DRAFT STUFF - PART ONE

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

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!

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

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"

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!

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!

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

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

Minnesota Vikings - State of the Franchise

Burress?

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!

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!

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"

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!

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!

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...