Crom's Corner

Vikes - Raiders

2011-11-20T16:29:00.000-05:00

Ugh.

Both coaches are a joke to me. So few positives IDK what to say. I still love Ponder but kid needs some help. Blocks, WRs getting open when he scrambles, etc Sure he forced some bad picks but that's just it, he wanted to make a play. I guess the VIKES just aren't used to a QB that buys time. Hasn't happened since PEP! I'm not making excuses for him, he could have taken a "no gain" or thrown it away. He is also still learning the speed of the game.

I didn't think it could get worse. I was wrong. Oakland gave us chance after chance to win this game. Showed our true colors today. None of the back ups can play. (Except Ballard) Charlie Johnson clearly was the worst lineman ever to win a super bowl. Oh well. I hope AP is OK. I feel bad for him, Jared and Kluwe. (And I hope Heyward-Bey just has a concussion)

Prolly take all week (like last time) to shake off this negativity.

Have a nice week.

IF you want more bitterness and negativity please go to my twitter. Some fun chastising I received from some of the beat writers. They all went Joe Buck when the VIKE fans did the wave while BEY was on a stretcher. (conscious and clearly not paralyzed or even broken)

Twitter.com/touiebluey

See ya!

Alway Look on the Bright Side of Life (Week 11)

2011-11-20T07:22:00.003-05:00

Raiders... just win baby... yada yada.

Super Bowl. We Lost

What's their winning percentage since the 80's?

Too much effort to find it but they're not in the top ten teams in power rankings since the AFL/NFL merger.

To me they're just another franchise taking advantage of their die hard fan base, making bad move after bad move, a la McCombs, meanwhile increasing the team's value year by year.

Having said that, I feel an empathy and almost camaraderie with them. I think we all want the same thing.

Just play well, babies. At Least Try. Get better. Do something. Stop embarrassing me! Give us some positivity! Start beating some folks! (Besides your girl friends and selves)

Ack!

After last fucking week, can it get any worse?

Can it?

I am not here to write about today's game, our owners, players, future, the stadium... nothing.

I think I can safely speak for most die hard Skolers when I say... I am at peace. I gave up on the playoffs, I gave up on a winning record, and now that we got swept by the Pack, what else matters?

I know, I know... it's "to destroy your enemies, see their faces driven before you, and hear the lamentations of their women"

Cheese hat tip, Packers.

It's like when your ex finally meets someone else, bangs them, then moves in with them. That odd relief. Or like a prostate exam, "let's just get it over with." As far as I am concerned the fat lady has sung and the doctor has said "You can put your pants back on."

We're free (this season at least) to finally not care.

*Exhales even more thAN last week.

I hope you enjoy this weeks song! I sure love it. No poll this week. I'll think of some fun stuff to discuss after the weekend. I hope Ponder plays well and Peterson smiles. If we get destroyed it'll just mean curtains for Frazier but I am fine with that. Who cares?! =D

He will always have his savior Jesus Christ and his Bobby McFerrin like inspirational demeanor. I think he's more suited to teach Pee Wees. He is a natural at making people feel better after a loss.

"Just pray baby!"

Ugh I am getting annoyed again. *Hits "replay" on this weeks song.

This post is about spitting out the gristle and wetting the whistle. Like Jared Allen said, let's have fun. Let's appreciate that we at least get to watch a team. We could be in LA haha... Iowa, Nebraska.

So to all the haters out there...

Nananana BooBoo

We love our guys!

And now for something completely different...

SKOL to fun and freedom! (And major roster moves and management upheavals in February!) And if you can't stay positive for yourself, do it for the little ones!

I make my cousin's baby practice long snapping twice a week!

Packer Monday! (Memory Lane)

2011-11-13T23:44:00.001-05:00

Herschel Walker debut, he loses his shoe!

John Randle chasing a chicken! #4

Prime time games... I don't know the stats.. how many times we've faced them Monday or Sunday night. I know we played them once in the playoffs, at Lambeau, and won. (cue Joe Buck)

I also remember this awful evening... my boy O'l Skirty coming home after 2 am ranting "bat it down, just bat it down"

How about Moss's first TD vs the Packers on Monday night?

How about Favre's first game against the Pack at the dome? Favrapolooza!

You think in 1998 anyone would have predicted this? #500

More Vikes-Pack memories, how about this one, Favre to Jennings, at the dome, for the all time TD record.

How about the bitter boos at Lambeau (shot on a fan cam)?

How about the season sweep of the Vikes last year? The "almost only counts in horse shoes and hand grenades" game 3 weeks ago? (I still haven't gotten my voice back)

A Rodge won an Emmy for his work on the Office

Tomorrow will be another great game... Obviously the national media, Vegas, and pretty much anyone outside of Minnesota has the Pack to win the game but we all know the reality. It could go either way. Whoever doesn't give up big plays (The Pack do all the time) or have dumb turnovers will be in the lead at the end.

I won't be a homer and say some brash BS but I think if AP can get off (again) Ponder can play chill like he did in Carolina and our Defense can give their line some problems it'll be a fun game for the Skolers!

Maybe a game turning sack fumble injury hit on A Rodge?

"A Rodge is out 3-6 weeks for a sprained FUPA"

"What's happenin Rodge?"

I tweeted B Rob that his sack dance should be a rerun hustle kick. Thoughts?

Please feel free to comment any memories you have, Don the Magic Man, Reggie white murder any Vikes? How many records did CC break VS the Pack?

Gonna be a fun night tomorrow!

A D H D

Hey Jared, What have you been practicing in the build up to Packer Monday?

Chasing a bear around in a number #12 jersey, Touie

El Blogado SKOLgante! (bye week bi-weekly)

2011-11-09T06:48:00.003-05:00

TWO new songs.
One new poll
Same Purple Reign

So many talking points. I've been a busy boy, my apologies for the delayed post(s)

(And broken bed posts. SKOL!)

HEY! As you've prolly already noticed! I got a DOPE new song for this week! Double Exclamation!! Trying to bring that bravado back cuz it's packer week, and we're 2 touchdown underdogs. WTF? PSSSSSH Sing it with me.. 'WE'RE GONNA beat the pack..."

First off I wanna send a shout out to all the veterans and active soldiers abroad and/or at home. Left or Right, rich, racist, ignorant, anti-war (politics aside) I've always had a "support your troops" heart. These people are off in a different world, one no "normal' person can imagine- not even a trauma surgeon or a beat cop in the hood. The best way I can think of to support them is to bring them home, increase their benefits (or restore them depending on your angle... ) and let them actively take care of their own. I wish them APs Speed!

Spc. Trevor Kolb enjoyed the SkolGram I sent him in Kuwait

(Sorry Aaron they wouldn't go to AfghanLand)

I might write this post backwards now since I have edited it a few times and we're closer to Packer Upset Monday then Ponder Victory Sunday.

We Won't talk about the bye week blues! Luckily they only last 8 days at most! And They will NEVER be as bad as our past off season. EVER AGAIN! (Unless Wilf plays a norm green next Halloween)

EXHALE!

WATCH OUT- IT'S PACKER WEEK!

(edit)

Int. Work - Night

Badger booty fans in my bar last night- No problem. We have the #1 Nationally ranked Golden Gopher Hockey Team on the tele VS theU of Wisconsin. Gophs will make me proud at work no?

Five hole!

CRINGE.

We lost 3-0 to the unranked Badgewhores. =/ We were number one! I wish they could feel my pain. ( foreshadowing?=)

Well we will show them on the football field, right?! We Will beat that 28 point spread home at TCF and the Vikes won't need the 13.5 point spread! Sometimes you gotta just put your balls on the floor!

Jonah Tackalua sent me this!

He's a true Vikes fan, from his "Kings" hat to his gold arm band and purple tie!

Common Viking Fan's sentiment this season

I seriously feel in my bones a Viking Upset. That coach from the Pack ( I still don't know his name nor care) will be looped post game hitting a podium saying "we are who they thought we was and they hung us on their horns!" It'll be fun. The undefeated over confident 14 trick pony packers will finally be revealed as the sorry ass 8-1 number one seed team they really are!

It'll be a glorious week of reminding our loser WI friends that they live in MN for a reason... asking them if A Rodge is gonna play next week or if his "3rd concussion" is still stuck in his fupa and if the grounds crew ever found Clay's missing lock of hair that got stuck in APs face mask.

A D H D

(I'm owning mine!)

I love this guy! You ever notice he has Rambo's Lip?!!!

Christian ponders his number one inspiration...

"Yo, Adrian!"

Fuck the Pack... *Sigh

Ponder Vs Carolina was a wonderful thing to see. A win on the road, converting mad third downs... Pondo playing "within himself" and no turnovers! Sounds like a recipe for boredom but WIDE LEFT, woot woot, we won fair and square... Football is a crazy sport and let's face it- San Fran and Cinci are a combined 14-3 WTF? HUH!?!? They gonna make any waves in the playoffs. (no) Would we if we didn't blow our first 6 games??

*Sigh

Let's be real here, it doesn't matter who is 8-0 and who is 2-6 it's PACKERS - VIKES on Monday night. It's gonna be fun fun fun. If you read this far, well hold on cuz I have a 2nd bonus song for your enjoyment! It should be playing soon ( or now if you went to a WI public school!)

wait for it...

SKOL VIKINGS let's win this game!

I decided to edit out my musings on Chris Cook, if Winfield plays, what happened in the NFL during our bye week etc.. (I like our guys, the rest are bastards!) Who cares. Fantasy football, weekly pick ems, NFL gossip... YAWN. Purple and Gold or I'm not getting out of bed before 2pm!

A D H D

Who wants to buy me these shoes? I need them for my game day outfit. They seem spill proof =p

DOPE!

A D H D x3

PS I hate that AP and Jared Allen are leading their positions in the NFL statistically and our record is 2-6... Ack! But I refuse to be down. I am looking forward to our victory on Monday night and being able to text all these annoying packers fans thus...

Game... Blouses.

Peep my poll to the upper right and if you're so inclined, restart the first track on my play list... ENJOY!

"We're gonna beat the pack...

Once again

We're gonna beat the pack...

Top of the world

We're gonna beat the pack...

Watch our flow

We're gonna beat the pack...

Here we SKOL!"

Ponder's Debut against the PACK

2011-10-27T00:23:00.001-04:00

I like this fella!!

Ponder's first TD was to SHANKS

Well all in all what a fun game! I'd like to, again, thank the ticket fairy for blessing me with Two end zones seats... it was definitely an awesome game to go to and my first Packers Game!

Pre-Gaming in Taxi

Crowd was Very Purple!

Pink Under Shirt for Breast Awareness

SO much to talk about I don't know where to start. Good riddance Berrian. Never liked you. Chris Cook, hopefully you are the last choker on our team now that Berrian is gone and McNabb is now just an expensive cheerleader. Enjoy your time in jail you should never abuse a woman, bro. What a douche.

SMH....
That awkward feeling when you un-follow a former viking player haha. See ya @B_Twice! (have you seen his cheesy avatar on his twitter? smh!) See ya @ChrisCook_31

For recap, box score and hi-lights of the Pack game go here.

I really liked what I saw from Ponder, and Shanks showed me a lot too. He had his best game by far this season and I'll be the first to admit, maybe I was wrong about my desire in trading him. Not cuz I was wrong about his catching production this season (it's still low for TEs) but because I took for granted a lot of the blocking he does. When I watched his "wired for sound" <--LINK film at NFL.com I could see how involved he was in a lot of AP's big plays. I do think he had a high enough trade value where we could have gotten good return for him before the deadline but in hindsight I don't think rookie RUDOLPH could step in on the run plays and fill his shoes. (yet)

AP obviously had a great game and that was encouraging, PONDER also looks good when he is mobile. HIS interceptions were rookie class but I can live with that. The common sentiment amongst many is excitement for his future. (Please vote on my latest poll up to the right about PONDER)

It sucks losing to the PACK and I am not gonna sugar coat this one, obviously A ROD is in a zone right now and our defense full of second stringers is no match but hats off to JARED ALLEN and B ROB for their hard work. It's very impressive considering opponents game plan for our D line every week and STILL cant keep a clean sheet on sacks!

Allen and AP get my game balls. For just doing their jobs!

What do you guys wanna discuss? Are you excited for the showdown with Cam Newton? Do you think Ponder can throw for 70% 300 and 3? We will be running A LOT against their sorry RUN defense so that will open up a shit ton of play action. I predict 30+ rushing yards for Ponder.

I'll write more later! SKOL!

Bears Game... (and our secondary) Post Dated

2011-10-19T23:02:00.043-04:00

Ugh. So tired of this...

Hester scores.. shocker

Man that game was bad. Started out with 3 and outs. Dropped passes.. a safety? wtf! McNabb dropped back like 6 yards and just took it. Blown block or not that is still not cool. The biggest question that game raised was our secondary and scheme VS theirs. Here we had the Bears playing TWO new safeties and we couldn't throw the ball WHILE they were putting 8 or 9 in the box seemingly all the time! Makes you scratch your head.

On the flip side, Devon Hester's post route on a double move for a TD- forgivable that the D back loses a step, or even two, but what did our STARTING safety think was gonna happen? Hey Abdullah, ever heard of a triple move? no, not a triple lutz, you putz, "move". No? Of Course it's a post route! Bro you should be in position you got spun around and looked stupid... you can find Mecca by looking at the sun but you didn't know where A Rodge was throwing that rock?!?! Ack! لعب أكثر ذكاء ، وابنه!

GAME HIGH, ERM... LOW LIGHTS HERE

Their game plan was excellent they did so many cut backs, misdirections and screens... they'd just let jared sprint 5 yards at CUTLER then dump it off to someone. And theyre use of Matt Forte is masterful. Cant AP catch like that? We needed to be doing that stuff since day one. It was the most dominating game of the year easily and they deserve a lot of credit. Only positives to come from it were the subsequent benching of McNabb, Ponder's debut, and the release of Buster Berrian. (I liked what I saw in the 4th quarter at Soldier Field from Ponder and was real excited to see how he handled the Pack.)

I hope we can get some legit Corners and Safeties I don't care how fast you were at the combine if you're stupid and can't anticipate simple plays you're not a pro. We looked awful.

McNabb gets a bear hug

Well... that felt good. (kinda)

2011-10-14T02:39:00.003-04:00

FIRST I WANNA GIVE A SHOUT OUT AND BIG THANK YOU TO MY BOY SHAUN P!

Da Dooooooo Da Doooo Da Doooooooo!

Purple Pride

Shaun hooked me up with some tickets to the game. When we arrived at our seats a man was there with his son and he offered us his seats a few rows closer, so we got to sit in row 7 in the end zone! We got to see when FITZ almost converted that 4th down by catching it with his head.

I am in this video still. haha. (take Crom at his word)

Here's another play that happened in our end zone, the Jared Allen sack. TV version, followed by my home made video.

Here's the video I happened to make as it happened! Sadly it was so loud my iphone couldn't do it justice. It was ear piercing though, compare the two.

It was a lot of fun being there and not having to listen to the dumb TV announcers. Every time McNabb threw a bad pass (a dozen times) he was booed IDK if you could hear it on tv or if the sound was even on at a bar. The biggest cheer came when McNabb completed a pass for a first down to Rooshmagoo.

Most of the Action was on the other side of the field so I didn't get to get any close up pics. However since we scored 4 TDs in the first quarter I got to learn the SKOL VIKINGS song real fast. I love that shit. "Rock em, sock em, fight fight fight"

V. I. K. I. N. G. S!

What an odd game eh?

UP 28 points in the first quarter, yet the fans were nervous until maybe 5 minutes left in the game haha. It was crickets in the 4th we were STILL up 21 and punting Jared Allen came on the field and pumped us all up. It gets tiring cheering on 3rd down, giving up a first, forcing another third down, giving up a first. I will give our D lots of credit though at the end of the day they allowed 10 points and held FITZ in check!

I heard in some interviews that we were double pressing their WRs right off the snap and forcing them out of their routes, it allowed the D line some extra steps to get sacks.

McNAbb... WTF?! We won this game in spite of him... I started out the season optimistic, hopeful, patient with him but now I am going nuts trying to figure out why he wasn't pulled. It's always been a pet peeve of mine leaving guys in when they're having a bad game. This isn't the NBA, you don't go 2-10 then get to go 6-8 in the last quarter. Possessions are not guaranteed in football! Throwing ground balls on first down is a quick 3 and out half the time. I say pull him out, it doesn't mean he lost his starting job, doesn't mean he can't make plays it just means that, THIS game, he hasn't and we need someone who can. WIN the game.

I don't know the motivation to keep him in- what is more important? McNabb's pride, Frazier's ego, or the team? (Sound familiar? people used to say the same thing about CHILLY and T Jack =)

Positives-

DEFENSE got after it. WOW Jared Allen and B Rob are tornados at both ends meeting at the quarter back trailer park! I also loved how SANFORD played. He got two picks, sure they were "right at him" but you know what? I've seen Winfield and Allen and many others drop those. Making plays is making plays. Props Sanford.

Loved not seeing Berrian in the game. Who needs him? Trade him, cut him. Better to have sure handed Jenkins and Camarillo and the blossoming Jizmadoo in there. You know what else I would do if I could? Trade SHANKS. He is still over valued I feel and i like Rudolph. Trade him for a WR or SAFETY or CORNER. Hell trade him for $ I don't care. ( Nothing personal)

Think I am playing? SHANKS hasn't done anything impressive except in Favre -Year 1. He talks a lot, A LOT, but he doesn't back it up on the field. Peep these stats..

9 catches in 5 games? SMH

We all know by now McNAbb is the starter for Chicago, Berrian will prolly be too. Maybe it's his last hurrah but I see it as a chance to prove to his former team that they were right not signing him haha. Will Scoobydoosh have a good game against HIS former team? I hope so. I like that guy he has a lot of upside. If he gets another TD I'll learn how to spell his name.

What else? I like our Gopher Punt Returner of for Sherels doe! Crom is also happy that AP is killing it this year... he is doing his JOB both on and off the field, I wish he was the team's leader not McNabb. Woulda been neat to see him and a rookie QB growing throughout the season. Couldn't have been worse then 1-4 and we would have an extra 5 Million to throw at another VET.

More later!

Here's another good vid on AP and the upcoming BEARS game. For those unaware they've just replaced both their starting safeties which could be good or bad for us. I tend to be scared of back up players cuz they always play with heart. Like our Sanford did!

He gets my game ball. Him and Shaun P the ticket fairy!

(Ps please enjoy the new song and vote in the poll up to the right =)

We gotta keep AP involved, make those short passes McNabb!

No three and outs!

SKOL

Winners! ( I'll post mañana I've no computer or net)

2011-10-10T00:38:00.003-04:00

Now I can finally watch sportscenter haha. Many many talking points stay tuned. Good night

Les Steckle is laughing at us. I'm dying. No posts until we win.

2011-10-02T16:53:00.000-04:00

Bring back chilly for a year.

Man, we have 5 good players.

KLUWE
AP
RUDOLPH
HARVIN
JENKINS

And I guess

Ryan longwell!

Oh and Robison

Jared Allen

THATS IT!

So time to bring in ponder!

OK, call me crazy but...

2011-09-30T01:53:00.007-04:00

So we're off to a scary start...

I still think we can make the playoffs. It is just TOO early to play god. Look around the league, who do you pick to win the divisions? Buffalo over New England? (Just 3 weeks ago you'd pick NE) STILL think the EAGLES are the team to beat in the NFC East at 1-2? Every other team is 2-1. AFC West is any one's guess. NORRIS DIVISION- Sure the PACKERS look strong and should "prolly" maintain their edge and win 10, 11, 12 games but will they? I don't know.

Remember 1987? We started out with the same record, strike season. "Backed into the playoffs" losing our last game. Made the wild card. Then beat down the 13-2 Niners and 12-3 Saints. And let's not forget when the PACK won the division BUT we beat them in the NFC Wildcard game. (Exactly like they did to the BEARS last year and the RAYS will do when/if they play the Yankees)

I certainly didn't think we'd start 0-3. What do records really mean? I was mad and embarrassed last week, and now I'm sitting here hearing the stupid national media jock Oakland, Buffalo and saying that my Vikes are in the Andrew Luck Sweepstakes. SMH. None of these people know anything about the future and apparently people have short memories. Certain teams make a few plays and all of a sudden they're "for real" and teams stacked with talent having some problems are written off for the season, it's all real lazy journalism.

You know what's an interesting barometer which I prefer to stupid "power rankings" ? The "odds" to win it all. Sure I think point spreads can be shady and manipulative but these show a little more common sense. Right now the top 6 teams favored to win it all (as of this week) are New England and the Packers THEN... wait, the LIONS?! The Lion's are three and 0 and beat 2 winless teams plus the BUCs yet they're 3 times more likely to win the super bowl then the amazing undefeated BILLS? The next few teams are Saints, Steelers, Ravens and Jets. I guess the BILLs are less likely due to the AFC having more good teams but still it's straight CRAZY to think the LIONS will win the super bowl I guess they assume the PACK and LIONS will eliminate the other come playoff time. Head Scratcher. Otherwise they all make sense. The VIKES are 100-1 for the record. That makes them about the 7th to 10th least likely team to win, which is more realistic then the media who thinks they "suck."

I think there will be a lot of 8-8 teams, 9-7 teams and whomever can just make it into the playoffs has a shot. We shall see. I think Detroit being improved this year will work in our favor. I bet all the teams in our division split 1-1 with each other Call me crazy.

But man McNabb better make some damn plays. After I got over my rage and disappointment following the last VIKES game and listened to the news conferences I relaxed a little bit, these guys don't remind me of the losers who played along Moss and Culpepper before Moss got shipped off. They were just spoiled athletes. I think our whole team are VIKINGS except maybe McNabb, he hasn't won me over yet. FAVRE won me over in the San Fran game obviously... We need a damn win. Losing to the winless CHIEFS will be the nail in the coffin. And you know they're all saying the same thing, and are at home. It is not gonna be easy no matter how sucko they look on paper.

I still think we finish at least 8-8. What do you guys think? New poll up to the right...

Hey coach, read your own damn shirt!

PLAY 60!
(not 30)

I am ashamed and pissed off actually

2011-09-25T22:19:00.004-04:00

I didn't panic, I didn't get negative. I kept it positive all week. It's like I said earlier when you have a loved one with an addiction or a using problem and one day they steal some of your $ or get arrested. You know you shouldn't take it personally, that you've done your best, but GDI it still feels bad. I'm real let down right now. IDK if I believe in these guys anymore I feel bad for AP and KLUWE. All they had to do was win. I wouldn't have cared how.

Fuck. Quit Smoking Crack and stealing my joy you Vikings!!!

Hey Media Troll, don't eat me, there's an even bigger blown half time lead coming right behind me!

2011-09-25T21:40:00.003-04:00

Wow.
Wtf?
SMH
FML

I was so sure at half we were gonna win this game. I was so pleased we scored to close out that half, that McNabb connected with Shanks, that we had a 20 point lead... I even went on record ( the post below) and declared victory. OOOOPs!

I've read all the tweets, listened to the post game on the fan, watched the pressers on Vikings.com and all I can say is...

THEY WERE RIGHT AND I WAS WRONG. Megatron was unstoppable. Stafford did light us up. McNabb IS washed up...

But here's what I am thinking, it's not "US" blowing leads, the opposing team is just TAKING TOO LONG to score against us. They all need to take a hard look in the mirror and ask why they didnt all beat us by 30! Think about it, if they all just played shotgun all the time and threw every down they'd have had TDs right away. Instead the LIONS wasted half their plays on runs in the first half and got like 14 yards!

We simply do not have a good ball hawking turnover causing defense, our LBs are avg and below avg at coverage, our safeties are scarecrows that sit in zones, and our DBs can't consistently cover one on one. THIRD and 14? No problem, just throw a slant. Move the chains!

I will stand by what I said as far as this being a huge character game and clearly the VIKES don't have any. Quote of the day? My boy at DailyNorseman.com "Like the rest of us, Percy HARVIN spent most of the 2nd half throwing up" Meanwhile coach and everyone else aside from Jared Allen looked confused and constipated. Game Ball goes to Jared Allen and the bartender at The Bullfrog who gave me two drink tickets.

Coach-

Leslie Frasier's press conference was awful, like seeing Mr Cleaver explain to The Beeve that even though he lost the soap box derby, he was proud of him. He literally said he was proud of how the players fought. He repeatedly said "we didnt make plays" and never got specific. It's such a cop out to me. I know I am mad but there seems to be lots of little errors but no accountability. Blah. "There's always next year" but hopefully not for Frasier or McNabb. It's just not fair to be 3 games back of two teams in week 3! I expected McNabb to not turn the ball over, and for Frasier to be a cool hand, but I didn't expect McNabb to be so erratic in his accuracy and not make ANY big plays or for Fraiser to be incapable of leading. It's too bad we never see him behind the scenes because he sure comes off as Naive and in over his head and incapable of leading or winning. 3 and 8 he is?



CROMs calling it

2011-09-25T14:51:00.001-04:00

They are who CROM thought they were. "total team victory total team win"

Don't panic when we punt in the 3rd quarter

Great Victory

Quick take on point spreads and "experts"

2011-09-23T05:14:00.006-04:00

Well as most of you know, the LIONS are favored to win Sunday AT the Metrodome. The line is Lions -3.5 pts.
According to online sources 85% of the money in Vegas is being put on the LIONS. I find it amazing how much hype, both positive and negative, can affect the public and by default, expert opinions. According to the jist of opinions I've Been reading from non Minnesota based sources, McNabb is "terrible" Detroit will smother us, Matthew Stafford and Megatron will be hard to stop yada yada. NO ONE has picked the vikes to even beat the spread. It seems like no one has any common sense.

First of all we're talking about TWO games thus far more or less, cause clearly no one is looking at the LIONS horrid 14 game losing streak at the dome, the LIONS awful road record, the return of K WILL, Our RB named AP "...who has gained 814 yards in eight career games against the Lions... and he has done most of the damage at the Metrodome, where the teams play Sunday. In four games there, he has gained 520 yards (294 in Detroit) and scored six of his seven touchdowns against the Lions:" etc etc

AHEM.

Mighty Matthew Stafford has faced us twice, lost both games and had a total of 2 TDs 2 INTs and less the 400 yards total. I'm real scared.

Last time LIONS started out 3-0? 1980. This team isn't even as good as the Herman Moore Barry sanders ones. Chill out with the hype please! They're over valued and the Vikes are undervalued.

If I went to the game I'd hold a sign up the first time he's sacked
YOU'RE NOT PLAYING KANSAS ANYMORE

MY money is on the Vikes. No spread.

Should be a fun game...

SKOL!

7 out of 8 stats are useless and arbitrary (Same chance the Vikes make the playoffs)

2011-09-22T23:44:00.005-04:00

I get annoyed with the way certain journalists spin sports, especially with Stats. We're fed useless stats in articles and during games so often that we've lost the ability to decipher meaningful ones from stupid ones. Here are two of my favorites that we've all seen a million times. One are those guys in basketball broadcasts who say something like "The Rockets are on a 24-16 scoring streak halfway through the first quarter."

The other is in baseball when they pull up a hitting percentage during an at bat "Crom bats .317 vs Lefties, with runners on the corners, 2 outs, as a pinch hitter, on the road, when trailing, in game one of a double header, against the Yankees, on labor day... Whereas his career average is .324" SO INSIGHTFUL!

Which leads to my beloved Vikings. The big stat being hammered into our domes this week was "Only 12% of the teams that start out 0-2 make the playoffs" HUH? What's the point of this stat? How about teams that start 2-2? Or finish 8-8? 10-6? ( I could not find where they got this stat) Obviously starting out 0-3 would suck balls, but why the negativity? We lost to playoff team on the road and a 10-6 TB team. Sure the fashion of those losses was upsetting but the fact remains, we have an extremely compeitive football team! Our 0-2 isn't the same as the Chiefs for example! You know statistically they have the same chance we do to make the playoffs. You know what percentage of people picked the wildcard steelers, giants or pack to win the superbowl the last times they did? (I assume only their fans haha)

Here's something interesting I found.

"There’s plenty of football still left to be played, so don’t count anyone out. Since 2000, 27 teams have reached the halfway point of the season with a .500 or below winning percentage and proceeded to the playoffs, including at least one in each season. In 2009, three teams – Baltimore (4-4), Green Bay (4-4) and the New York Jets (4-4) – accomplished the feat..."

SIDE NOTE
I received an interesting stat from a lovely high spirited late night TWEET from super fan and director SPIKE LEE, defending his evil YANKEES-

"Do you know Boston has #2 Payroll in MLB? Don't front like Red Sox have a Pittsburgh Pirates PAYROLL. C'mon SON. WAKE UP!"

Great Stat Spike! However A. It's incorrect, the BOSOX have the 3rd highest payroll and B. The Yankees payroll is over 40 million $'s higher the BOSOX, it's 202 million $, JUST 4 million less then the BOSOX and PIRATES pay roll combined! "That's the triplle troof, Ruth!"

THIS BLOG WAS POSTED FROM MY PHONE I APOLOGIZE FOR ANY ERRORS AND THE LACK OF LINKS AND PICS.

SKOL!

VIKINGS VS DETROIT

2011-09-21T18:54:00.005-04:00

Haha! Never gets old

WELL.... Before I get into this weekend's game, I'd like to say I am feeling better about our Loss(es) the first two weeks. After looking at all the news conferences and player interviews and reading the blogs I feel like the Viking players themselves are gonna be more focused and turn in complete games moving forward. It's like when someone apologizes to you, either you believe it or you don't, it's sincere or it isn't, and these players and coaches all seem sincerely pissed off about everything. We'll see soon enough! Hopefully we will be able to have fewer penalties, stay aggressive into the 3rd and 4th quarters on Offense and Defense as well as reduce mental errors like lining up on the wrong formations etc. UGH!

Kinda silly to analyze stats this early in the season... On paper DET has a high scoring offense, lotsa passing yards and a solid defense... On paper. But they've played the un-impressive BUCs defense on the road, and got the lowly Chiefs at home. I assume our pass rush will be the best they've faced "all year" haha.

Stats below for you. I think we have a great defensive game and 4 quarters of annoying ball control efficiency with a few explosive plays mixed in. They'll get 17 points or so and we'll get over 30! I could be wrong but that's what we need... We shall see. People are asking if the roar ha been restored etc if the lions are for real I think they've improved but they're not an elite, consistent team yet. They're definitely beatable and I feel sorry for the team facing us this week. Unless someone gets hurt AP, McNabb and Harvin are gonna be beasting it!

Aaaaarggggh!!! ( Conan for "is the skull half full or half empty?")

2011-09-19T01:31:00.006-04:00

Well?

Seriously- I'm so mind fucked right now. Clearly the over all negative out weighs the positives, what with a Stale Donut in the W column and a 2 in the L column but... This squad is like that hot girl you almost kinda went home with, who's maybe teasing you, or is she playing hard to get, oh idk I'll give her a third date! If she doesn't put out or at least me feel like a Winner- then Ima hate myself. This bi-polar play of my purple players is giving me blue balls! But APs runs, Harvins kick return and the D forcing 3 and outs is giving me couch boners.
So I ask all of you! Wtf?!

Is the glass half full or empty? Who's serving the drinks? Do the players need to drink more of Frazier's Kool aid? Or less?

Time to point fingers or hold hands?

I heard a lot of frustrated voices in the post game but my gut is that this year is gonna have a lot of growing pains.. We've done things you just can't do but then again... So have the packers... It's all so inconsistent. I'll have more to say mañana when my balls don't ache.

Hopefully to make room for K WILL, we will cut Berrian per my boys at the Daily Norseman tonight.

Please vote on my new poll--->^ Half full, half empty ??

What's up Vike Fans!

2011-08-29T00:37:00.005-04:00

I am not big on pre-seasons. Don't get me wrong I watch all the games and I enjoy the new faces competing, I like the story lines, the players who shine and the busts... But I don't like to "read" to far into things. I don't waste my time trying to figure out who the 6 or 7 WR is gonna be... I'll just wait until they make the cuts an even then, I won't talk about it. There are enough rubes out there discussing all that. I won't even sit here and regurgitate all the stuff we've already heard DURING the games as well or on kfan. You guys already know I am glad to have McNabb and have high expectations of him.

Any real fan Vikes has the same questions on their mind, at least through the Dallas pre season game.... ( Oh I told my boy Old dirty I'd post a link to the highlights... here ya go and here's the presser)

What up w/ Toby G? Did he lose a spot in the pecking order?
Is Shanks gonna be this years RICE, hamstring? really? ugh!
Who's number 87 that caught that dope post route? BERRIAN? oh, right. He's still here
Does anyone else have a man crush on BOOKER?
Is K Williams P F...itis gonna be the second coming of Wally Sczerbiak?
How sick is AP looking right now can we start the season today?!
When is the shoe gonna drop? things are too calm and collected right now

That's what I wonder at least. I don't think Toby is losing anything so much as booker is gaining reps, we've seen a lot more of Toby, there is less to evaluate. As far as Shanks goes Idk if he'll ever be as good as he was with Favre 1. He's consistently underachieved. I hope Berrian can stay healthy and stretch defenses. JENKINS has good hands and instincts and can BLOCK love him. I hope K Wills injury heals up and heals for good... I don't want a gimpy DT all season! AP looks amazing, and I never say amazing... I hope we can give him holes this year to run through!

As far as the other shoe, that seems to be the big question. People expect us to be 6-10 and that makes me laugh. They also say McNabb is "done" which also makes me laugh. I don't think the shoe is gonna drop on us this year, not in any crazy fashion. I think it's hit the giants... That NFC EAST is wide open this year in my mind. Philly has a helter-skelter Offense... I think they will compete with Dallas for the title. 10-6 will win our division, 9-7 is a wild card. I am looking forward to the season!

If you haven't already, please take the time to vote your thoughts on our record. ( Above in sidebar) Remember, we have an easier schedule!

HOPE THIS IS A COMMON SIGHT

SKOL!

The Best Post Game Rant - EVER ( Jerry Burns ) His bob schnelker defense speech

2011-08-12T05:35:00.008-04:00

"...and his fucking shoe falls off. Thats not Bob Schnelker's fault"

Simply a must see.

-->HERE<---

( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNcBFZ26lcI )

What's your favorite quote?

Here is a snippet on the game itself from a daily

MINNEAPOLIS - The Los Angeles Rams have been placed on the injured list with broken hearts. Their status for next week is questionable. All that is certain is that they will never lose another football game the way they lost one Sunday. One minute, angry Vikings fans were seen headed for the wet streets of Minneapolis, cursing the home team as they made their way to the exits. The next, they were scurrying back to their Metrodome seats, some making it just in time to see one of the most surreal finishes in recent NFL history.It ended when Minnesota linebacker Mike Merriweather blocked a punt near the Rams' 15-yard line, chased down the ball, then wrestled with it until it rolled out of the end zone for a safety that gave the Vikings a 23-21 overtime victory.

The Rams allowed 23 points without giving up a touchdown. They saw Minnesota place-kicker Rich Karlis tie an NFL record with seven field goals, all of 40 yards or less. Karlis tied Jim Bakken's 22-year-old NFL record with seven field goals.

It was the Rams' fourth consecutive defeat after opening the season at 5-0. Said safety Anthony Newman: "They all hurt the same. Every time you lose a game, it hurts. This one might hurt a little more, because we had it in our hands."

The Rams took a 21-18 lead with 28 seconds left in regulation on a 2-yard touchdown run by Greg Bell. With no timeouts, the Rams frantically moved 48 yards on two Jim Everett passes to Henry Ellard to set up the go-ahead score.

The ensuing kickoff went out of bounds, giving the Vikings the ball at their 35; Minnesota was also out of timeouts. All the Vikings could do was have quarterback Wade Wilson throw the ball up for grabs, and hope for the best.

On second down, Wilson heaved a "Hail Mary" pass deep to wide receiver Hassan Jones, who caught the ball in front of LeRoy Irvin and Newman for a 43-yard gain to the Ram 23.

The Vikings hurried their field goal unit onto the field, and Karlis kicked them into a tie with a 40-yarder that barely squeezed inside the right upright.

-->Box Score to the game<--

McNabb (my take)

2011-08-05T13:34:00.000-04:00

Hey I am back, finally. I took a whole year off from a combination of being lazy, disappointed and frustrated (and often too drunk post game to type properly)

This Guy

I love the move. At first there seemed a 50/50 response, half neutral, half against it haha. The common detractors saying he's "washed up" or that we're not gonna go anywhere this year so why bother with it, let's let PONDER play etc.

BOTH statements are ridiculous. First my defense of McNAbb

People bitched about his interceptions last year. He had 15 in 13 games. Pretty lame. God Awful? Not quite, but not impressive I agree. A few notable QBs who fared worse were Cutler, Manning(s) Brees, Favre and Palmer. Eli had 25! Is anyone calling for him to be benched?

What about historically? McNabb's Interception percentage career wise averages right around 2.2% Last year he attempted more passes per game then any other year. .. Probably due to the fact that the SKINS were 30th in RUSHING in 2010... He didn't have much help. What did he get for all those drop backs? I mean besides a league leading amount of sacks per game- Sacked 37 times in 13 games! Who were his weapons?

(this space intentionally left blank. )

He did have this guy

Clearly Cooley Can Distract Defenders

His wideouts? IDK to be honest- I could look em up, Santana Moss? *googles. OK he had agood year. 93 catches, 1000+ yards. I wonder why? With McNabb slinging him the rock he had 23 more catches and 200 more yards then in 2009

(ok well idk which 3 games McNabby missed but still)

Check out this nugget

"Through the 2010-11 NFL season, McNabb ranks fourth best all-time in career interception percentage (2.20%) among NFL quarterbacks. Among quarterbacks with at least 1,500 pass attempts, only Aaron Rodgers (1.99%), Neil O'Donnell (2.11%), and Tom Brady(2.19%) have a lower career interception percentage than McNabb"

Here's McNabb's line last season (13 games)

Pretty average. But what would it be if you combined it with AP and the 120 yards per game (minimum) we get, and thats with 9 in the box. Washington had more yards then we did, and more points. Mostly because of him! Obviously we took a big step back last year with our turnovers, poor blocking and poor pass protection, but I am optimistic that the current roster will fare better then the one where we had Camarillo as our number one and t jack behind center haha. Ugh!

Another reason McNAbb had an off year last year is...

he DID get hurt... curse?

One more thing about McNabb, here's the list of all pro WRs he's played with in his career.

Terrel Owens. (21 games) Desean Jackson. (31 games) The rest of the time (most of his career) he played with busters at the wideout and good RBs and TEs. SOUND FAMILIAR? Can we take a chill and make him feel at home.

Point 2- " We're not gonna go anywhere anyways why bring in an old QB"

HUH? #ComeOnSon!

Do you remember when the Packers clinched the division last year? What week? Before their run to the super bowl? Oh right, they didn't. They were a wild card team. They finished 10-6 and almost didn't even make the playoffs! Sure they made a good run and made some plays, but they STILL FINISHED the season 28th in rushing and middle ranks in total defense! WTF are you people so afraid of? Imagine if they had injuries like we had injuries, if they're SB MVP went down. That's the season.

Chicago? Same shit, they have weaknesses too. Everybody does. Everyone is saying how "good DETROIT is gonna be... Chicago is signing all these Free Agents". Ask me if I give a skol.

We have A LOT of talented veterans on this team and if everyone just does their job they will compete every game. And not in the Houston TEXANS "aww we almost did it kind of way either."

Please take the time now to vote, up to the right. Pick how many wins we will have this year. I say 10. Ten wins will win the division this year. Have you looked at our schedule? It's cake! Peep it.

How juicy do those last few games look? Could be very important... And look at the story lines! Revenge VS Aints, McNAbb IN Washginton rubbing it in, Singletary VS Bears for possible NORTH crown... who knows!

I think they will mean something and if McNabb is on the bench in the final against Da Bears, at home, It'll be because we're resting him for the playoffs!

Call me a homer. I don't care. My god laughs at your god.

2010 SEASON (IN PICS)

2011-08-04T20:43:00.016-04:00

A SEASON TO FORGET

(IN RANDOM ORDER)

The only VIking player older then favre

Can we sign this dude up?

Ragnar as he leaves a Mossoholics Anonymous meeting

"Alright thank god this damn season is over see y'all after the lockout!"

it still stings

2010-01-30T20:36:00.002-05:00

OUCH

Key Stats - New Orleans VS Vikes

2010-01-18T12:17:00.003-05:00

Hmmm. Everyone is saying how evenly matched we are but are we?

ON paper, not at all. Sure they have lots of explosive play power, and they have a "rep" as a "ball hawking" defense... but why?

They are ranked high in interceptions, they had 26, they were 3rd in the NFL. They were avg. in sacks.. and very low in force fumbles/ fumbles recovered. (28th)

We led the league in sacks and forced fumbles, but were dreadful in interceptions. (Maybe because we get more sacks?)

Per passing attempt we got one Interception every 48 passing plays. (less then one a game!)

Saint's had a PICK every 23 plays ( very good)

Per passing play we got one sack every 11 plays (awesome)

Saints got one every 16 plays. (above average)

Plus Minus the Saints were +11, Vikes were +6.

Overall the VIKES are ranked 2nd in the NFC behind Green Bay, The Saints are ranked near the bottom ahead of Detroit and St. Louis. But I admit, these stats are slightly misleading as they're isn't much of a difference between teams over all. (55 yards total offense per game between Vikes and Saints)

But just by glancing at these facts, and comparing FAVREs incredibly LOW interception total, (7) the Vikes ability to rush the passer and create fumbles and the NEW ORLEANS very below avg. total defense you have to ask yourself. Which team is going to be able to stifle the other teams high scoring offense?

We just destroyed the 2nd best offense in the league. (Dallas) But we were at home and had the crowd noise as an advantage... New Orleans is the number one offense. WE are the number three offense. I don't like to crunch stats for anything more then fun, but common sense tells me that if we play half as good as we did against Dallas, we should be able to limit them to 14, 17, 21 points. How are they gonna stop us? They won't get any interceptions, I can tell you that... unless they are deflections etc or something like that. They better start scheming.

I am assuming that we will try to gash them with a real balanced run/pass attack early. Try to sustain long drives and "matriculate" it down the field. Keep our defense fresh, keep the bal out of BREES hands. I assume that we will have some success on the defensive end and of the two teams, we will cause the most turnovers. And we will, finally, have a rushing game again.

More stats...

DALLAS's defense is infinitely better then the SAINTS. Dallas is 4th against the run, the SAINTS are 22nd. The SAINTS give up 122 yards per game, and that's AVG. That's not VRS Adrian Peterson an company.

"Home field"

True, it's at their house, and crowd noise will be a nuisance, but I like our chances overall. I am not scared at all. "WHO DAT" all they want I think they're team will be exposed as just a high scoring no defense playing over rated side show. They won't be able to find a way to stop us when necessary and we will do a good job of slowing them down.

My take on Dallas match up...

2010-01-15T09:21:00.011-05:00

Well, here are my keys to the game. Some are obvious, some not so much. We are both top ten teams in offense and defense... we both have great QBs, DEs and TEs and more then serviceable WRs. They have Austin who is a bigger threat then Berrian. But we trump them at RB easily. I think we have more "Explosive Play" capability but it's gonna come down to execution, not of the offenses, but of the defenses. Limiting those opportunities for the other team.

Scheming and Tackling!

People usually don't mention kickers but I will. We have a great one, theirs is real spotty. I know some of us are still traumatized by Gary Anderson's miss against the Dirty Birdies but I'm hoping those chokes are long gone. Let's not forget Romo blew it for the boys with his botched hold a few seasons ago!

Vikings nation is worried about "which VIKING team will show up" on Sunday. Common sense says they'll bring their A game. They all know what is at stake. In the back of their minds they're not looking forward to a bye week or an "easy game" with the Giants or Carolina. I think the sense of urgency will be there from the start and, even if we have a few hiccups holding off their defense at first, we will find a rhythm of sorts.

Now for some history... most of us have heard of the infamous Drew Pearson push off. Here is a great piece on it, which also bring ups some good points... the little things we forget.

the "push off"

game over

When we think of the '98 team, we all think of the aforementioned missed FG. We rarely mention how on the Falcons last drive to tie the game we dropped 2 easy interceptions that could have easily ended the game... this is the sort of thing that will make the biggest difference on Sunday. Not to be lazy and cliche, but it's gonna come down to "making plays." Unfortunately I was eerily accurate in my keys to the Philly playoff game last year. Hopefully in this equally fair match up, I won't be so accurate. OR at least, our negative worries won't come to fruition. ( we play like we did in Arizona, AP fumbles, Favre gets hurt etc)

Here they are, my keys. We need more YES answers then NO. I wrote it all from our perspective, keeping in mind our tendencies and what I've gathered about or club this season.

Will the Vikes come out with an aggressive and quick passing attack?
Will the Vikes play up to the standard they've set on special teams- coverage / returns?
Will AP not fumble?
Will Berrian have a break out game, and contribute?
Will our O LINE provide protection?
Will we intercept those balls we keep dropping? Knock downs aren't good enough!
Will AP take it all the way instead of get tackled by their "last defender" in the red zone thus it's a FG instead of 7?
Will we force ROMO into quick throws? sacks don't matter as much as disruption! Can we jam their WRs and get to him?
Will we slow down or eliminate WITTEN as a primary target?
Will we manage to keep Austin from torching us?
Will we throw some curves or gadgets? we've been sitting on them all year. We've had so many "no gain" runs.. we're do for a flea flicker!
Will their kicker choke on an XP or FG?
Will Shiancoe, Rice, Harvin and company simply "do their jobs?
Will we not get behind forcing Favre into his "I gotta force a play " mode?
Will Winfield not get burnt?

Well... that's my take. I am gonna be a nervous wreck the first quarter. I hope we have scored at least 10 by half if not 17 but that's asking a lot against their defense which is a leader in Pts allowed. I just don't want us to have any bad turnovers or give up any big plays ( see New England vs Ravens) but that's football and that's why we play these games, to win. "Hello?!" =D

I hope they watch this kid before the game!

Come on AP! Release the Kracken!!

Skol Vikes.

Week 14 Pre-View Vikes -Bengals

2009-12-12T01:43:00.007-05:00

Here are some comparison stats Shft Command 4'd from the NFL site.

As you can see, it's quite an even match up. Very even. Each team has playmakers on both sides of the ball. I think we will be able to frustrate them more then their previous opponents, forcing more three and outs, and making more big plays on offense. I predict it will come down to who makes fewer mistakes, turn overs naturally and who makes the big play. A punt return, a long pass. Something like that. I think we are gonna bring it hard and so will they, we both could clinch our divisions and we're both fighting for playoff positions.

I just hope we bring our A game and show ourselves something! Here's the team leaders.

Here is the link to see the NFL crew discuss the match ups

http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2009121307/2009/REG14/bengals@vikings#tab:watch

enjoy!

week 13 - Desert Beat Down

2009-12-12T01:26:00.003-05:00

Ugh!

That was painful. Everyone except HARVIN had a bad game.

The fun part of a game like that is seeing how it affects the morale.

The TEAM said what they're supposed to, players took the blame on themselves, CHILLY blamed himself for not preparing them etc. I just think it was a combination of everything happening al at once. weird temporary injuries. poor tackling on big plays, blown coverages on big plays. We gave up 3 TDs basically on three plays over 30 yards (i'm counting the punt return to our 1 as a TD) and that put them comfortably ahead. Also, on FAVRE's bad picks, we held them to only FGs which was respectable.

FAN wise I saw a huge surge of the "oh no here we go's" where people start worrying that we're gonna drop 3 in a row, maybe not even win the division, or we will have to face the Packers in the playoffs and we'll lose etc. It's funny to me because people start second guessing and freaking out. Then you look at the opposite kind of fans, the New England fans and the Pittsburgh fans, who see their teams choke and underachieve but sit their cocky and calm just expecting (naively) for their teams to make a push and make the playoffs.

Who really knows, common sense tells me we will lose one or two more games and finish with 12 or 3 victories. Very Nice. Sucks if the Saints have more but you never know, they have a porous defense and face some familiar division opponents.

I read an interesting thing in the Strib, it said that we were the worst team as far as how many runs for no yards or for a loss, and we were 2nd in the league with number of runs over 10 yards. Feast or Famine indeed as AP says.. we really are backwards, using the pass to set up our run these days. Just how the other teams manipulate us. I bet CINCI will take away AP as well. It'll be fun to see if we pass a lot or enforce our will and run anyways, they have a great run defense, 2nd in the league. That will be a big key to the game.

I don't even wanna talk about losing EJ Henderson, I feel so bad for him. I'd rather have lost anyone else just so he could at least finish the season and enjoy his come back.

Everyone is saying this is our "big game" and it's true, though ARIZONA was supposed to be too. I can accept a loss so long as we play great. But I am hoping and even betting on a win. I think if we're a championship caliber team, we will be the "angry giant" next week... And i really feel sorry for whomever has to tackle AP next week. He is gonna smash people. And Favre is gonna play a perfect game i bet management wise and frustrate the stripes off of them. (let's hope)

Lots of injury questions for the game.. IDK who is gonna be suiting up and sitting out.. I anticipate most of our starters in. And let's hope that EJ's fill in has a solid start! He's athletic I know that much.

We shall see.

Week 12 Vikes - Cubs (Inter-league play)

2009-12-05T01:21:00.002-05:00

ROUTE

You all saw it.

The bears are who we thought they were.

And we gave them three right hooks

Week 11 Seahawk Stompdown

2009-11-25T13:42:00.004-05:00

Whoa. Four rushing yards? That's crazy. Our rushing defense should climb a few nothces this week! We didn't even really score in the first quarter.... so it's not like they were down 21 right away. Hats off to the defense. Favre was insanely good as usual... I hope he can just keep it going!

People might glance at APs stats and think we had an "ok" rushing day, and that he was held to a low avg. per carry. (3.8 yards) But in reality, he and Chester combined for 35 carries for 155 yards, and that includes many 4th quarter time running "give up" plays.

We had ourselves a good old fashioned blow out and it was nice to see T Jack get some reps. He started out rusty but then got it together. I'd like to see us use him more on third and 4, 3rd and 6 in some kind of single back spread offense or wild cat. Similar to how Philly uses VICK. I think you can't go wrong getting everyone involved and he has those good legs to run with. At least near the goal line it would be nice though I know we are doing very well in the red zone and Favre is awesome at those quick 3 step drop plays.

Where were the sacks? We had two, not so hot considering how many passing plays they had. I am glad we didn't have any turnovers... we played a solid game in that regard. I'd be quite scared of us if I looked at film, it's not like Seattle was leaving us wide open, they were in on every play very quickly and often had "good coverages"

Here are my snaps for the game

week ten

2009-11-23T13:32:00.002-05:00

Good, solid win. No complaints. Props to RICE for having a career day. I wish he had separation speed but, again, I am not complaining. It's just that you often see some receiver make a big play and get tackled on the 3 yard line... then you can't get it into the end zone.

I am playing catch up on my blog again... it's hard enough to find anything interesting about a Lion's game. It's worse then watching bye week =D

Here are a couple snaps from the game.

Shotgun, pre snap

.4 seconds later. Story of Stafford's Day!

Coaches best friend, the red flag

Rice, doing "on demand" push ups after he dropped a pass in the fourth quarter!

What's worse then bye week??

2009-11-10T04:51:00.005-05:00

Playing the Lions!

"I'm not too impressed" <--- LINK

Mid season here is where we stand, though I didn't foresee our defense being so average overall, I didn't anticipate being so high in scoring either.

Defensive Ranking Mid-Season

Offensive Ranking Mid-Season

Hopefully we can make adjustments and become more of a disruptive team that can "finish them" and step on their throats.

And now back to the lions...

Let's hope we have a fruitful, smooth, injury free game and that our back-ups get some time.

Let's hope we beat them soundly by the end of the third quarter. (And don't let them closer)

I don't think it will be like the last few games we played against them because they still have a rookie at Qb, they can't blitz us like they did last year, nor put 9 men in the box for AP. Well, they can but Favre will abuse them.

This year week 2 they tried to fight and were up 10 to 7 at half. But we scored 20 unanswered points in the 2nd half and won. I recall Greenway had a couple picks and Favre was still playing with 17 plays and didn't know his receivers well yet. All of us were still unsure of our new look Vikings. (And then we had the San Fran Favre Magic TD... then we beat the Pack and we were rollin!)

This time it should be different. Now that we've gelled I anticipate us airing it out against them if they stop our run, which they could try to scheme. They have a good defensive line still.

Week 8 - Favregeddon part deux

2009-11-03T04:26:00.003-05:00

Yes! That was nice. I am pleased as punch. A solid win.

I know we have some work do do in our secondary... and now I am suspicious from Darren Sharper's commentary "that our system wasn't working for him" last year, seeing him having a pro bowl year in New Orleans. I wonder if we should play a more man on man pressure bump and run ball hawking style. We still aren't getting the interceptions yet. I am tired of the safe let them up and down between the twenties don't give up the big play defensive style.

( Didn't do us any good against the ravens!)

Our numbers are good. Favre looks great and is on pace for the pro-bowl. AP is getting his numbers. Our receivers and Tight Ends are producing. We're getting decent sacks. I still want to be more disruptive. I want our defense to SCORE more. I hope we pull out a few tricks in the second half of the season. I don't expect much in the next couple games, we really have a cream puff schedule and i anticipate some simple football. I also wonder if T Jack will get more clock? Will he run any wild cat offense? Will we rest Favre when we are up 21 points?

Time will tell! I am not gonna talk about the usual stuff people talk about any more. I hope we see more "complete games" where all three segments of the team perform. We had the offense give up 2 defensive touchdowns on the day our defense played great vs PITT. We had our defense get abused by the Ravens in the 2nd half and squeaked by them even though our offense scored a lot of points.

Anyways here are some game snaps for the Packers game. I loved sweeping them as you all did.

NFL game mix is nice during commercials

First Ever Favre only cam online. Was fun during commercial breaks

A La Moss 11 years ago! Great block by AP at end too

Solid game ending drive!

"1000 words"

I guess I didn't have much to say?

2009-10-29T16:12:00.007-04:00

We were six and Oh!

When the going is good, or when the games are so exciting and we come out on top, I guess I don't have much to say. The plays speak for themselves. This is exactly what I expected from our team, so I am very pleased.

there are always talking points... and I will be sure to do a better job from here on out of writing my post game thoughts. Sometimes I was too nerve wracked, sometimes I was too happy, sometimes I was too drunk to sit and rehash all we had just seen.

Now we're still 6 and 1 heading into Packer Week the Sequel!

Then we hit the bye week. I would love to be 7 and 1, obviously, with the season sweep of the Pack heading into the bye week. I am curious about Berrian, Winfield and EJs true health. I am looking forward to see if Sidney can keep it up. If Jared Allen will have more monster games and if we can get AP some home runs. I am very happy with Favre's play, he has been instrumental in making us 6-1 and not 4 and 3 i feel.

We had Pittsburgh on the chopping table and we got unlucky. A bad tip for a pick six... the phantom tripping call etc etc but at the end of the day we had them at the end and we shot ourselves in the foot.

How about that Percy Harvin? I am so pleased we took him. More props to CHILLY. where are all the CHILLY haters now? He is the architect of this team, he attracted, traded for an "curated" this roster so he should get props.

Some people sill yack about "play-calling" ( like on our game ending pick six, "shoulda done a draw play" etc. ) but that's another blog. Football is the only sport where play-calling can be so pivotal in an argument. You never here people complain about what shot a golfer chose to approach with, or if they're running too many pick and rolls in the NBA, or if a pitcher shouldn't have thrown two sinkers in a row. But you always here people argue hypotheticals about play-calling, which is soooo easy to do AFTER you've seen what defense scheme the team ran on the play that was a "bad play call." I liked the screen, great way to beat a blitz, it sailed inches high, got tipped, bad luck, not bad play. Maybe he catches it and gets tackled, and? then it's just good defense.

Anyways I digress. I will leave you with some of my snaps from the season thus far. Sadly I lost mine of the Favre - Lewis connection

The Set Up

Percy's first Kick Return TD

After San Fran Game Winning TD

Bad teams find ways to lose

Then we beat Baltimore on the "wide left"!

Then lost to PITT on those kooky returns.

It happens.

Six and One and on top of our division heading into Green Bay. Will we sack him 8 times again? Will they hold AP to under 60 yards again? Will we beat them deep on some blitzes? Who knows. "That's why we play the games" haha

WEEK TWO - VIKINGS VS LIONS

2009-09-26T01:54:00.004-04:00

YAY!

Week One vs Browns - WIN

2009-09-18T20:01:00.009-04:00

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

(1-0-0)

CLEVELAND BROWNS

(0-1-0)

FINAL

Well, where to begin. We all saw the game. It started out slow with the Vikes having a hard time giving AP lots of lanes... the 3-4 Defense was pesky and effective for most of the first half. I know more then half my friends were getting antsy and sending me the "Childress sucks" texts.

I was more patient, but admittedly worried that we were gonna be anemic the whole game. That would not have been a nice way to start the season. Thankfully football games are four quarters - overall I grade us a "B" and I am very satisfied with our "product."

There are the obvious talking points, APs run, his total yards, Brett Favre's solid and unspectacular play, we gave up too many sacks, Percy Harvin had a great first game. He gets my game ball...

Fun to see Favre zip some passes too hard.. he still "has it." The receivers will adjust to his velocity and they will gel better on their routes... we saw a few where the WR zigged and Favre zagged etc. I am not worried. All things point to us being a Juggernaut. A "wear them down -break their spirit - step on their throat" kind of team. (yay!)

What else?? We gave up the punt return but i think it was more CRIBBS great skills then our bad execution. On the other ones we did solid. We also did pretty good in the penalty department and great in the turnover ration. Plus 2 will win us 90 percent of our games!

Here are a couple moments from the game that really set the tone for us and made it go from an uncomfortable nail biter full of angst and negativity to an easy victory and happy purple faces on all sides of the Chilly spectrum.

Huge momentum shifter!

A picture speaks 2000 yards er sumthin like that =p

Pre-Season game two thoughts. The Favre Has landed

2009-08-22T23:09:00.006-04:00

YES! ok ok... it was weird. Seeing Favre in Purple... seeing the signs in the stands, seeing him walk around the sideline like a pervy old uncle out of place... it's hard to shake all the history, hard to forget I used to hate him (respectfully) and that he was the savior to all the pack fans.

He was the one in green and gold that delivered them to the superbowl, that broke every passing record of note and that was just a likeable, quotable everyman's man. He was their trump card year in and year out and you could say "Favre Sucks" all you wanted but trying to prove it was like trying to disprove Jesus to a Jesus freak.

Well Packer fans, you met our Purple Jesus ( 72 carries for 452 yards against you) so now meet your Purple Judas! ( on right --> )

Favre tells AP he is 37 times better then Darrel Thompson ever was

Moving on !

OK so a few thoughts and I am not going to pontificate too much here on a pre-season game, even with all the Favrifications going on.

I like that Favre gets rid of it fast.
T Jack looked good. His TDs were hot. Crom says keep him!
I love AP I sure hope he doesn't get hurt twisting all the time after a tackle
Our defense is looking DISRUPTIVE this year, finally! Will we get INTs ??? I really really want us to get INTs more then 1 every 40 passing attempts. Can we get one every 25 like the league leading GIANTs did last year. Can we limit our dumb turnovers and penalties?
I think EJ is gonna go all pro this year
Same goes for Shiancoe
Bobby Wade will be the Mark Lemke of the NFL this year
Favre will tie Jim Marshall for most consecutive starts on opening day. Neato
Hooray for CHILLY! If you still hate him you're the one that can't evolve and think forwardly and is uncreative. We wouldn't even have Farve if he didn't bring in Hutch and Jared Allen and Longwell and AP etc etc etc. He is the architect of this team that built us a Vikings Ship to jump aboard and be proud of. We've come a long way from the Love Boat rubes. A long way.

Favrapalooza

2009-08-19T15:09:00.001-04:00

Welcome to the team, Mr. Favre!

PRE-SEASON GAME ONE THOUGHTS

2009-08-15T14:58:00.003-04:00

It was nice seeing Farwell back and making the first special teams tackle of the game!

Welcome back Heath and EJ !

I thought Sage looked real real solid. He was hitting those simple timely routes we had problems hitting last year... those 7 and 8 yard slant and outs ETC. Negative people will say how it was against back up secondary but I think that's not relevant. The routes he hit were all well covered, the ball was put on the money every tie, in stride. It doesn't matter if you have a all pro corner or a back up one step behind your WR, it's the same challenge for the quarterback regardless- making the "routine plays routine" as Chilly likes to say. These are the keys to third down and red zone proficiency. (which we were bad at last year)

Our defensive pressure was really good throughout the game. I was impressed with how quickly they got to Manning.

Our RBs all looked great. It's a testament to the line for one, but also I think we have a real real deep RB core.

I was sad not to see HARVIN out there, I wasn't sure why he wasn't but we will see him this coming friday so...

EDIT

We just signed farve. dang!

no words (but im pleased)

I am currently retired and debating a comeback. I will let you know a day before the Pre Season Starts

2009-07-23T16:54:00.001-04:00

HERE WE GO... "BREAKING NEWS"

2009-05-05T17:45:00.005-04:00

THIS JUST IN...

So they say over at ESPN that Favre and Childress will meet up at a secret location to discuss his playing for the VIKES. I can just see it now, the both of them there on some park bench with their clipboards covering their faces... talking about plays. ha!

Here we go!

OK FINE.. HERE IS MY OPINION ON THE FARVE SAGA

2009-05-05T16:57:00.004-04:00

JEEZ...

Look, if he wants to un-retire. Fine. It won't "tarnish" his legacy at all. That's all b.s. Anyone think less of Joe Montana for demanding a trade? Jerry Rice? He played for like 27 teams... he didn't even retire 2 or 3 times he just kept trying out for teams until he couldn't make them. Anyone even remember Junior Seau is still playing?

The closest comparison to this is Mr. M.J. He retired from the NBA and came back a couple times i think, or maybe it was just once. Who knows.. That's my point here... no one really remembers. I recall him playing baseball... ok. fine. Not much more then that comes to mind aside from his SIX RINGS. I do remember that they talked about it alllllll the time. And when he did come back, he played pretty damn good.

Oh wait, he tried playing with the Wizards right? I almost forgot. He just did OK but lost his magic no?

Boxers retire all the time, and come back. Do we remember their failings or their triumphs? Who remembers Tyson's crappy fights? Not me. So as far as that goes... I think an individuals desire to play,. to compete, is stronger then the perception of the public about their legacy. all that is meaningless and works itself out. (Unless you're a cheater like BONDS etc. then you are a loser. But gambling? You're off the hook ROSE, they should let you back in.. IMHO)

Can FARVE still play? Obviously. Is there any risk to signing him for a one year deal? Absolutely not. The positives completely out weigh the negative "risks" of him being a distraction or this or that. He got released. We are not potentially trading for him so in business terms it would be less risky then half of the rookie contracts we signed as free agents. And if he sucks.. well he sits. Yup, he sits. Or we release him. No big deal. "We" are the Minnesota Vikings, not the National Association for the Advancement of Brett Favre's Legacy.

He has the right to do whatever he wants... Just like Micheal Jordan picked up a baseball bat, Favre can pick up a pen and sign a one year deal with the Purple and Gold. It's free will. Robert Smith retired in his prime. Ricky Williams decided to smoke pot instead of play in the NFL.

But damn... all the speculation. It's so lame. First they spent hours on the air talking about this incredibly informative phrase

"At this time, I am retired and have no intention of returning to football"

That was enough for people to go into a tizzy.

Now they're all basing their theories on one little text message. This word.

"NO"

OOOOh snap, it's all caps. That must mean something right? We don't even know if the text was meant for Trent Dilfer. (who reported it) Maybe Brett's wife texted him "Did you forget to buy the milk" And he said "NO" We just don't know. Can you imagine if he texted a winky face colon with it? " NO ;]"

He's just not saying anything... and why should he? I wish everyone else would follow suit but alas, this is the state of 24 hour sports news stations and such... yap yap yada yada snore.

I'd rather watch this all day. bleh.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwH1eZRT6Ys

CROM'S freestyle

2009-05-04T13:07:00.005-04:00

Well so much happened since my last post... but as y'all know. I don't like to link and regurge stuff so...

What insights do I have?

Zero.

Crickets.

Oh!

Did y'all get worried when Percy Went into the hospital? What name came to your mind first?

DIMITRIUS UNDERWOOD?

Well for those of you who are young.. he was the worst draft choice ever by the vikings... here is his "career" in a few cut and pastes!

Underwood played college football at Michigan State University and was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings with the 29th overall pick in the 1999 NFL Draft...However, Underwood had missed most of his senior year, and his coaches at Michigan State warned NFL scouts that he wasn't mentally stable enough to play in the NFL.
After being drafted, he signed a five year, $5.3 million contract in August 1, 1999 but walked out of training camp the next day and never returned, saying he could not resolve the conflict between playing football and serving his Christian faith. The Vikings released him later that month.

"Wait wait wait it gets worse!"

In September 1999, Underwood attempted to commit suicide by slashing his own neck before repeatedly yelling "I'm not worthy of God". According to his mother, an ordained minister, his behavior had been influenced by attending the Immanuel's Temple Community Church in Lansing, Michigan; which she describes as a "cult that's posing as a church."
He later signed a two-year contract with the Dallas Cowboys
In January 2001, he tried to kill himself for the second time by running into traffic twice on a busy suburban highway. The Cowboys released him later that month.

Here is dramatic footage of Dimitrius being saved on the freeway!

Some folks are already worried about PERCY being hospitalized with exhaustion.. at least he didn't die at training camp. Let's hope he hires someone to slice oranges for him when he signs his rookie contract.

DRAFT STUFF - PART ONE

2009-04-26T10:50:00.001-04:00

YES!

Nice pick up VIKES!

I like how CHILLY and SPIELMAN made a move not too many people thought they'd make. sure there were ramblings about CHILLYs visit down to FLA but still. It goes against every stereo type people have of CHILLY. "Won't take risks." "Brings in wholesome people like SAGE." etc.

Here is a Q and A with PERCY taken off the VIKINGS WEBSITE.

Percy Harvin Quotes
4/25/2009

Q: What are your thoughts on being picked by the Vikings?

A: It was a great privilege, actually going through this whole process. Me and my agent, Joel Segal, who helped me out a ton, we kind of went through the teams we wanted to go to. Minnesota was kind of number one on my list, just being a team that I could grow from, being under Bernard Berrian and being that they already got a workhorse in Adrian Peterson. I’m just looking to come in and help win and be a (piece of) this puzzle. I’m looking forward to being a Viking and helping the team win.

Q: What was it like when Coach Childress came down to visit?

A: It was tremendous. We didn’t specifically talk about any subject (or) anything that kind of went on. It was kind of like we were just buddies and just doing a lot of things. We went out to eat. Like I said, we didn’t specifically talk about anything; we did hit on football and things like that. For the most part it was just hanging out and getting to know each other. It was a great, tremendous visit. Even after that we kind of texted each other. Everything was very good.

Q: How many hours did you spend with Coach Childress?

A: He actually came down here a couple days ago. We spent about half of a day together. I had briefly met with him when I came to the Vikings for a visit a month ago. I also met him when we went to the Combine.

Q: Did you feel like you had to explain some things about off-the-field issues? There was a report of a failed drug test.

A: Definitely. I respect the question. Growing up, I’ve always been good with getting things out in the open. I knew it was a question that had to be answered. I had no problems with answering it. With these coaches, I opened up to them and they opened up to me. When it got to those subjects, the only thing I could do was tell them the truth, be up front and let them judge me from there. We had a great respect for each other. Them picking me shows they believed in me. I got their back and they got mine. I’m just looking forward to becoming a Viking.

Q: You were projected by a lot of people to be a top 10 pick. Is it disappointing for you to fall down to the 22nd pick?

A: Not at all. I’m privileged. Like I said, this is a blessing. I’m in a situation that not many people get to be in. I wasn’t worried with the picks. It’s all said and done; I’m where I needed to be. I’m playing with the great Adrian Peterson. I’m just going to be another piece to the puzzle. I am where I needed to be.

Q: How do you think they’ll use you on the field? It sounds like they’re going to put you all over the place, returning kicks. Is it going to be using you in a lot of different roles?

A: Yeah, we talked about it. They’re thinking of using me similar to what I did in college, of course playing receiver a little bit more. I told the coaches I would do anything. My freshman year, I played on the punt block team. I’m willing to do anything, any special teams or anything I need to do to contribute to the team. I’m a team player. There was some talk on how they were going to use me offensive-wise. But I’m not worried about all that. I’m just coming in ready to work hard and wherever I end up learning and fitting in, then that’s where I fit in.

Q: Are you excited about the opportunity to return punts and kickoffs?

A: Oh, definitely. When I got to the period of coming to the next level at the Combine, when teams started talking to me about returning kicks and punts, I just started getting chills. I’m a space-type player. The more space I’m in, the most-dangerous I can be. Now it’s just another question of could I run routes or be effective being a third receiver. I just think to myself that the more space I’m in, that’s the better I am. I’ve been really itching to get back in the return game. I really couldn’t do it at Florida being that we had a dynamic returner in Brandon James. So I’m definitely looking forward to that opportunity again.

Q: How are you physically?

A: I’m about as healthy as I can get. I cleared all the physicals. I’ve been running good. I’ve been cutting good. I made it through all the workouts. I’m feeling back to where I felt when I first got to Florida. I’m making all my cuts sharp. My body is just feeling really healthy. Through the whole (draft) process, I was able to not only get healthy, but my agent did a tremendous job of (holding) me back at the NFL Combine and giving my body extra time to heal. I give a lot of credit to my agent in helping me through this whole process.

Q: What would you say to people who say that you are a risk as a draft pick?

A: People have their own opinions. That’s why I have so much respect in Minnesota. They took the time out to send the head coach. Instead of scouts down here, I met with the coach. They really took time to dig in and see the real Percy Harvin. Like I said, this thing and all the high school stuff was just growing up. The issue, it was a mistake. I grew from it and I’m just looking forward to playing football.

Q: A lot of receivers taken in the first round have a hard time making the transition to the NFL. Do you feel like there is less pressure on you to come in right away and be a savior at receiver with veterans like Bernard Berrian and Bobby Wade here?

A: That’s exactly why I liked Minnesota so much. They’ve got Bernard Berrian. They’ve got one of the best receivers coaches in George (Stewart). They’ve got Adrian Peterson. I see myself as coming on the field, and I feel I’ll be one of the least worries for a defense, being that Adrian Peterson is probably the best running back in the game right now. Just to come in, it’s a tremendous opportunity for me. When I got the call from coach, I was (excited) just because I know the opportunities. It’s something I’m looking forward to grasping. It’s once in a lifetime.

Q: Will the fast surface of the Metrodome be even better for the way you play football?

A: Oh yeah. That’s my thing there. I think if you talk to most track runners who played football, they started running on the turf and the AstroTurf and things like that, it takes your speed to another level. I got to play on it a couple times when we played in the SEC Championship games, so I’m definitely looking forward to playing on that.

Q: Brad Childress said he spent a lot of time talking to your head coach and offensive coaches. Obviously he got good reports from them. How important was that to you that the people you got to know real well all had your back as they talked to Childress?

A: It means more than words can describe. After every visit, all I could do is just text Coach (Urban Meyer) and tell him thank you for everything. I feel like I owed him the world. We had probably the best relationship I could have as far as player-coach relationship with those guys. I owe the University of Florida and the Gator Nation more than I can ever describe. The coaches, I thank them. A lot of my success and a lot things that have come before have helped with moving me and helping me grow as a person.

Q: Were there any other teams that were looking at you at the start of the draft?

A: There were a lot of teams; Oakland was a good chance there and the Jaguars. The Patriots and the Jets if they didn’t get the trade to get Mark Sanchez, I was going to end up there. Tampa Bay and Miami were trying to get me and the Patriots were trying to make a move. I just kept looking at my agent telling him I want to get to the 22nd pick. I just had so much faith that I and coach got along and had a really good feel with each other. The whole time I wasn’t worried about going as a top ten pick. Let’s just hurry up and get to the 22nd pick.

Q: Did you consider yourself as one of the best college football players last year?

A: Different people have their views of who the best. I do think that I am one of the most explosive ones as far as getting the ball into my hands. Just being that I can do a lot of things those other receivers can’t do but I did think in my mind that a lot of receivers could do. With all that said, I never sat down and thought about that. I do think that I am one of the most explosive receivers and I think there a lot of things that I could bring to a team because I can line up in the backfield and as a slot and as an out. I think I have a lot to offer to a team.

Q: How many touches are you looking for per game, with Peterson in the backfield. What are realistic?

A: I don’t have a number; it’s just an honor to be there. I’m not looking forward to how many touches I’m going to get. I know they primarily have Adrian Peterson there. I’m there basically to contribute however I can. I can touch it one time, two times and I will make the most of it. Like I said, if I touch it once or twice, I’ll make the fans stand up and cheer.

Q: We all know how you felt about coach Childress, what did your mom think of him?

A: We thought the world of him, like I said it goes back to as far as the top 10 or top 15; we were waiting for the 22nd pick. We knew that the pressure wouldn’t be so much with Peterson and Bernard Berrian and the coach. We had so much of a good relationship we were texting throughout the whole thing. The visit we had here wasn’t sit down and talk football. We told stories, we laughed, we giggled, we played around. Like I said, I had a lot of faith that the number 22 pick was where I was going to land the whole time.

Q: Were you nervous about the meeting with Childress and how he wanted to come down and meet you face to face?

A: Not at all, I’m a person who is willing to put everything out there, I knew a lot of the things that were in question, and I knew the whole time that I was a genuine person and a good hearted person. Like I said, I did get into some things that a person would get into growing up. I never had a problem with any of the coaches coming down because at the end of the day I felt like all I could do is be me so with that said me and coach got along very good and my parents loved him we love him and it was a great experience for both of us.

why CHILLY's record is damn good and people should be satisfied

2009-04-22T20:27:00.002-04:00

MY ARGUMENT IN SUPPORT OF CHILLYs "body of work"

"just win baby!"

if wins and record are all that matter to you.. well… how about this.

We had a better record then every single team in the NFC except for the Giants, Carolina and Atlanta.

We beat the giants and Carolina! (i don't want excuses about it being their backups) and lost barely to Atlanta on a b.s. no call pass interference that MAY HAVE led to a score.. idk. (see link at bottom)

So in my mind, we’re one of the top 2-4 teams in the nfc. pretty good for a team that was 6-10 and had no legitimate offensive threats 3 years ago.

Before the season anyone would have said, ok, the giants are better then us, the cowboys… maybe the saints will rise up. the skins are pretty good.. Jacksonville maybe.. yada yada.

Our conference record of 8-4 was tied for 2nd with the same teams as above, the first was the giants. (and the only reason the giants are better then us is that they were NUMBER ONE in TURNOVER ratio. guess who number two was? THE FALCONS. the giants also have a better defense overall and more consistent QB.

You expected us to be 13 and 3? We sure could have been if we weren't so low in the turnover ratio and high in penalties

we all have our different standards.. I blame our lack of a better record on the fumbles of AP, the pick 6 by frerotte or t jack and the penalties.. not brad childress.

we showed tons of character. we had 10 wins. we had a few 4th quarter comebacks.. (saints. packers. lions.) where as in the years before, we gave games away in the fourth quarter…

we made stops when we needed to. people will say that we only beat the pack because they missed a 52 yard fg at the end BUT why was it a 52 yard fg? BECAUSE WE STOPPED THEM FROM getting any closer!

thats grit.. AP made his run to go ahead.. i remember him being all relieved since he fumbled it that game on 4th when we went for it.. anywho. you get my point. that stop had a lot to do with greenway and jared allen, 2 people brought in in the last 3 years.

AND in the head to head game number 2 with the pack, we won. we went to 5-4 and got momentum. THEN in that super important rematch with chicago we killed them at the dome 34-14 and took over first place and never looked back! (and in that game, chilly ran that gorgeous play action pump and go play to berrian for the 99 yard TD.. that was after jared allen made the tackle to prevent them from getting a td on the 1. both chilly players. even TILLMAN gave us credit for a great play call.. i have the qoute on my other blog)

i understand that DURING the season we were all very uncomfortable.. we cold have lost the 2nd packer game or chicago game.. finished 8-8 and not made the playoffs. but we didnt. (unlike the cowboys or patriots)

so im a happy camper. you can shit talk chilly all you want but he coached a real mediocre offense, horrible special teams and "on paper" strong defense into the 4th best record in the nfc and won the division. (with out WINFIELD single handily winning us two games our season was lost)

i’ll take it. =D

atlanta interference?

I SAY LET'S TAKE PAT WHITE!

2009-04-22T12:07:00.002-04:00

I LIKE THE IDEA..

I always envied PITT when they had the Antwon Randle-El scat back options in their play sheets. I would love another pain in the butt guy to get the ball to...

Here is some video of him, the first high light is his awesome block on two players... Seems like a Viking kind of man to me!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2DmuK91efw

I'M NOT TOO IMPRESSED

2009-04-21T17:09:00.003-04:00

THIS LOGO IS SUPER NOT FEROCIOUS.

THE FONT LOOKS LIKE MUPPET LETTERS OR SOMETHING ON A FUNNEL CAKE KIOSK MENU

AND THE COLOR... "HONOLULU BLUE"

(ON THE BEJAMIN MOORE COLOR CHART IT'S BETWEEN "WINDMILL WINGS" AND "CARIBBEAN COAST")

THE LION LOOKS MORE LIKE SOMETHING ON A SHIELD IN A ROBIN HOOD MOVIE

OR THE GAY THUDER CAT WHO GOT CUT FROM THE SHOW THEN SOMETHING YOU'D BE FRIGHTENED BY

(THINK PIRATES, THE RAIDERS ETC)

IDK.. HARDLY INSPIRING.

WHY I DO NOT LIKE THE "BEAT WRITERS"

2009-04-16T13:55:00.004-04:00

All they do is speculate, pontificate and regurgitate.

They write blogs on espn.com, local news paper websites and such about who might do what. They play god and say that this coach would never sign this type of player, or that this team needs to fill this hole and wouldn't go for a certain player on the trading block.

I read all of the ones about my Vikings.. hoping for some kind of actual "insider" viewpoint and rarely do i get anything out of it.

The only thing that these people have that we, the common readers, don't have is ACCESS.

They get to be in the press room, they get the wires before us, they get to interview people sometimes. All that info and they still can't say anything relevant and you know why?

Because NFL head coaches and GMs aren't stupid. Why would they tip their hat? Why would they say who they're gonna take, or if they want a certain player or this or that when they can just operate UNDER THE RADAR and make offers or inquiries?

You really think Chip Scroggins knows if CHILLY is gonna make a move for BOLDIN? I mean anyone with a brain knows he'd be a great fit for us. You think Spielman, inspite of him saying he "doesn't want to lose too many draft choices" wouldn't want him for 2 picks when Boldin is under a 2 year contract? That makes no sense. You can't DRAFT a BOLDIN. The best "sure thing" picks are even considered 50/50 as far as panning out. I know that, Spielman knows that... And to say that Sidney Rice will step up blah blah it's just the laziest of writing. If he watched all the games he might have noticed that a healthy Sidney Rice couldn't get open against a PHILLY CB playing on one leg. I just don't think he's ever gonna be a number 1 WR.

The only thing that matters right now are two things. When a coach says his player is "on the trading block" and that the draft is coming up. Until then all this talk about who might go where is rubbish. Braylon Edwards and Anquan Boldin will probably get traded to a team no one is mentioning, it wouldn't surprise me one bit. Just remember, there is no consequence for NFL teams saying they'll do this or that and the NOT doing it. None. We all know they do it sometimes to throw people off.

These guys can write all they want, collect their checks for misleading the public and teasing us with "likely scenarios" and "mock drafts" all the want. I don't give them any more credit then the weather man and we all know how well they do. The only difference is that the weathermen are decent enough to give us percentages, 20% chance of rain, 35 percent chance of snow. These guys can only offer up maybes and possibly and at the end of their "speculations" they always cover their own asses by saying "but you never know" or "weirder things have happened."

Bleh

I hate the mock draft as much as i hate mock chicken.

I just wait for the real thing..

So keep your worries under wraps.. until the draft is over and done with we really have no clue if the Vikings are gonna emBoldin themselves with some trades for a wide out or higher pick but based on the proven track record of Spielman and Chilly... I feel like no matter what happens we will get another couple good players in the next couple weeks.

Skol Vikings

DEAR CHILLY... EmBoldin yourself!

2009-04-16T12:23:00.010-04:00

em⋅Bold⋅in

[em-bohl-duhn]

–verb (used with object)

to make bold or bolder; hearten; encourage your fans and team morale by trading for a world class WR named Anquan Boldin

Hey Vikes!!?!

PLEASE try to get him. Wisenhunt said they'd take a 1st and 3rd round pick. It's totally worth it. He's a bruiser and that's what we need. He's got RAC skills, blocking skills, hands. Rumor is he is being shopped to PITT and BALTIMORE etc... It wouldn't be fair if the STEELWHORES got him.

Please try.

Thanks!

http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d80e740e5

ahahahaha!

2009-04-15T12:17:00.006-04:00

I love how she says cocaine. This is classic. So "my boy" whom I want the Vikings to pick up on the cheap, MATT JONES, is in court... with his parents!

I think he'd be a good red zone guy, as well a slot guy who could go in motion and change into a blocking TE.

I think he's polite. He doesn't want to blow his career.

sign him. Someone forward this to CHILLY. It's from last year, in November.

EL Schedule came out yesterday

2009-04-15T10:46:00.006-04:00

I know all the die-hards already looked it over, guesstimated wins and losses and came up with the usual 13 - 3 or 12 - 4 record. I always thought looking far ahead and having expectations was dumb but this is why people suck at sports gambling.

I am glad we got 3 night games, including 2 on Monday though I am not looking forward to Madden jocking Cutler and Rodgers in those two black and blue games.

In other news, I am sure y'all. noticed Braylon Edwards was on the block. Upon further review today they weren't asking for much. His number were significantly down last year but we all know he's a damn good receiver, the Browns offense sucked last year and he's only 26.

I say lets give them Sidney Rice and a 2nd rounder or something, we have more then the Giants do as far as bargaining tools why not go for it?? It's reported they offered a 2nd rounder, a 4th and some biscuits. I know he had one great year then one year mired with drops and such but come one... he'd be completely rejuvenated here. Utterly I reckon.

Last Year's Edwards

Edwards two seasons ago

We'd have him opening day, in Cleveland, on our team. It would be a hoot. I hope they at least try... he'd be a better fit then T.J. Douchemickwhatchamacallit

I'd like to draft this fella

Not much going on.... here's another video for those of you with out the NFL network

2009-04-12T03:53:00.004-04:00

Minnesota Vikings - State of the Franchise

Burress?

2009-04-03T17:08:00.003-04:00

I don't know how long he's gonna go to jail for? Anyone know? Is he off the hook? Is he free to sign with a team now?

Anyone want him?

I say, why not?

Incentive based, 1 year contract. See what he can do.

WHAT WE REALLY NEED!

2009-04-03T16:41:00.004-04:00

HEY PURPLE PEOPLE

So this is my take on what we really need. I am not gonna bitch and moan about the QB or getting a "true #1 WR" etc. That is all drivel for the fantasy football / mock draft people to argue about. They can project so and so to be a great WR all they want. More then half the time they're dead wrong anyways. Even the "experts"

I am not even gonna talk about the draft... I like how we've been drafting the last few years. I am sure they will draft for the best player available and not force it.

We need our team to be more DISRUPTIVE... especially in the passing game! We were 10th in the league as far as PASSING ATTEMPTS AGAINST (530) and only 22nd in INTERCEPTIONS (12).

By comparison the teams that were number one & two in INTERCEPTIONS (Ravens 26 and Browns 23) were numbers 12 (528 atts) and 3 ( 486 atts) respectively in most passing attempts against.

So the RAVENS have a PIC every 20.3 attempts and the BROWNS have one every 21 attempts.

Our ratio is one interception every 44 attempts. That's barely every game or two.

I used passing attempts instead of passing plays because of sacks, and scrambles etc. Which brings me to the other side of the passing plays. Sacks.

Contrary to popular belief, we were FOURTH in the entire league in total sacks. That's pretty good. Dallas was miles ahead of everyone with 59... we had 46. Just under three a game. And that was pretty much in line with the other teams on a per passing play ratio.

FUMBLES

We were 2nd in the LEAGUE With forced fumbles! That's great.. and fourth with recovered fumbles... obviously that's just how the ball bounces etc.

Any casual fan knows we have hard hitting DBs and they cause fumbles. I like our guys a lot. We also know Mr Sharper was a tad late to a lot of passes.

3rd down conversion ratio AGAINST

I can't find this stat anywhere, but I remember being traumatized many times in the Philly game. sometimes we can't even get coverage sacks so what gives? I know sometimes we have a zone, sometimes do bump and run, so I won't generalize... but in general - we don't seem to have that killer instinct. I know a few games when we had late leads we held...

Anyone know where to find this stat?

anyways, i like with EJ Henderson back.. MADEA Williams playing all year, Sharper leaving and JOHNSON taking over. We will be a little faster and more disruptive. We need our LBs and DBs to make those picks! Just 10 more next year would translate into a couple wins or some comfortable wins instead of nail biters!

Vikes will FINALLY get their hands on Cutler!

2009-04-02T17:50:00.007-04:00

I predict 7 sacks combined for both games... 8 hurries... 4 knockdowns!

So CUTLET went to the CHicago Bears... just like most of the prognosticators didn't mention he would. Just like they said LOVEY said he was real happy with Orton etc etc yada yada yawn snore.

Lovey prefers standing to sitting on the hot seat

I'm not bothered at all.. they payed a hefty price for him. From my crack pot texts i gather two number ones and Kyle hipster-mustache Orton. I hope it works out for LOVEY. He's on the hot-seat I think and he needed to make a move... They better RUN out and sign harrison or holt or someone because they got no one to throw too besides HESTER.

I predict we will rattle that guy. Now at least we get to play against him and try to knock his head off. And all this speculation can die.

People are saying that now they are the premier team in the NFC North... really? Just because they got a good QB? So does that mean that they will score 68 points against us instead of 48? I'm not convinced. I still think we have a better over all team, more weapons... better defense now... we're gonna be ok!

RIP useless speculation. Im glad I didn't read any of it or get too hyped up.

YOUR MOST RECENT "SPECULATION"

2009-04-01T16:57:00.005-04:00

Media links.

Here is the NFL network take on the VIKES featuring Paul Allen of KFAN

There is also the "on the clock" Vikings piece from ESPN with the Terico, Trent Green, Kiper etc. I actually like what Trent says because it's logical. (for once)

Here is a brief interview of CHILLY about QBs.

STADIUM DRIVE - SIGN UP!

2009-04-01T15:36:00.009-04:00

My personal take, especially now with the recession and economic layoffs is thus.

The best way to fight pink slips is with purple pride!

Ricky took his severance pay to the Big

Easy and watched us stomp dem Saints

Now I've never been an economics student... but it seems to me like BUILDING a stadium would require workers. To be a worker you need to have a JOB. Another thought is the salaries... Um, these guys have like a 67 million dollar pay roll, just for the player's roster, and that is tax at the heaviest percentage so...

*gets out calculator

Roughly at 15 percent (local/ state tax not federal) it's $10 million a year in income tax alone. $100 million in 10 years. (not including inflation)

The Vikings Facilities are in disrepair!

We also have the vendors, parking revenues... NFL money.. a Super Bowl inevitably. Not to mention the litigation fees that our local Trial Lawyers and such will get from various illegalities committed by our players. It's a no brainer to me. I didn't get mad when they gave thousands to the new Theatre.. I don't go, but i know it's an important part of a large city. Just like Stadiums.. I can't believe people are complaining about minuscule tax hikes or saying "I'm not gonna pay for it" as if they know anything about our budget and revenue plans. They don't know who's paying for the roads, schools, or where the lottery money is going. (to the loons, literally, not us)

I digress

FROM THE VIKINGS WEBSITE

Dear Vikings Fan:

As the Vikings push toward an NFC North title and the NFL playoffs, we are asking you to join our team to help secure a new home for Vikings football.

While the State of Minnesota steps up to face current economic challenges, the Vikings stadium project will deliver thousands of jobs when an economic boost is desperately needed.

It is our expectation that the Vikings will move forward in 2009 with a discussion at the State Legislature about resolving the stadium issue. With only 30 home games left until the Metrodome lease expires in 2011, we need to rally Vikings fans and supporters to ensure that our voices are heard as state leaders tackle this important issue.

Please click here to join our team and be part of the stadium solution. Being part of Minnesota Momentum will keep you updated on important stadium developments and let you know how you can help resolve this issue.

Please visit MinnesotaMomentum.com to find out more. Thank you for your time and consideration, and thank you for joining our team.

Sincerely,

Bud Grant Vikings Hall of Fame Coach Co-Chair, Minnesota Momentum

Larry Spooner Vikings Fan Co-Chair, Minnesota Momentum

GASP! "My boy" CHILLY is number one at something good!

2009-04-01T14:57:00.005-04:00

Not just how often we rush the ball, but how proficient we are at it.

You all know me as the devil's advocate here... People say I defend Chilly and that he's "my boy" just because I shoot down their dumb fantasy football laden logic. I'm not a believer in the magic pill. You can't fire a guy and bring in a new guy and it automatically means a championship. You can't attach wins and losses to a QB. This isn't the MLB. QBs don't play defense or special teams...

And another thing... I don't argue with hypotheticals like "If we ran this play instead or we should have done this" because it's hypotheticals and you can't argue like that. People that just bitch and moan and complain and play god (rubes) have to learn to give praise then when stuff does work instead of saying "it was probably an audible.. chilly didn't call it... it was luck" or some other lazy analysis.

Perfect Example, that 99 yard pass to Berrian from our 1 yard line. It was a perfectly called and executed play and even the CHICAGO bears DBs said so. SO how can any rube claim otherwise? (believe me they did at the time)

So the haters will say that it just shows how "one dimensional" our offense is. Because that's what people with no independent thought will say... yet these same Neanderthals were all screaming "run it, run it... let him run it" in what would have been AP's 31st rushing attempt in the game against San Diego where we ran the same 4 running plays over and over and over.

No one was complaining then...

Pre Season schedule released

2009-03-30T15:45:00.008-04:00

This is slightly less surprising and exciting then the releasing of Darren Duller but alas... sadly there are still four of them next year. I hope they switch it to 2 game pre-season and have an 18 game regular season. Instead of regurgitating the stuff from the Strib... I offer you this nugget of famed Vikings entertainment. All you youngsters should watch it.. it's very low quality but all that matters is the sound. This was taken after a game we won in overtime. We scored on 7 field goals... and again, we WON. But people thought it was too ugly for their tastes.

The "good stuff" starts 30 seconds in... I like the ending the best. This basically sums up how rubes react to football losses or "ugly" wins. This parallels people who question play calls etc. but the coaches can only do so much... you know my take. Now enjoy my favorite coach ever!

Absolute Classic!

Click here to see the video

Welcome Back Mr. Tahi

2009-03-27T13:46:00.018-04:00

I am pleased that the Vikes matched the Bungles offer to retain TAHI. It is important to have a FB who can catch to keep Defenses honest, as well as one who has some feet under him. I disagree with Mr Seifert's lazy analysis about retaining him for just over a million dollars. He said

"To me, the bigger question is why the Vikings think it's so important to have a high-priced fullback on their roster when he plays less than 50 percent of their offensive snaps. This will be the fourth time in the past four years they have a fullback on the roster averaging $1 million or more on his contract. Tony Richardson was their starter in 2006 and 2007, while Thomas Tapeh earned $1.855 million for two games last season before being waived.
I've always thought the Vikings should find a way to maximize the time that Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor spend on the field together. When they absolutely need a fullback, they have H-back Jeff Dugan on their roster for that purpose. But that's just me."

Well... IDK Mr. Seifert. Firstly, Tony Richardson was an ALL PRO so obviously he deserved his paltry checks. They pay punters and long snappers a lot of money for less time on the field, they pay FAREWELL handsomely for his ratio of playing time to pay check.. and beyond that, can DUGAN block an all pro linebacker? I know he can catch and hit the line with some size.. but in the open field, can he set that one block that will let AP loose into the secondary? I doubt it. TAHI is more athletic and is more of a true FB and it's obvious he has some value if the Bungles wanted him. Not to mention TAHI is younger and has a brighter future and is still getting better. (he took three years off from college so he's still fresh and learning) Dugan is a career back up.

Bravo vikes.

I like our guy. Let's keep him... He seems a "little" more athletic, motivated and mean then Mr Dugan. ( Not counting his mormon mission at BYU) But you be the judge.

Tahi

Hard Tongan Tattoo... from the mean streets of Utah!

Dugan

Why is Dugan on the field if THEY have the ball? hmmm

Look at my boy in action.

How could we let him go? He's a bruiser!

He can take out Six Hawks at a time!

The most effective play action call in history!?

Frerotte then monkey passed it to himself and high stepped in

He can out run a Colt!

Good reminder to all aspiring LBs to wrap those legs! (Especially a Tongan!)

And I have a hunch he's pretty good buddies with A.P.

"Hey AP, maybe now would be a good time to accept Jesus as your savior!?"

Bits and Bobs

2009-03-21T13:51:00.008-04:00

Ok.. so far, so boring. But if it ain't broke don't fix it. A reminder... let's not forget how many close games we pulled out with execution and composure, and how many games we GAVE away with mistakes and yet and still...

So we all wanted Douchemanzada but he wanted to go to a 4 and 12 team with a new system and new coach. Dumb. The TJ talk people scandalized was over the phone and lasted 2 minutes. Clearly TJ DOUCHE is cashing in on his last chance for big money and moved somewhere close to his family etc. Can't blame him, it was a family/business decision NOT a football decision so what can we do? Good riddance, I don't want a guy who isn't competitive anyways and his yards per catch is like 3 yards and he had the benefit of playing with that other guy- number 85. I bet he doesn't earn his money and is very average production wise.

Our re-signings pleased me, I also like the addition of Paymah and Holt. I'm glad we have so many talented DBs. I liked Sapp in the nickel, I love Cedric Griffin, he hits and is competent. And with a real safety helping him out he will be even more effective.

I am over joyed that SHARPER is leaving and his parting shots made me laugh. He claimed the system here changed and he wasn't allowed to make plays. psssh! I always felt I'd rather have a quick energetic enthusiastic un-experienced player then an old, slow smart one (at SS)

Griffin contemplates a defense with actual safety help

We all saw the games, you're not a step slow and getting shat on by WRs and TEs because of "the system". The coaches weren't preventing him from making plays.. that's all straight b.s. I can recall a few plays where he just took the WRONG angle and didn't get even close to making the tackle or deflecting the pass. The most painful one was the TE in ATLANTA game who caught a long TD over the middle. He was the only target down field yet Sharper was a half hour late getting to him. Goodbye Mr Duller. Thanks for your services.

Cutler Cutler Cutler.. who knows what will happen. I'd love to trade for him, I don't care how many number 2 draft picks it is. Let's do it. He's younger and more talented then any QB ever in history to be traded like this. The nearest comparison is Jeff George who went from INDY to ATLANTA a long time ago. Yawn snore.

AND where in the world is Jeff GARCIA?? Why isn't anyone else trying to sign him? why are there all these old veteran WRs chillen? Are they that useless? Times are changing... I bet some of these guys get added to rosters of playoff teams that need leaders and proven producers available for big plays or as stand ins. I applaud Joey Galloway for his public decree "I just wanna help a team win any way I can" I like that attitude. But to be honest.. the guy I want at WR for cheap is...

Matt Jones! His release has me wagging my tail. We already took on anothern southern 6'6 boozer under our wings, why not two? I think it'd be nice for Allen to have a tall white trash buddy to kick around with. He could also do what RICE can't do (or hasn't yet) in the red zone. Jump up and catch those fades... He also fits into a run heavy TE offense with his sheer size. We could call them "southern comforts"

"Can we keep him, mommy? Can we!?"

That Matt Stafford guy is physically impressive. Jeez. I know we won't get him but , dang.

Matthew shows trailer park-Rosie how to do the statue of liberty play

SOME SAGE ADVICE FOR ALL YOU ROSENFALLS

2009-02-27T16:11:00.004-05:00

NEWS AT 11

Ok... Well. Like many of you I was not only disappointed by this trade/signing, but also put on alert. Though I've been a huge supporter of the offseason moves by the Vikings the last few years I got a little un-sure of our motives. I don't know if next year's "no cap" rosters are having an impact or what... there are a lot of odd goings on this off season which I will address soon.

For now I'd just like to have faith that they know what they're doing.. we did get Kleini back... which I am happy about. Heath Farewell too. We lost BIRK but that was his deal, not the VIKES fault, I bet he just was sick of MN and missed the east coast. (Harvard) The kid behind him is huge, also a fancy college guy, and looked promising in scrimmages according to folks around winter park.

Here is a link to Sage's "highlights" including the helicopter. I do like his decisions, mechanics and over all skill set. He is just another un-proven player, like Bobby Wade, so I don't know what will happen, will he continue to be average or blossom? We will see what happens with the Garcias and such soon enough. (EDIT 3/27. ok, maybe not)

http://www.truveo.com/Vikings-trade-for-Rosenfels/id/2522015822284228969

There are more videos of him at the top of the page

CHILLY talks about QB situation

2009-01-08T14:58:00.002-05:00

Childress addresses quarterback situation

January 8th, 2009 – 12:44 PM by Chip Scoggins
Vikings coach Brad Childress just conducted his season-ending press conference and naturally the quarterback situation was the No. 1 topic.
Childress said he felt like Tarvaris Jackson took a step forward this year, but he said the team will look around to see what is available either in trade, draft or free agency. Here is some of Childress thoughts on his quarterback situation:
“It’s really kind of a whole offseason study,” he said. “I’m not going to pass judgement right at this particular point. I think you owe it to everybody here in the organization, just like we always have, to turn over all the rocks and see what you have there. I would also say there’s point with Tarvaris of continuing to evolve as a quarterback. While you’d like that process to happen immediately, it doesn’t always happen immediately. But there’s not anything we’re going to leave unturned in terms of free agency, draft. And that goes until after the draft. You see who’s out there, and by the same token, Tarvaris is going to be here and we’re going to continue to get him better.”
(What does Tarvaris need to do to take next step?) “For everybody, it’s standard of performance. What can you consistently expect to put out there? You saw that as we led up to the last game. Unfortunately, we weren’t consistent [against the Eagles]. We weren’t able to put ourselves in good enough position – and that’s team wide — to be able to win. But you want consistency. That’s the thing you’re looking for. Not that there’s never a blip, not that somebody doesn’t play bad because they’re trying to rip your head off every time back there.”
We’ll obviously have a lot more in Jackson and the QB situation online and in the paper tomorrow.
Here are few other notes:
– Right guard Anthony Herrera had surgery on his shoulder on Wednesday. Tackle Artis Hicks will have surgery to repair his triceps on Friday. Childress said a few other guys might need surgeries to clean up some areas.
– Childress said no decisions have been made about whether the team will attempt to bring back center Matt Birk, safety Darren Sharper and tight end Jim Kleinsasser.
– Childress said all of his assistant coaches are under contract and that he expects all of them return, except possibly defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier, who interviewed with Denver on Wednesday and is scheduled to interview with the Detroit Lions on Saturday.
– Childress said he met briefly with backup quarterback Gus Frerotte before he left for St. Louis. Childress said he understands that Frerotte is frustrated and doesn’t agree with Childress’ decision to start Jackson in the final three games. But Childress said Frerotte is a ”team guy.”
We’ll post a few more items from Childress’ press conference later in the day,.

"Mangenius" to Browns proves my point

2009-01-08T11:21:00.000-05:00

Coaches are over-rated. the sloppy seconds nature of the coaching wheel makes no sense to me. i think it’s an indictment of the hype and bullshit out there in the media and in the owners offices pertaining to who can bring about drastic change. I think these coaches are no more accountable for their teams (in general) then politicians are for their districts.

"players coaches" are always well liked publicly, even when their teams suck. they get a little longer of a leash before they’re given the axe (herm edwards, mora)

"experienced" coaches that have won the Super Bowl etc get a away with their reputations. If you take Reeves, Cower, Holmgren, Fisher and combine the years.. you get appx 55 yrs of coaching with just 5 super bowl victories. FIVE. that’s one every ten years. (cower got one in 15 yrs, fisher, zero)

"coordinators" come off some super bowl winning team or leading offense and are given a shot, even though they’ve never been a head coach. this is also an indictment of the lack of thought or effort being made by the people doing the hiring, i could bet a million dollars that you can’t take the giants defensive coordinator and bring him to the broncos for example, and all of a sudden have them in the top 5 ranked defenses. never happen. because they don’t have the PLAYERS.

TUNA had the players. BELLICHIK had the players. Dennis GREEN had the players. hall of fame players world class!

right now... TOMLIN has the PLAYERS. he isn’t any better or worse then the next coach, he came from one great run D and went to the next, only he traded up at almost every other position. he inherited a great team and he didnt mess it up even though they scraped out some seriously ugly wins (as ugly as our detroit wins) yet everyone wishes "we still had him"

i like the guy a lot, he is entertaining and funny... but let’s be REAL here. would it make much difference? (i think yes, maybe he wouldn’t have drafted AP, or signed JARED ALLEN.. dont get me started)

No one likes CHILLY, they call him "the accountant" on the nfl network.. but what is the REAL LIFE best way to judge a coach?

i don’t know if there is one. the "best coaches" always had the BEST PLAYERS and there are plenty of good coaches and great teams that never won a super bowl so what gives? I bet my bottom dollar that if CHILLY stayed here another 5 years we’d be in the playoffs most of that time. So that would be 6 trips in 9 years. respectable no?

CHILLY came into town and stamped his brand on this team, you don’t have to like him, but at least respect that he hasn’t bitched out, he has tried, he has made moves and gotten us a really nice roster. what more can you ask for? Super Bowls don’t come from great coaches, they come from great teams, defense, few turnovers and a magical winning streak... I am glad WILF has the patience and foresight not to do anything knee jerk and "start over" though if he did.. it wouldn’t change much thanks to our CHILLY built roster. this team is set up for success.

are the jets? broncos? browns? jaguars? saints? set up for success? or heading backwards?

who knows.

Teams that over-achieve do it because they limit turnovers and have solid coverage teams and can run. see atlanta, and giants, number one and two in those categories! you don’t "coach" that. the players "play" that. so the same can be said for under-achieving teams like dallas and indy. not the coaches faults, it’s the players. simple as that

FOR MY VIKES FANS WITH WASHED OUT FACE PAINT

2009-01-06T20:18:00.001-05:00

Parting Shots

2009-01-06T11:37:00.002-05:00

Well, that's it. I am not shocked at the out come though. When I was discussing possibilities with a Philly fan I said it would come down to these 5 factors.

Will AP bust one?
Will Westbrook bust one?
Will T Jack throw a pick 6?
Will our punt team hurt us?
Will our WRs struggle to get open in single man coverage and allow them to plug us up?

Well you can answer YES to all of the above. Though we forced a fumble and got a nice interception, those turnovers where harmless and in our part of the field or mid field. Philly's long returns set up at least 2 FGs and TAVARIS didn't do us any favors. He was very inefficient. Meanwhile McNabb racked up 300 yards dinking and dunking on us. He had too much time to throw, I have never seen so many 3rd and longs converted in a game, all to people who's names i've never heard of.

I had hoped that Tavaris would play with poise, make plays with his feet.. that our Offensive line would find some heart and dominate, create holes for AP (they didn't) and that we could force some turnovers and get points off of them. None of that happened.

They just played a better game, did all things real solid and won comfortably.

OFFSEASON

I would like to let Sharper go, though is is smart and positive in interviews and in the locker room, I see him get torched too much. It's disconcerting.

I have lost my enthusiasms for T JACk, not so much because he had a bad game, but because he reminds me of ELI MANNING.. in interviews he seems distant and clueless and he showed no football IQ when it came to the blitzes. I know he had no time on a few occasions but still- anticipate?!? Hopefully we will bring in a BLUE CHIP quarterback. He STILL tips people off with his eyes, that pick 6 was so awful.

I would also like us to sign a real receiver, not some speed guy who cant run routes like berrian or serviceable yet boring players like wade and rice. They are avg at best I feel now and I want changes- they can never seem to GET OPEN when we need them to. I mean jesus, SAMUEL (DB -Philly) was playing HURT and he ran better routes then RICE did. No excuses!

DEAR MANAGEMENT

Please don't buy the hype this offseason with your 20 million in cap space!. CASSEL is this years what's his name.. oh yes, that's my point. The guy in CLEVELAND everyone wanted so bad who signed a huge contract who turned out to be whatever. DERRIK ANDERSON.

When we got BERRIAN he was the best available, but still miles away from being as good as the contract we signed him to. Let's sign people based on what they have already done, what their production is, not what they might do or are capable of doing. (SEE JARED ALLEN)

TRADE CHESTER TAYLOR for a sweet player. Make some other GM look stupid for a change and let's be on the good end of a lopsided deal. I know CHESTER is awesome, but he's under used here. Let's get a pro bowl LB or CORNER or RECEIVER. I am sure CINCINATTI or some similar team would love to have him

NFC NORTH CHAMPS

2008-12-28T22:02:00.006-05:00

CONGRATS!

I'd also like to send a congrats to AP for his rushing title! 1760 yards!

AP looking at the jumbotron for would be tacklers

We won the game,
we won the division,
we are hosting PHILLY

and now for something completely different

People who don't like CHILLY still complain to me. WTF?! Ticky tack- about how we wasted 15 seconds at the end of the game or the QB draw play on 4th and 1. People who hate T JACK will say he threw that un-timely interception.... and? your point ? ( I liked the draw play, TUCK just made a good hustle play)

Like I always say, I am just glad the players AND coaches don't get so freaked out and down every time a mistake or miscue happens or we never would have kept fighting all those games this year, showing resolve and pluck, and winning the division.

I'd also like to point out to the rubes that we don't always know why things happen on the field, maybe T JACK freaked out and burned that final time out because he needed a second, maybe the head set malfunctioned, maybe he noticed he didn't have the right players on the field. No coach would intentionally do that, obvious no?! I noticed us try to hike the ball and get them on a penalty for too many men or offsides which was cheeky and would have gotten us 5 yards closer... but annoyingly the refs wouldn't let us it seemed.

HOW CAN PEOPLE COMPLAIN ABOUT CLOCK MANAGEMENT WHEN WE HAVE HAD SO MANY COME BACKS AND GAME WINNERS? SO WINNING THE GAME AS TIME EXPIRED ISN'T PERFECT CLOCK MANAGEMENT?

You can't convince people to stop being negative or seeing things as half full when they only see them as empty- and I won't try. I will just say that I feel sorry for those people.

Here we have "good coaches" with arguably more talent then our team, Dallas and Tampa Bay, choking big time, you also have the Patriots not making the playoffs as well!!! Those two teams were picked to win it all this year! And people are STILL down about Chilly. (Dumb asses)

Hey assholes- we are the 3rd seed in the NFC, after starting out 1 and 3!

And all the players who made plays today, guess who brought them in as free agents.. go ahead. Take a wild guess.

Berrian's TD, AP's, SHANKS catches, WADE's... ALL free agents CHILLY signed.
(Not to mention Jared Allen, Chester Taylor, HUTCH etc.)

-NEXT WEEK-

We need to force some turnovers for pete's sake! Where have our interceptions and forced fumbles been hiding?? I am not so worried yet as we just played two really really good ball control bang and bruise running teams but still..

We need to GET to the QB next week... our blitzes looked like blintzes!

And one last thing. TAVARIS please stop doing this!

Please put your balls away when you are being hugged

MY DADDY ALWAYS SAID...

2008-12-23T11:37:00.003-05:00

You know there has been some useless speculation going around about if so and so's mishandling was a "muff" or "fumble." In our game, in the PACK game...

I think all this could be cleared up if you just listen to what my daddy used to say.

"Son, I don't care if it's a muff or a fumble you dive on it either way!"

Memo to VIKES-

it's loose! dive on it

Open Letter to A.P.

2008-12-22T11:09:00.004-05:00

Hi...

So we all love you. You're purple Jesus after all. We love how you "finish runs" but we are all getting worried about your fumbles etc. Like they said on TV last night. You seem to be "trying to hard."

I watched the guy from Carolina run, he ran for 20 yards down the sideline, saw 2 DBs coming and just walked out of bounds. If you already have the first and the only thing bending, twisting, spinning, reaching out or hurdling will get you is another .74 yards, please don't do it. Just cover up the ball and "keep the drive alive."

Jesse, a punter for the Democrats, reminds Adrian. "Two hands on the ball. Two!"

Not only will this reduce your league leading fumble ratio, but it will also reduce the chances of you getting hurt. (Or hurting someone from the opposing team)

Adrian Peterson... Purple Jesus... you're the "one"

PSALM #28
Save thy people, and bless thine inheritance: feed them also, and lift them up for ever.

JOB #28
Surely there is a vein for the silver, and a place for gold [where] they fine [it]...He putteth forth his hand upon the rock; he overturneth the mountains by the roots.

Remember the "5 points of pressure rule." I am not sure what it means, but I have a feeling it has to do with two hands while holding it into your body. Look at rugby players, they lateral the ball hundreds of times, no problems. So why can't you be as proficient?

Thanks and good luck. Here is a motivational picture from a children's rugby league for the mentally ill.

The Stratfordshire Shortlorries set the league record for fewest fumbles this year!

EDIT

Correction - they are not mentally ill. They just look funny because they're English. My apologies to these fine lads and their families!

THE GREAT NEGATORS

2008-12-21T19:49:00.008-05:00

IT'S not an extinct crocodile dinosaur. It's what our scary looking red colored commentator* man referred to as fumbles. Say no more. Let's skip ahead, for now, to the really annoying non call at the end. We won't talk about T-JACK's insane performance, SHANKS crazy handles or BERRIAN AND PURPLE JESUITS fumbles... not today... Here for all of you to peruse is the proof that it was indeed interference by the DIRTY BIRDS #24.

(special thanks to Xander Man for his quick photoshop efforts)

Sidney Rice gives D. Foxworth a congratulatory hand shake for making the playoffs

I am too annoyed and pissed off right now to expound on the game. I am proud of our guys though. They showed a lot of heart and fight. If we make the playoffs I'd be real scared going into the dome. I don't think we will keep gifting wins for teams like we did today or against the COLTS or TITANS - two division winning teams we went toe to toe with early in the season.

Add this English transplant to my list of least favorite ATLANTA athletes. He's right up there with Jamal Anderson and Mark Lemke. Congrats domonique with an "O"! You're a wanker as they say in your hometown of OXFORD, ENGLAND.

WANKER!

CONGRATULATIONS SHANKS! You get my game ball, leading the league in receiving yards this week!

* Brian Baldinger the scary looking commentator

Let's get a Stadium!

2008-12-19T13:01:00.007-05:00

Dear Vikings Fan:

As the Vikings push toward an NFC North title and the NFL playoffs, we are asking you to join our team to help secure a new home for Vikings football.

While the State of Minnesota steps up to face current economic challenges, the Vikings stadium project will deliver thousands of jobs when an economic boost is desperately needed.

Please visit MinnesotaMomentum.com to find out more. Thank you for your time and consideration, and thank you for joining our team.

Sincerely,

Bud Grant
Vikings Hall of Fame Coach
Co-Chair, Minnesota Momentum

Larry Spooner
Vikings Fan
Co-Chair, Minnesota Momentum

Since AP has set the club record for yards in a season...

2008-12-16T19:43:00.003-05:00

Here is a list of my all time favorite and least favorite Viking RBs (In Order)

Favorites ( I never saw Chuck Foreman play really much so...)

Adrian Peterson
Terry Allen
Chester Taylor
Robert Smith
Rick Finney
Leroy Hoard

Least Favorites

Darrin Nelson
D.J Dozier
Herschel Walker
Ontario Smith
Alfred Anderson (just never liked him)

Here is proof that I am cured of VIKINGS NEGATIVITY SYNDROME

2008-12-16T13:23:00.004-05:00

I sent this to a blogger on the VIKES site just before the bye week. It's fun to look back at the week of doubt knowing what we know now. So many fans were fed up and losing hope. At the same time you had teams like Buffalo and the SKINS and Dallas dominating. Ha!

In my humble opinion it's a team that is on the verge of getting it all together. we have yet to have a "solid game" we always have some dumb turnovers, penalties, some bad call or some un-characteristic weird play (see punt drop)

you have to believe that we will "nip that shit in the bud" regardless of chilly and his gang (my take on chilly is very neutral, i think they get too much credit and too much blame, as do quarterbacks) and their efforts. these guys are all evolving as one group.. like 11 dingo's that are hunting a gazelle and they have to work together and if one of them messes up, well, they all starve. I think our team is hungry! i really do, and I am not being a homer... I am just using common sense.

Sure we all had big expectations, so have the dallas fans. they have no excuse, at least we have excuses =p

Keep your head up.. I think the bye is perfect timing and the vikes will come back with some new wrinkles to give us a few more three and outs on the defensive side.. a few more looks on offense.. a little more flair.

very quietly berrian is on pace for 1000 yards. shankoe is on pace to have a solid year.. AP is on pace for like 1500 yards.. our defense is slowly climbing the charts.. im not big on stats but it's indicative of our aptitude and skill set.

We have a team that could easily beat any other team. so remember the shitty giants we killed last year, remember the wild card steelers who ran rough shot to the super bowl, remember the 87 vikes who beat the 13 and 2 niners and 12 and 3 saints etc.

"it's too early to call!"

It's not over yet.. but I can smell the Post Season and it smells like astroturf and Grain Belt Premium.

Vikings - Cardinals (week 15)

2008-12-15T11:40:00.005-05:00

Well, what a great game.. almost "nerves-free" aside from the blocked field goal that could have spelled a comeback if we didn't buckle down and score again. That was a huge 10 point swing and made me nervous. Our next possession we made some plays and finished them off with that beautiful "pump and go" route by WADE. The announcers mentioned how CHILLY said "We could get HOOD (their CB) on a double move" and they did. I just wanted to mention that as it has 100 percent to do with scouting, preparation and execution. Something the CHILLY haters should acknowledge. (Though there are fewer and fewer grumbles these days) This is how the end of that play and drive felt inside all of us.

"Get Some" was heard shouted from a rabid Vikes fan in the upper deck

I won't touch on all the obvious points, the huge Vikings crowd, the almost perfect play by Tavaris Jackson, Jared Allen's continues rampage etc. It's hard to write a blog after such a good win, without just regurgitating what is already in the papers.

The term "ran roughshot" comes to mind... all you box score fanatics can see how we dominated. I think the most beautiful thing about the game was that we finally looked like the team we were all envisioning before the season started. I can't think of a player who did not contribute to the win. Everyone did their job, very well at that, so we had a comfortable win over an extremely pass happy team.

I though they'd pass for 400 yards on us easily... get 2 or three touchdowns and 3 field goals. I think the rest o the league is starting to get scared because look at what we did to their passing game. We nullified it. Sure, they had that one big play, when we blitzed, then missed 3 tackles. Good individual run by urban, all those yards were "after the catch." Other then that, we didn't allow any deep balls and we had great pressure on Warner. Probably the best pass rush of the season actually. Keep in mind Warner is known for his savvy decision making and quick release yet we caused all the disruption. We forced him to make a lot of those 2, 4 and 8 yard routes, forced a lot of third downs, and we hit hard as soon as the catches were made. We did a really good job of mixing up the blitzes, four man rush and the zones. It was the best game plan all year. I hope we do it more often. We looked real good with our nickel and dime packages. Which is a huge relief.

And now for the obvious... How nice was that fly route TD to BERRIAN? What a great throw. And the punt return was lovely too. So many exciting plays we looked scary. I liked the TD pass to TAYLOR as well. Executed perfectly.

I am confident about next weeks game against the Falcons. There is no way they will be able to rush TURNER 32 times against us and be effective. I anticipate we will test MATT RYAN like he's never been tested in his career and cause some turnovers. ( Though Tamp Bay only managed one sack yesterday) Then on our side of the ball we will give them the usual teasing of AP and CHESTER and throw in the odd deep ball. On paper we match up really well and we always play solid at home if it's not against the Lions.

Chicago will have their hands full with Green Bay. Hopefully the PACK will do us a favor and clinch the division for us... but a five or six game winning streak sure would be nice right now! We could finish 11-5. Who knew.

IT'S OFFICIAL ALL YOU FANTASY STAT ADDICTS. WE ARE TWICE AS BITTER AS THE REST OF THE NFL FANS!

2008-12-09T15:24:00.007-05:00

I pasted this from a RANDBALL blog on the Trib web page.

According to the popular but unscientific ESPN.com coach ratings, Brad Childress’ approval rating continues to languish at 37 percent. Every other team that is a sole leader or co-leader of a division — Denver, Tennessee, Pittsburgh, the Jets, Miami, New England, Arizona, Carolina and the Giants — has a coach with an approval ranking of at least 64 percent (and that low mark belongs to the Patriots’ Bill Belichick, which is absurd. All other coaches are 75 percent or higher, thus making them all double Childress’ number).

So there we have it... I would think the only people who have "choked" more then us in the past 20 years are obviously the BILLS. Yet even they seem to be "over it." I know we had a terrible owner, some underachieving years with MOSS and PEP with no defense and 35 million free to spend which we didn't... though TICE took some blame, most people were smart enough to blame McCombs. I guess we never recovered from those seasons? I never liked DENNIS GREEN, i thought he always got out coached in the playoffs and never built a solid defensive unit after DUNGY left.

It will be interesting to see how this year finishes and if us winning the division translates into an extension for CHILLY. I just want some consistency and I feel like every year we get closer and closer to being an "elite" team and most of our studs are in their prime or young. (Besides BIRK and HUTCH) Each year we improved under CHILLY's boring but stern guidance.

So... interesting nugget that was. Just thought i'd share. Any thoughts why even though we are in first place, have some great skill players, are 8 - 3 in our last 11 games and may clinch the division as early as this weekend why there is still so much angst and disgust out there towards CHILLY? He will never be a colorful fan favorite like Herm Edwards , Chuckie, Cowher or Tomlin but he is doing a lot of positive stuff... all the while showing no insecurity or care towards the lack of fan support which, to me, is a sign of a quiet, confident leader.

Holmgren reluctantly congratulates CHILLY on his dominance in low approval ratings.

I guess your awful season just isn't good enough Holmgren!