a dogfight with the G-Men.  I am eagerly awaiting some confirmation that the AZ win in all facets of the game wasn't just a abor

Continue reading "Thoughts while watching with apprehension"

Now that the horrific game against the Falcons is behind us, let's reflect.  Score wise it wasn't horrific, however the 5 fumbles wasn't so nice to watch.  When a true fan such as myself and all of you other Purple lovers out there watch a game that had our offense penetrating DEEP into Atlanta's territory, then continually turning over the ball.  Not only that, but doing that at home!!  I do not live in Mn and was fortunate enough to have my local TV station carry the game and I thought the fans at "The Dome" were very gracious with how long they took to "booo" the Purple.  Also, it is very rare that I think Booing is warranted from a fan to their team.  However, it is obvious that in the ONE game that the Vikes needed to come out fired up for, they came out FLATTER than a warm beer!  It was also obvious, aside from CB Griffin and Jared Allen, that the team was flat and not really caring about the fan's concern with performance at home. 

Continue reading "Crucial Game Lapses"

I'm not going to analyze this game a whole lot, as it is pretty simple why the Vikings fell to the Falcons.  Despite dominating in nearly aspect of the game, turnovers (four fumbles in all) doomed the Purple in their quest for the NFC North Division title.

Continue reading "Falcons 24, Vikings 17: I Should ..."

Some things in this world are complicated. Not many people can describe all those fancy high-risk investments in Wall Street that have caused so much devastation.

But sometimes it doesn’t take much to understand the devastation at the Metrodome on Sunday. The Vikings had four turnovers against the Atlanta Falcons, and that’s it. When you’re minus four in the turnover battle, forget it.

Continue reading "Vikings in holiday spirit, give game to Falcons"

To me, this Sunday's Minnesota Vikings-Atlanta Falcons matchup is very even: On defense, the Vikings are clearly the better squad.  Offensively, though, the Falcons have more star talent (Michael Turner, Matt Ryan, Roddy White) than the Vikings, so, again, a big effort from Adrian Peterson will likely be the key to victory.

Continue reading "Vikings/Falcons Preview: An Even Line"

Boy, that was a headline I never thought I would write...WANTING Tarvaris Jackson to be under center of a crucial, playoff-implication game!  At the beginning of the season, I was one of those fans calling for Gus Frerotte to replace the struggling Jackson, and even supported Rot with a post about a month ago on this very blog.  However, it became clear in that much-too-close game against the Lions that Gus Frerotte just isn't a very good quarterback any more.  Not only is he slow and prone to being sacked, but he also isn't careful enough with the ball (basically the premium task he is charged with) and throws many interceptions as well.  Basically, when Gus is under center the defense had to dominate for the Purple to get into the win column.  With T-Jack, the offense has a chance to stretch the field and get some aggressive scores (not lucky 99 yarders or screen passes).

Continue reading "The Right Man Under Center"

Per a press release earlier today via Off Coordinator Darrell Bevell, T-Jack will continue to start against the Atlanta Falcons.  Now, it is speculated that Senor Gus is healthy enough to play.&n

Continue reading "Bevell knows best?"

In the wake of all the playoff hoopla surrounding the Vikings seemingly imminent (famous last words, I know) clinching of the NFC North sometime during the next two weeks, news came down that DT Pat Williams suffered a fractured shoulder and will miss 2-6 weeks.

Continue reading "Pat Williams Eats Fractured Shoulders For Lunch"

Because of my work schedule, I was unable to preview this past Sunday's MN/Arizona game.  However, had I done so, I would have predicted a 35-14 Arizona victory (that was the number in my head).  I would have gotten the scoring correct, at least!

Continue reading "Vikings 35, Cardinals 14: An Impressive ..."

Anyone who foresaw a Vikings blowout raise your hands. I didn’t think so.

The Vikings saved their best game of the year for a time they really needed it and put themselves on the fast track to the playoffs, up one game on the Bears with two left.

Continue reading "Vikings pillage Arizona, 35-14"

Any Purple fan that remembers the past few years knows we have had to hold on to the cushion of our seat during the last 2-3 games?  Myself as well as many national media types believe that wi

Continue reading "Arizona? but NOT Arizona or bust!"

I just wanted to quickly comment on the recent retirement of NFL kicker Morten Andersen.  For Vikings fans, Andersen will ultimately always be remembered as the kicker who converted when our Anderson (Gary) could not in the 1998 NFC Championship Game and sent the greatest Vikings team of all-time home too early.  However, in a strange twist of fate, Andersen actually kicked for the Vikes in 2004 and had a decent season.  Bygones, I guess (!).

Continue reading "A Great Tormentor (And One-Time Friend) ..."

Well, anyone reading this blog likely watched Sunday's contest between the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions, so I'm not going to provide a summary.  Suffice it to say, though, that the Vikings got away with playing another terrible game yet walking out with a victory.

Continue reading "Vikings 20, Lions 16: Getting Away ..."

An ugly win is still a win. Maybe Twin Cities fans are glad the game was blacked out — it was a second nerve-racking victory against the Lions.

The Vikings needed a reversal of a play that would’ve left the Lions first and goal; a strong performance by Tarvaris Jackson, subbing for the injured Gus Frerotte; and some strong defensive play in both halves.

Continue reading "Vikes survive, beat Lions"

With both Pat and Kevin Williams now going through the appeals process for their four-game suspensions handed down by the NFL for violating the league's substance abuse policy, there is a lot of "taking sides" going on right now.  In one camp are the "oh, steroids...suspend them up the wazoo" people, while others think "hey, maybe the Williamses DO have a legitimate complaint".  Of course, without being privy to the details of the case, it is difficult (i.e. impossible) to know exactly what is going on.  However, I usually find myself in the "suspend up wazoo" camp (even if it involves my favorite team).  The reason?  There is so much deception going on involving the steroids issue right now, that being firm on the issue (even if it screws a few people over) is, at least in my opinion, the best policy.

Continue reading "Hard To Take Sides On Steroid Issues"

I must 1st state that while I do bleed purple, I am not sure whether or not I buy what the Williams crew is selling?  I am their ultimate fan, but their approach to this diuretic situation smells

Continue reading "Williams Escape Plan"

A massive state of concern should be in all of our "purple" pride filled hearts!  Unless Pat William's attempt in U.S. District Court is successful we vikes fans lose the Williams wa

Continue reading "Williams Duo"

With the tearing down of the "Williams Wall" forefront in all Vikings fans' minds right now, I would like to go off on a little bit different of a tangent, comparing the AFC juggernaut of his year to a similar 1998 NFC dominating force...

Continue reading "Vikings-Titans: An Interesting Comparison"

Well, just when you thought things were looking up for the Purple, it was announced today that both Pat Williams and Kevin Williams have been suspended for the remaining four games of the regular season.  Both will be inactive until Dec. 29 due to taking diuretics (water pills) that can serve as masking agents for certain types of steroids.  Though the Williams' vehemently declare they were taking the pills only to lose weight (Pat has a case there, Kevin not so much), it is EXPLICITLY stated in the NFL's drug and foreign substances policy that those types of pills are not acceptable.  Thus, it leads to one of two conclusions: 1. They both are trying to cover up steroid use; or 2. They both are idiots.

Continue reading "Mr. Goodell, Tear Down That Wall..."

Coming into Sunday night's nationally televised contest against the Bears, the Vikes were a team (and a fan base) that expected a victory.  Remarkably (if you know anything about the Vikes in pressure situations!), that is exactly what transpired, with an exclamation mark!  Why did the Vikings have no excuse not to win this game?  A quick recent-history lesson:

Continue reading "Vikings 34, Bears 14: Doing What Needed To Be Done"

Last nights win was an awesome thing!  Finally the offense showed up as much or maybe close to as much as the defense.  My fellow bloggers would probably take exception to that remark, ma

Continue reading "Awesome Vikes win, but also still a realist"

In 1961, the first year of the Minnesota Vikings franchise, the Vikes opened their inaugural season against the powerhouse Chicago Bears.  Nobody (probably not even the Vikings themselves) gave themselves much of a chance against the class of the NFL, but on that day a young whippersnapper named Fran Tarkenton threw for 250 yards and four touchdowns to beat Da Bears 37-13 that, in all reality, rivals Super Bowl III (Joe Namath over Johnny Unitas) in "upset factor".

Continue reading "Vikings-Bears Preview: Nothing Too Special"

We all know or should know what is being referenced by "Taylor Power".  Meaning the importance of Chester Taylor.  He has been an unbelievable relief for A.P. when it seems

Continue reading "Taylor Power"

As the Purple approach another must win to keep their playoff life alive, us realistic Purple Fanatics realize and hope that our crew play at the level we were presented with last week versus periodically playing to the level of our oponent as all too often occurs.  After the 1998 season something took over the locker room climate within our Purple Crew and they continued the trend of what we all hope they do not do!  A prime example is their game against Detroit week before last.  With pass rushing maniac Jared Allen and All Day (A.P.) tearing it up it makes a fan wonder what the &!*@, lol.  There will be more to come from this Vikes Fanatic, and plainly spoken, if they play as they Purple we all know they can, they should destroy Chicago.  Chicago has injuries that should make them unable to realistically come into the Metrodome and pull a win.  The only way a win should happen for them is for the Purple to fall to the level of the topic of this blog entry.

Continue reading "Will the Purple Crew play to the ..."

Based on the statistics sheet, this game should have been much closer than the actual final score indicated.  The Jaguars got more first downs than the Vikings (17-15), more passing yards (286-104), and held about even in time-of-possession.  However, the Vikes dominated the game in two key areas: turnovers recovered (five) and rushing yards (122-35).

Continue reading "Vikings 30, Jaguars 12: One Tough Son Of A Gus"

It was the epitome of winning ugly.

Minnesota barely gained 200 yards. Adrian Peterson had just 80 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries -- modest numbers for him.

But the Vikes played a Jaguars team that was in the holiday spirit. They gave up four sacks, committed eight penalties.

Continue reading "Vikes beat Jags, 30-12"

I'm sure some Vikings players could empathize with the Jaguars on Sunday. They've played poorly and gift-wrapped a game to other teams.

It's not that the Vikings did that much. Gus Frerotte had a poor game. Minnesota rushed for only 122 yards, which isn't that much.

Continue reading "Vikes accept gifts from Jags, win 30-12"

After meeting with NFL top brass this past week, it just just announced that DE Jared Allen will be fined $25,000 (but not suspended) for a rash of plays that NFL referees deemed to be late on the quarterback.

Continue reading "Jared Allen: Fined, Not Suspended"

Eleven weeks into the 2008 NFL season, the Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, and Minnesota Vikings all sit atop the NFC North division with identical 5-5 records.  The Bears have overachieved, the Packers the opposite, and the Vikes are right about where I thought they would be.  Here's a quick look at the remaining schedules for both teams, and how I think each will fare down the stretch...

Continue reading "Vikings, Bears, Packers...The Rest Of The Way"

Wow...I don't think I've ever pegged a Vikings matchup as exactly as what I did before last Sunday's MN-TB contest.  Unfortunately, my incredibly accurate prediction came in a losing effort.

Continue reading "Tampa Bay 19, Minnesota 13: A Tale ..."

This was going to be a tough game, and most people forecast that the Bucs would win. The Vikings weren't awful, losing to a tough Tampa Bay team that's 7-3 overall and 5-0 at home.

But the trends are troubling. The Vikings lost a lead -- again. They were up 13-6 at halftime and lost 19-13. They lost the turnover battle, fumbling twice while getting only one turnover.

Continue reading "Vikes can't buck Bucs' home-winning trend"

Tomorrow's contest between the Minnesota Vikings and the Tampa Bay Buccanneers will likely shape up to be a tight, defensive-type struggle.  The Bucs can stop the run, which doesn't bode well for the Adrian Peterson-led Vikings, while the Vikes can do the same, neutralizing the Bucs' main threats as well.

Continue reading "Minnesota-Tampa Bay Preview: A Slim ..."

I will admit that, due to the opening of deer hunting season here in Minnesota, I did not watch the big Vikings/Packers game last Sunday on TV.  However, from listening to most of it on the radio and watching all the postgame shows and highlights, I would like to add a few thoughts on what has (at least so far) been the Vikings' most exciting victory of the season:

Continue reading "Vikings 28, Packers 27...A Few Thoughts"

It looked grim for a while, but the Vikings overcame some sloppy play to beat the Packers at home, 28-27. Adrian Peterson scored on a 29-yard run to give Minnesota the lead.

Mason Crosby's 52-yard field goal went wide right, giving the Vikes the win. But it seemed almost like three games.

Continue reading "Vikes ride Peterson to victory over Packers"

Every time you think the Vikings are going to tank, they win.

Every time you think they're going to make a run, they lose.

This Sunday was another do-or-die win, and the team managed a close win over Houston, making Sage Rosenfels look like Peyton Manning in the process.

Continue reading "Vikes eke out win against Texans, 28-21"

An article (written by the venerable Minnesota sportswriter Sid Hartman) appeared in the Star Tribune newspaper the other day that I was very intrigued by.  Here is the link...

http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikings/33551839.html?elr=KArks:DCiU1PciUoaEYY_4PcUU

Continue reading ""Without A Doubt"? I Think Not"

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This week, news reports have been circulating that Daunte Culpepper, former quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings, Miami Dolphins, and (most recently) Oakland Raiders, has been working out for the Detroit Lions, and Detroit coach Rod Marinelli is considering Pep to replace the struggling Dan Orlovsky.  Gus Frerotte is the starting QB for the Vikings.

Continue reading "Blast(s) From The Past"

is Jackson:

Pros-A few years ago, T-Jack was exalted as the "QB of the future" for the Minnesota Vikings.  He has excellent mobility, great athleticism, and is the only QB on the roster with long-term potential (excluding John David Booty, whose time may only come way down the line yet).

Continue reading "The Lesser Of Two Evils"

After that debilitating loss to the Chicago Bears last Sunday, the Minnesota Vikings will not return to a game-day field until November 2nd, as a result of their Week 8 bye.  While most of the players are enjoying a week's vacation before hitting the pads again next Monday, the coaches are by and large breaking down film and studying schemes in order to determine how to fix the lethargic Viking offense (or at least how to repeat last Sundays' yardage totals without shooting themselves in the foot with stupidity).  However, whereas most pundits consider the Vikings' toughest part of the schedule behind them, I would beg to differ.  Coming out of the break, here are the next four teams the Vikings have to face:

Continue reading "Seize The Day"

In my previous post, summing up the Vikings/Bears contest of last Sunday, I touched on the multiple areas in which the Vikings failed to put that game in the "W" column, including offense (four interceptions thrown by Gus Frerotte), and special teams (two mangled plays that led to Bears touchdowns).  However, in this post, I would like to lay the blame where I strongly feel it sorely belongs...on the pass defense.

Continue reading "Laying The Blame On Its Rightful Place"

In my previous blog, I predicted that the Chicago Bears would defeat the Minnesota Vikings in large part because of the Vikes' terrible pass defense.  Thus, while I did not expect a 48-41 final score, that is pretty much EXACTLY what transpired at Soldier Field:

Continue reading "Wek 7 Review: How Did We Lose? Let ..."

It was a wild and crazy game, unlike past 7-3 contests in the old black-and-blue division.

The Vikings scored plenty of points, but lost two fumbles, threw four interceptions and gave up two special-teams TDs.

Continue reading "Turnovers doom Vikings"

As I will likely be in church up until moments before the opening kickoff of the Vikings-Bears game tomorrow, I would like to quickly give my predictions as to what will transpire at Soldier Field:

Continue reading "Week 7 Preview: Too Much Speed, Too ..."

Before I preview this Sunday's Vikings-Bears matchup this Sunday, there is one more area of the Vikings I would like to discuss...their pass defense.

For a short history lesson, the Vikings have had a porous pass defense for a good many years.  Even in the 1998-2000 years, when the offense was racking up the points and wins, the defense would almost certainly give up 250 yards through the air and a few scores.  Things only got worse during the Mike Tice era, when the "McCombs Administration" would not spend a time on the defense.  As Brad Childress put together such talent as Pat Williams, Antoine Winfield, Darren Sharper, and Dwight Smith (until the whole sex-in-the-stairwell thing), the overall defense seemed to improve, but teams (starting with the New England Patriots on a fateful Monday night in 2006) began to realizing that all you had to do to beat the Vikings was pass, pass, and then pass a little more.

Continue reading "One More Weak Link"

Welcome to the blog.

After a 3-3 start that has been about as angering as any .500 start in Minnesota sports history, let’s do some player analysis for this utterly shameful offense – the supposed “kick-ass offense” Brad Childress has been preaching for and praising ever since his coaching reign began three years ago.

Continue reading "Childressian offense"

Back in the late 1990s, I remember being confidant of the Vikings special teams unit.  While they did give up the occasional big return (but who doesn't?), they were generally very good in that area.  What set them apart from others, though, was return man (on kickoffs and punts) David Palmer (pictured above).  Now, this was at a time in the NFL when return "specialists" had not yet been catered to yet, so most returners were either starting cornerbacks or fourth and fifth-string wide receivers (like Palmer was).  Palmer was quick enough to turn on the burners when needed, and slippery enough to elude even the craftiest of tacklers.  Over the course of the game, the Vikings could usually be counted on to rack up more return yards than the opposing team.

Continue reading "Nothing "Special" About It..."

In my previous post, I made the case that Minnesota Vikings head coach Brad Childress should be fired after this Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears, regardless of the outcome, and former St. Louis Rams coach Scott Linehan should be installed.

Continue reading "Fixing The Vikings Offense"

As the Minnesota Vikings left the field in the first half of Sunday's lackluster contest against the Detroit Lions, Vikings fans reigned down boos on their Purple.  Midway through the second half, chants of "Fire Childress!" could be heard booming through the Metrodome.  With the type of anemic offense the Vikings have had over the last three years, there is good reason that Childress should be doing no more than updating his resume by now.  On the other hand, the Vikes ARE 3-3 this season and tied with Green Bay and Chicago (next week's opponent) for first place in the hapless NFC North.

Continue reading "If I Were Ziggy..."

etroit Lions) that we have had complete domination over for pretty much their entire existence, the Minnesota Vikings had ever excuse to be supremely confident heading home to tame the Lions.  Of course, this being the

Continue reading "Despite Safety, Win Over Lions Is Anything But"

Let's face it: There is such a thing as luck. And the Vikings, after a rough beginning, are getting the benefit of some questionable referees' calls.

No one on the Minnesota sidelines can be proud of a 12-10 win over the winless Detroit Lions at the Metrodome. That's a game the Vikes should've won by three touchdowns.

Continue reading "Vikings better than lucky than good, part 2"

While watching my Vikings play the Saints the other night, I was treated to one of the most hilarious moments I have ever had while watching an NFL game.  I don't exactly remember when in the game this was, but at some point a defensive lineman from one team jumped into the neutral zone and made the offensive lineman from the other team move.  The penalty should clearly be for offensive false start (as a defensive player is only penalized if he touches an opposing offensive player before the snap), and that is exactly what happened.  However, it was the way in which the much-maligned Ed Hochuli made the call that was so hilarious to me.  A few years ago, the NFL began cracking down on their officiating crew, most notably to get them to thoroughly explain each call made on the field.  Thus, Hochuli's statement about the false start penalty: "A defensive player jumped into the neutral zone before the snap, but that does not excuse the offensive player from false-starting, resulting in a 10-yard penalty".  I love it!!  Perhaps it was just the lateness of the hour or my lack of sleep at the time, but I found the in-depth description of that play to be absolutely hilarious!

Continue reading "One Hilarious Moment"

y Cline (or Gnarls Barkley, for this generation), the recent Monday Night Football game between the Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints was the epitome of "Crazy".

This is my first post on this blogging system, and really, could I have picked a better game to start my Vikings coverage with?!  What I will do in this post is try to summarize and comment on the events that took place on the field on Monday night, with more in-depth commentary coming in later posts.  Here goes:

Continue reading "Crazy"

It was one of the kookiest games of all time.

Two punt returns for touchdowns, both by Reggie Bush. A blocked field-goal attempt that went right to Antoine Winfield, who ran it in for a TD. A back, Chester Taylor, throwing at TD pass for the Vikes. Tons of penalties and four turnovers by the Saints.

Continue reading "Better lucky than good"

With the MLB playoffs set to begin, there is a subtle difference in the air compared to start of any other postseason. In the NHL, fans can potentially look forward to a great Canadians/Bruins series that is not only exciting, but has a historical kick to it. Likewise basketball fans always have the chance to see if the Suns can finally get past the Spurs and football fans love seeing the rivalry of the Eagles Vs the City of Philadelphia when the Eagles so much as get tackled for a loss.

Continue reading "The Ups and Downs of the MLB Playoffs"

Don't know if I can top last week's prediction. Got the score exactly right, and I almost had the quarter-by-quarter score right, too...

And, really, I've been paying more attention to the TWINS (How do you like THEM apples?!?!?!?) than the Vikings this week, so who really cares if they win or not? It can't really top a three game sweep of the White Sox anyway.

Continue reading "Week 4 - Let the False Hopes Reign"

Whew. I don't know about you, but I was really nervous that the Vikings would go 0-3. But their defense came through, dominating the Panthers, and Gus Frerotte had a decent second half as the team won 20-10.

Continue reading "Vikes beat Panthers to avoid 0-3 hole"

I'm feeling a Gus Frerotte-led upset this week. Peterson is hurt...new quarterback...disgruntled fans.... This is just the week when they'll pull off a decisive win.

Call me crazy.

Okay, you can stop now.

Continue reading "Do I Smell a Victory? Or Is That Something Else?"

As each new season begins, fondly do Viking fans hope, fervently do we pray, that this will be the year that all our dark memories will be erased. Each year, we tell ourselves, we start with a clean slate. THIS WILL BE THE YEAR.

Continue reading "Vikings curse is real"

As I was watching the game, I was thinking, "Oh boy, I'm really going to have to eat that prediction I made. The defense is outstanding. The Colts can't gain two yards. Payton Manning can't throw anything more than five yards downfield. We even got a couple lucky turnovers. We're running all over the place. So what if we can't score touchdowns? So what if the Colts got one lucky deep play and cut the lead in half. Their kicker missed a chip shot 30 yard field goal! As soon as Longwell makes it 6-for-6, the defense will just dig in and - "

Continue reading "They Are Who We Thought They Were"

Just ask yourself one question: who do you trust more to bounce back from a week one loss? Tony Dungy and Peyton Manning? Or Brad Childress and Tarvaris Jackson?

Exactly.

Predictions:

        1st 2nd 3rd 4th

Continue reading "Week Two Predictions"

Alright! Week 2. Home opener. A rare visit from the Colts. Exxxxxciting!

And these two teams match up great, right? Think about everything we have in common:

A top-notch starting quarterback

Continue reading "Let's Just Forget About Week 1 And Move On"

I was optimistic, really, after the preseason. We had Adrian Peterson. We had a more experienced T-Jack at QB. We had better receivers. We had an above-average offensive line. We had an even better defensive line with Jared Allen. We had a good kicker and a good punter...

Continue reading "If the Vikings Win More Than 8 Games, ..."

Pro football is right around the corner, and the Vikings are not being ignored by the punditocracy. The June 30 issue of SI includes a feature on new Vike Jared Allen, and it’s a good story.

Continue reading "Vikings in the Super Bowl? Hmm."

Along with the rest of the Mariner community on this site (and Seattle fans across the NW) I've been howling for the head of Bill Bavasi, and that chorus of angry villagers only became more raucous as the Ms have stumbled to the worst record in baseball this season, and the siege on Castle Frankenstein had begun. Miraculously, Mariner management saw the light (or perhaps the flickering torches) and fired Bavasi yesterday, a move that began joyous celebrations across the tri-state area.

Continue reading "Buh-Bye Bavasi"