tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-327452182024-03-13T17:05:38.403-05:00Purple Kool-AidYou want news? Go elsewhere, we drink the Kool Aid here!Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06882941720039856635noreply@blogger.comBlogger147125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32745218.post-70294650498343250002010-01-05T22:16:00.002-06:002010-01-05T22:55:26.013-06:00It's the Playoffs - who do the Vikings want to play?There is nothing better than the NFL Playoffs. OK, so maybe the NFL Playoffs aren't quite as exciting as the Insight Bowl, but they are pretty good. <br /><br />The NFL is intense for 17 weeks and then it gets taken to a whole new level. 12 teams are allowed to participate in the ultimate game of <a href="http://www.pokerlistings.com/texas-holdem">texas hold em</a>. Now they put all of their chips into the center of the table and it's win big or go home. There may not be a team in the playoffs that is more "all in" than the Vikings. With Bret Favre, his aging arm and his cavalier attitude holding the cards what is the path of least resistance for the Vikings.<br /><br />The Second Round Contestants - Philadelphia and obviously New Orleans are off the table, so that leaves Green Bay, Arizona or Dallas as potential opponents. With the way they have all been playing I'm not thrilled about any of these opponents but we can't get two week's worth of byes so let's take a look.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Arizona</span> - anyone remember Week 13? Anyone remember the Cardinal's run through the NFC last year? Their passing attack scares me and while I believe they are beatable in the Dome, I'd rather not see it.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Green Bay</span> - I've never bought into the adage that it's tough to beat a team three times in the same season. I believe if you go 2-0 against a team you did it for a reason, you're better than they are. I think we can beat them but I'll wait until the NFC Championship game. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dallas</span> - I know they are incredibly hot and probably the most dangerous team of the wild card weekend. But this is the team I want to play. Mostly it is for the big picture. I think New Orleans would be ready for the Cowboys this time around and I don't want a home game for the NFC Championship game. I want to face the Cowboys and I want the Packers to beat Arizona and then handle the Saints. This is our best shot at hosting the NFC title game. We play great at home.<br /><br />Bring on whoever but I think I'd prefer to see the Cowboys.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Minnesota Vikings, Vikings, NFL, Purple Kool-Aid, Purple Kook Aid, Purple Pride</div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06882941720039856635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32745218.post-33131710403216302402008-09-16T10:10:00.007-05:002010-07-21T21:43:04.394-05:00Fire Brad Childress and best available NFL Head CochesI have not been updating due to lack of time but I wanted to get the list started of potential replacements for Brad the red hot Childress pepper. <a href="http://www.dailynorseman.com/2008/9/14/614340/an-open-letter-to-brad-chi">Gonzo, over at The Daily Norseman</a> has written his open letter to BTRHCP ripping his Kick Ass Offense and pleading with him to get this coaching thing figured out (or better yet, get out).<br /><blockquote><span style="font-size:85%;">And that's why I, alone in my thought process though I may be, refuse to throw Tarvaris Jackson under the proverbial bus at this point in time. It's clear that Jackson has talent. . .he's mobile, he's got a strong arm, and he appears to be a relatively bright guy. All of that stuff leads me to ask myself how much better he could be if he wasn't hamstrung by one of the </span><span style="font-size:85%;">most inept offenses I've ever had the displeasure to witness. Let the guy loose and let him make plays. We heard all </span><span style="font-size:85%;">off-season about his improvement and his progress. . .let him prove it on the field.<br /></span><p><span style="font-size:85%;">Don't get me wrong, Mr. Childress. . .I love my team. I always have. It's been a 25-year love affair with myself and the Minnesota Vikings, and even your ineptitude isn't going to be enough to change that. Therein lies the only small joy that I can derive from this. Either things will change and the team will get things turned around. . .or you'll continue to waste the immense talent that you've been surrounded with over your time in Minnesota, and you'll be standing in the unemployment line shortly after Week 17. In any event, it's a win-win situation for the Minnesota Vikings and their fans.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:85%;">Mike Tice was fired by Zygi Wilf, and he accomplished far, far more with far</span><span style="font-size:85%;">, far less than you've been given in your time as the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings. At this point, I would be more than happy to welcome ol' Meathead and his pencil back to the Minnes</span><span style="font-size:85%;">ota sidelines in your stead.</span></p></blockquote>Gonzo is absolutely correct in his assesment. Tice accomplished more with less. Jackson has been bad but he really hasn't been given an opportunity to succeed because the playcalling has been painfuly vanilla (not to mention his bandaid for an offensive line).<br /><br />I have always been very patient with the head coaches of my favorite teams. I am usually the last to jump on the fire (Tice, Mason, Monson) bandwagon. <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">But as of today, 9/16/08, I am officially ready for a new head coach</span>. It was a good run for Childress and I appreciate how he has brought a culture of accountability to the team. I wish him the best but hopefully he won't end up in a <a href="http://www.thecyn.com/" target="_blank">drug treatment program</a>.<br /><br />The Vikings are not perfect but show me an NFL who hasn't received a negative headline. At the very least we are no longer the poster child for out of control NFL players. But that isn't winning football games.<br /><br />We have a dominant defense and arguably the best running back in the NFL. The more time we waste with Childress the faster this window closes. Bring in someone new, now. There is still plenty of season left and most importantly plenty of time to establish himself and let the current veterans know that they are going to win and they'll do it in Minnesota. If Brad is the head coach heading into 2009 you will see many of the defensive veterans jump ship to a contender because they know they are wasting their time here.<br /><br />The problem is I wouldn't want to waste 2008 by dumping Childress, letting Leslie Frazier play interim then going through a drawn out search in the offseason. If we can't upgrade now, then stick with status quo. But here are a few guys who I think would be an instant upgrade who are also long term solutions.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/SM_w4GW7idI/AAAAAAAAB9A/0UpUDSlOPnY/s1600-h/Brian+Billick.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 242px; height: 136px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/SM_w4GW7idI/AAAAAAAAB9A/0UpUDSlOPnY/s320/Brian+Billick.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246676937480047058" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">1. Brian Billick</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Status </span>- available now, working for FOX<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Resume</span> - won a Superbowl with dominant defense, power run game and an average QB<br /><br />I would be thrilled to see Billick walk through the doors of Winter Park. He is tough, he is smart and he has won. Billick was known as an offensive guru who struggled to put together a great offense to match his great defenses in Baltimore. But he was able to get it together enough with Trent Dilfer and Jamal Lewis to win a Super Bowl in 2000. Obviously he has the blueprint to win with the current Vikings roster. This is a no brainer in my opinion and would be a slam dunk. Billick was the mastermind behind the 1998 offense which is the second most prolific in NFL history. The 2008 Vikings will never be confused with that offense, but imagine Jackson and Peterson in an offense with some creativity where they will actually call plays to take advantages of mismatches with the defense. These guys are like <a href="http://www.abazias.com/">loose diamonds</a>. In the right setting they'll be fantastic!<br /><br />This would send a message to the fan base and your current group of veterans that you are serious about winning and winning now. Mr. Wilf has opened his checkbook to bring in the necessary parts but his mechanic can't put them together so it works.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/SM_w9inoQ3I/AAAAAAAAB9Q/CQGJV-m-IZk/s1600-h/Marty+Schottenheimer.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 236px; height: 167px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/SM_w9inoQ3I/AAAAAAAAB9Q/CQGJV-m-IZk/s320/Marty+Schottenheimer.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246677030965625714" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. Marty Schottenheimer</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Status</span> - available now, working for ESPN<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Resume</span> - racks up wins and more wins, knows how to utilize the run game to the max<br /><br />Marty would also be a great hire. I know he "can't get to the Super Bowl" but in 21 seasons as a head coach he has had just two losing seasons and a .613 win %. Schottenheimer also knows a thing or two about winning with a dominant rushing offense and a great defense. He knows how to win. You can give me the argument that he is incapable of winning in the playoffs. But I'll counter by saying I think Childress is incapable of getting us to the playoffs. Let's worry about getting to the Super Bowl after we win a division and make the playoffs. The lack of a Super Bowl after dominating several regular season is the reason I put Marty second to Billick, but why not give the guy who can't win the big one a chance with the team known for not being able to win the big one. Maybe in some crazy chaos theory we can prove that this equation would equate to a Super Bowl.<br /><br />One concern with hiring Schottenheimer is that he will be 65 years old in a week. But he does have a strong set of coaching connections that could provide a smooth transition when he is done as the Vikings one and only Super Bowl winning coach.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/SM_w9YcwltI/AAAAAAAAB9I/MskdlocDMI0/s1600-h/Bill+Cowher.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 224px; height: 161px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/SM_w9YcwltI/AAAAAAAAB9I/MskdlocDMI0/s320/Bill+Cowher.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246677028235679442" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. Bill Cowher</span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Status </span>- available now, working for CBS<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Resume</span> - Super Bowl Champ, understands power running game<br /><br />Cowher is young, he is as tough as they come and he'll get this team motivated to win immediately. Does anyone reading this doubt that Cowher could win with the 2008 Vikings roster? He did step down and one could question whether or not he wants to coach again. But maybe challenge of bringing Minnesota their first championship would be a worthy goal to step back onto the sidelines. Again, he is a coach who has won with defense and a power running game. He isn't going to have to reinvent himself to win with this roster and he could have immediate success. I'm not sure what Cowher would do for the develpment of Jackson but I'm certain he could get this offense into the end zone without the help of the Kick Ass Offense.<br /><br />----------<br /><br />There you have three outstanding choices for head coach who have a history of winning in the NFL. This list will grow as guys like Herm Edwards lose their job. If I told you that you could instantly upgrade at QB, we'd all be for it. I am telling you that you can instantly upgrade your head coach, I encourage Mr. Wilf to do so. I realize that this would have a negative affect on the 2008 season. There would be some major adjustments, changing the playbook, current coaches looking for jobs while still trying to coach the Vikes. But if you take a look ahead there is a very strong chance that we will be sitting at 0-5 or 1-4 through five games. The schedule then lightens up and includes a bye week over the next 12 weeks. Things are going to continue as they do now with a boring and unproductive offense that loses close games. Why not shake things up now, maybe we lose the next couple weeks because of adjustments but I guarantee you final 10/11 weeks you will see a different team on the field.<br /><br />Ziggy can wait and let this play out. But deep down we all know how this season is going to play out. We will limp into the bye week with two or three wins at best. We will surge for a few weeks and get back into the playoff conversation only to lose a key game or two down the stretch and miss the playoffs.<br /><br />Don't wait till the offseason when we are competing for Billick, Schottenheimer or Cowher and your vets have already packed their bags. Pull the trigger now and do what is best for this team now AND the future. Firing Childress two weeks into the season may seem rash and may tank the 2008 season. But with Childress wearing the headset we all know this team is looking at finishing somewhere between epic underachievers and just good enough to get an mid-round draft pick. <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">The only thing worse than firing Brad Childress after 34 career games is letting him coach a 35th</span>.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Minnesota Vikings, Vikings, NFL, Purple Kool-Aid, Purple Kook Aid, Purple Pride</div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02845259434253105026noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32745218.post-36582511375834543382008-08-13T08:35:00.002-05:002008-08-13T08:45:46.296-05:00Love to hear it...I have no problem a little trash talking. Many players and teams are too afraid to ruffle feathers or on the other side of the spectrum are so freaking sensitive (ooohhh, they said they are going to beat us, they give us no respect, booohoooo).<br /><br />But the Vikings defensive line isn't shying away from giving the Packers some locker room material.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pat Williams </span>- “Damn, that’s their problem,” Williams said. “They’re going through all that as a team, trying to figure out if Favre or [Aaron] Rodgers was the man, while we’ve got the same team we had all offseason. I’m glad they got all that darn press, ‘cause when we go down there it’ll be the kid’s first start and his first damn loss.”<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jared Allen</span> - "Hopefully, I can put my helmet square in the back of [Rodgers’] spine,” Allen said. “If I can do that and knock the ball loose, it’ll be a good day.”<br /><br />Handing Rogers his first NFL loss and interceptions one, two and three on his way to catching Favre's record, now that would be a good day.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Minnesota Vikings, Vikings, NFL, Purple Kool-Aid, Purple Kook Aid, Purple Pride</div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02845259434253105026noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32745218.post-83497856894179436392008-08-04T14:18:00.002-05:002008-08-04T14:27:05.831-05:00Hitler is tired of Brett Favre SagaPersonally, I still love this whole drama. It is a Win, Win, Win for Vikings fans.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">WIN #1 </span>- Favre ends up in purple. <br /><br />I know this is considered a loss by many, but if you are able to step back at all and look at this objectively, there can be no doubt Brett Favre gives us a better chance to win more games than Jackson. I'll enjoy watching Jackson this year and am intrigued by what he brings, but if Favre actually gives us a shot at the Super Bowl I'll take that 100 out of 100 times. Not wanting Favre because we hate him is childish. You think Green Bay fans would have rejected Randy Moss because he torched the Pack on several occasions and mooned them in a playoff game? No, because when sober they understand how much he can help their football team. It is all about winning and if you hate Green Bay, watching Favre beat his hold team (TWICE) would be so much fun to watch.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">WIN #2</span> - Favre stays in Green Bay as Roger's backup<br /><br />This is going to be a total circus in Green Bay and is guaranteed to divide their fan base and more importantly their locker room. Favre in Green Bay has high potential to fracture their season.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">WIN #3</span> - Favre is the starter in Green Bay<br /><br />They'll win more games, but I would bet a fair amount that Favre starting right away will push Rogers over the edge and he'll get out of town ASAP. So 2008 may be good for Green Bay but with Rogers gone their 2009 QB situation is VERY bleak. <br /><br />Anyway, the point of hte post is the video below. This Hitler clip has been used an awful lot for humor purposes and this one is relevant. Enjoy...<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Sk7lFGuW7_s&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Sk7lFGuW7_s&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><div class="blogger-post-footer">Minnesota Vikings, Vikings, NFL, Purple Kool-Aid, Purple Kook Aid, Purple Pride</div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02845259434253105026noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32745218.post-658497460791282002008-08-01T09:16:00.000-05:002008-08-01T11:47:20.371-05:00Let's take some weight off Jackson's shoulders.(ed note: I know this blog is often difficult to gauge the level of sarcasm and realness. My most recent post was clearly tongue in cheek, while the post you are about to read is meant to be serious)<br /><br />The national consensus is that the Vikings will only be as good as their marginally mediocre quarterback will take them. While there is clearly some truth to this theory I don't think the equation is as simple as if Jackson has a good year we are going to the Super Bowl. There are so many other questions that this team has to answer. The did a phenomenal job in the offseason trying to answer these questions but they will remain questions until they are actually answered.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/SJM7Vfu337I/AAAAAAAABZc/5hstwMRGilg/s1600-h/Tarvarius+and+Chester.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/SJM7Vfu337I/AAAAAAAABZc/5hstwMRGilg/s320/Tarvarius+and+Chester.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229588832788668338" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I am looking forward to this season as much as anyone, but there was more to an 8-8 season than just Tarvaris Jackson.<br /><br />First of all it should be noted that Jackson was 8-2 as a starter in 2007. He was not very good last year finishing right behind Cleo Lemon in QB Rating and had a higher interception % than Rex Grossman. His numbers were bad yet he was 8-2 as a starter. An .800 win% is clearly misleading but on the surface it does give the impression that he can be average and we can still win.<br /><br />Jackson improving dramatically and becoming the leader in the huddle is important but I'm here to argue it is not the only question this team still has to answer before we can book our rooms in Tampa.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">1. We are the reigning NFL's worst pass defense (2 years running). Are we going to be able to stop the pass? </span></span><br /><br />We added arguably the league's best pass rusher to speed up the decision making of opposing quarterbacks (too bad we can't play Eli every week). We also added a safety known for coverage skills. But is this enough? Four of our first six games are against teams who pass the ball well.<br /><ul><li>@ Green Bay - 2nd in NFL in passing (although Favre leaving may help)</li><li>Indianapolis - 6th in NFL</li><li>@ New Orleans - 3rd in NFL</li><li>Detroit - 9th in NFL</li></ul>If these games turn into shootouts our passing game won't be able to keep up no matter how well Jackson plays. And all signs point to Dallas being the NFC team to beat, if we can't slow down the Romo/Owens train we don't stand a chance.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. Our offensive line has little depth, especially if McKinnie is suspended. Is our offensive line good enough?</span></span><br /><br />Is anyone convinced that Ryan Cook and Anthony Herrera are good enough to hold down the right side of the line? Hutchinson is great and I believe that Birk will regain his Pro Bowl form. Herrera is getting some hype locally as a more than adequate RG, but our tackle situation concerns me. Cook has yet to show he is a capable RT and McKinnie is his own mountain of question marks. IF he is suspended then we get to see Chase Johnson move from backup LT to starting (props to anyone who can tell me anything about Johnson off the top of their head).<br /><br />Even if McKinnie is allowed to play 16 games, for my money he is one of the most overrated LT in the game. I was not shocked to hear that Jared Allen was able to speed rush McKinnie and get around the corner with some ease. With no depth and no experienced RT, is anyone else concerned about the offensive line? It is good but there are some concerns and unanswered questions.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. Even if Jackson makes better decisions and develops as we hope he will, do we have the receivers for our passing game to be a threat?</span></span><br /><br />Bernard Berrian was added in the offseason and it was a good move by the organization to get the best available receiver to strengthen a weakness. But we still don't have an established #1 WR and we don't even have a proven "good" #2. We are excited about Rice's potential and Berrian has speed to get behind the defense, but nothing is a given with these guys. If they are unable to get open for Jackson or have trouble hanging on to the ball, it won't matter how accurate TJax is.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">4. Injuries can derail a season faster than Peterson will get to 2,000 yards. But if Purple Jesus gets injured can this team be considered more than a wild card team?</span></span><br /><br />This offense becomes very average and Chris Kluwe quickly becomes the most important player not on defense if Peterson goes down for any extended period of time. I don't want to dwell on this because I'll have nightmares tonight, but injuries have been in his history. Chester is a great backup and we'll continue on the same path but that would put a Super Bowl hopes in serious jeopardy.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/SJM9Pvn_KGI/AAAAAAAABZk/Ssm_ycH2uRU/s1600-h/Tarvaris+Jackson.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/SJM9Pvn_KGI/AAAAAAAABZk/Ssm_ycH2uRU/s320/Tarvaris+Jackson.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229590932998793314" border="0" /></a><br />I never want to be the negative nancy of the group, so let me put a positive spin on this. We can win with Jackson and we can win if Jackson is only average. The point is he is not the ONLY question mark we have. Everyone seems to assume we have everything else answered outside of our quarterback. If we don't stop the pass and if our offensive line struggles, it won't matter how good Jackson is.<br /><br />This has the potential to be an historic season for the Vikings and I can't wait to go for a ride on the bandwagon. I am excited about the new additions and I have downed enough Kool-Aid to think Jackson will surpass everyone's expectations. But I cringe when the entire season is put on his shoulders. Maybe I'm wrong (it's happened before), but this team is not guaranteed of anything and has more to prove than just QB play.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Minnesota Vikings, Vikings, NFL, Purple Kool-Aid, Purple Kook Aid, Purple Pride</div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02845259434253105026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32745218.post-8135942008914525572008-07-28T09:31:00.001-05:002008-07-28T15:43:24.143-05:00Spoiler Alert - 2008 Vikings SeasonBefore training camp officially gets going let me go game by game and lay out for you how the season will play out for the Vikes.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/SI33yrDDmUI/AAAAAAAABYo/lD1_HxQFtJE/s1600-h/green_bay.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/SI33yrDDmUI/AAAAAAAABYo/lD1_HxQFtJE/s200/green_bay.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228107192368077122" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Week 1 - @Green Bay</span> - the emotional retiring of Brett Favre's jersey will be short lived. After Aaron Rogers throws three first half interceptions and completes just 2 other passes for 7 yards, they will take down #4 and he'll enter the game for the second half. Favre will make it close but the Vikings win. Also, it's a little known fact that Brad the Red Hot Childress Pepper is 4-0 when he has 2 weeks or more to prepare for a game.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">Vikings 1-0</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/SI3n09FR7gI/AAAAAAAABWw/xwRj7Ir6Q0Y/s1600-h/indianapolis.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/SI3n09FR7gI/AAAAAAAABWw/xwRj7Ir6Q0Y/s200/indianapolis.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228089639382937090" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Week</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> 2 - Indianapolis </span> - not even I can foresee a win here. This team is very capable of beating Indy at home, but allow me to be realistic for a moment. Manning lights up the secondary, everyone believes this year will be more of the same and the bandwagon gets light. Peterson is the key to this game. Should he get some holes and run for 175, then there is no reason we can't win this. But we will be underdogs in our home opener.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">Vikings 1-1</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/SI33u0P1EeI/AAAAAAAABYg/_ZTkdqnQbuY/s1600-h/carolina.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/SI33u0P1EeI/AAAAAAAABYg/_ZTkdqnQbuY/s200/carolina.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228107126118093282" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Week 3</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> - Caro</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">lina</span> - The Panthers will get about 18 yards rushing and if we can slow down Steve Smith we win this one. But their run game is weak, their OLine is bad and their QB is average. Carolina's D is solid as their LBs and Secondary are top 10 in the league, plus you have Julius Peppers on the line. This will be a good test for Jackson to show he can play at this level and lead us to a win.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">Vikings 2-1</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/SI33pSXYEcI/AAAAAAAABYY/mqI6oNu6Fkw/s1600-h/tennessee.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/SI33pSXYEcI/AAAAAAAABYY/mqI6oNu6Fkw/s200/tennessee.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228107031123595714" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Week 4 - @Tennessee</span> - Vince Young's are the only thing that worry me here. Tennessee finished hot last year winning 4 of their last 5 before losing to San Diego in the playoffs. While they probably should, the really don't scare me. Behind a great defensive line are solid but not great second level defenders. This again will be a game for Jackson to show he is worth Childress's faith.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">Vikings 3-1</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/SI33l4anwxI/AAAAAAAABYQ/JkDsfEY-OVg/s1600-h/new_orleans.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/SI33l4anwxI/AAAAAAAABYQ/JkDsfEY-OVg/s200/new_orleans.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228106972618277650" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Week 5 - @New Orleans</span> - If the Saint's offense is clicking this will be a high scoring affair. New Orleans is a bottom 10 defense imo even with Jonothan Vilma being added. This will be the best chance for the Vikings offense to show some success. After this game I think we can adequately evaluate where Jackson is. So much of the spotlight is on Jackson and he'll be unfairly judged immediately. But I am a patient person, I encourage both of my readers to wait till now before we judge him. Anyway, Vikings win this road game and hurt Reggie Bush in the process.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">Vik</span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">ings 4-1</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/SI33dQUhrvI/AAAAAAAABYI/vP4yY_lNp9Y/s1600-h/detroit.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/SI33dQUhrvI/AAAAAAAABYI/vP4yY_lNp9Y/s200/detroit.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228106824416341746" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Week 6 - Detroit</span> - Worst defense in the league last year and second worst running game. Kitna will be throwing to a great receiving corp, but we should be better defending the pass. This will be the first cushioned win of the season. We win and we win big.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">Vikin</span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">gs 5-1</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/SI33bISlAmI/AAAAAAAABYA/zM9er-NIZjw/s1600-h/chicago.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/SI33bISlAmI/AAAAAAAABYA/zM9er-NIZjw/s200/chicago.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228106787900949090" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">W</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">eek 7 - @</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chicago</span> - heading into the bye on the divisional road. The problem here will be us scoring then having to kick off. It will go something like Vikings +7, Hester scores on ensuing kick off (EVEN). Vikings score (+7), Hester returns kick off (EVEN). Vikings score (+7), Hester pulls a hammy and we go on to win by 28.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">Vikings 6-1</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Week 8 -</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> BYE</span> - time for a well deserved rest as we push for home field.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/SI33UhhhTTI/AAAAAAAABX4/Hj9ILwAheVs/s1600-h/houston.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/SI33UhhhTTI/AAAAAAAABX4/Hj9ILwAheVs/s200/houston.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228106674415422770" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Week 9 - Houston</span> - guaranteed win based on when you give BtRHCP two weeks he will put together an unbeatable game plan. Houston in the Dome doesn't really scare me, they were OK last year and didn't do anything to improve this offseason. Defense was bottom third, team was last in very tough division and they will likely remain there. This is a W.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">Vikings 7-1</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/SI3nvu_6MrI/AAAAAAAABWo/2DfCF2a5RBQ/s1600-h/green_bay.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/SI3nvu_6MrI/AAAAAAAABWo/2DfCF2a5RBQ/s200/green_bay.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228089549702967986" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Week 10 - Green Bay</span> - should be a challenging home game, but remember Brett Favre in his early years playing at the Dome? Expect that from Aaron Rogers. My personal prediction is that Favre is starting this game (for the Packers, NOT the Vikings) but the purple momentum is just too much to stop at this point.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">Vikings 8-1</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/SI33LCSJ8MI/AAAAAAAABXw/1NI1UW_StoE/s1600-h/tampa_bay.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/SI33LCSJ8MI/AAAAAAAABXw/1NI1UW_StoE/s200/tampa_bay.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228106511410655426" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Week 11 - @Tampa Bay</span> - Our first road game in a month and it is against a 2007 playoff team. But the Buccanneers were fortunate last year and will be one of the bigger NFC flops this year. The Tampa defense will provide a unique challenge as I think they match up very well against the Vikings. They have a solid LB corp which will challenge our run game, and they led the NFL in pass defense last year. But nothing about their offense scares me and the Vikes will win a low scoring game.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">Vikings 9-1</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/SI33I_QnFZI/AAAAAAAABXo/JbklPdqCHVQ/s1600-h/jacksonville.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/SI33I_QnFZI/AAAAAAAABXo/JbklPdqCHVQ/s200/jacksonville.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228106476239132050" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Week 12 - @Jacks</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">onville</span> - This will be out most difficult game of the year. Both teams sport a top 10 defense and a very good running game. Our running game might be better but their offense is more experienced as a whole. Their offseason addition of Troy Williamson should be enough for me to pick the Vikings but I just don't see a W here.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">Vikings 9-2</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/SI328-mHJOI/AAAAAAAABXg/hVO797EHqrE/s1600-h/chicago.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/SI328-mHJOI/AAAAAAAABXg/hVO797EHqrE/s200/chicago.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228106269902447842" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Week 13 - Chicago</span> - back at home and taking on the Bears. By this game Caleb Hanie will probably be starting under center and handing off to Garrett Wolfe. This begins a nice portion of the schedule that should allow us to rattle off a few wins. The Bears are hard to figure this year but this should be a nice game to come home to and we pull this one off on national TV.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">Vikings 10-2</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/SI3269m2B_I/AAAAAAAABXY/7HOEECjcANY/s1600-h/detroit.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/SI3269m2B_I/AAAAAAAABXY/7HOEECjcANY/s200/detroit.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228106235277346802" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Week 14 - @Detroit</span> - see, I told you this was a nice little stretch in the schedule. I never have any respect for Detroit. Last year in Detroit they needed four INTs and a missed FG to beat us in OT. Even if they have delusions of a winning season, the Vikes will stomp at that dream this week.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">Vikings 11-2</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/SI32IxSprlI/AAAAAAAABXI/JYAUZYTZE9I/s1600-h/arizona.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/SI32IxSprlI/AAAAAAAABXI/JYAUZYTZE9I/s200/arizona.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228105372977966674" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Week 15 - @Arizona</span> - The Cardinal wide receives do scare me. But their OL, RB and QB do not. This game will be a Jared Allen special. Don't even worry about the run and just get to the QB on every play. Assuming some heat on whoever is QBing for Arizona the Vikings win this road game. It isn't very often we get a trip to the desert in December, so the team will be in great spirits and ready to roll.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">Vikings 12-2</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/SI32U39Eh0I/AAAAAAAABXQ/Gx2AD7herfc/s1600-h/atlanta.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/SI32U39Eh0I/AAAAAAAABXQ/Gx2AD7herfc/s200/atlanta.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228105580924929858" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Week 16 - Atlanta</span> - another team that is a mess and will be more of one in week 16. Nothing about Atlanta scares me. Peterson got his first NFL TD against the Falcons and he'll get 2 or 3 more here. I hope we win this game by 64 points. I still hate the Falcons and any retribution (no matter how meaningless) makes me feel better.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">Vikings 13-2</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/SI32DC_WhmI/AAAAAAAABXA/M9EcSYOc33U/s1600-h/ny_giants.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/SI32DC_WhmI/AAAAAAAABXA/M9EcSYOc33U/s200/ny_giants.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228105274649642594" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Week 17 - New York Giants</span> - We will even rest our starters and win this game at home. Eli Manning has always been our bitch and will continue to be so. The Giants will be fighting for a final playoff spot this week but they will be no match for the Vikings D as we do what we can to keep momentum going into the post season.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">Vikings 14-2</span><br /><br />I know that 14-2 is a little conservative and leaves room for the Cowboys to sneak into homefield, but as you know I look at every game with an unbiased eye and am compelled to give my honest evaluation.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Minnesota Vikings, Vikings, NFL, Purple Kool-Aid, Purple Kook Aid, Purple Pride</div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02845259434253105026noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32745218.post-47029278595351508682008-07-11T15:30:00.003-05:002008-07-11T17:22:11.153-05:00To Favre or Not to Favre - that is the questionFor those of you who check in for my daily postings you may have noticed that I have yet to comment on the Favre Saga. I have gone around on this issue and had landed squarely on it will never happen. But the news today of Favre forcing the Packers to make a decision by <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3483521">requesting an unconditional release</a>.<br /><br />This is a brilliant saga to watch unfold. The Packers are sitting in an absolute lose-lose situation. That, first and foremost is what I enjoy seeing the most. Best case scenario they release Favre and he has a better season than Aaron Rogers with any team. Packers' front office looks terrible. Worst case they keep Favre have a mildly successful season but miss the Super Bowl. Another year of stunting Rogers' growth and there is every reason to believe he would force the Packers to make a move with him. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/SHfc_tNSv_I/AAAAAAAABUg/_9nkHCRmY0A/s1600-h/Favre+embraces+Minnesota.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/SHfc_tNSv_I/AAAAAAAABUg/_9nkHCRmY0A/s320/Favre+embraces+Minnesota.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221885279984599026" border="0" /></a><br /><br />While I want to see the demise of the Packers, I'm more concerned about the success of the Vikings. So what does this mean for the Purple.<br /><br />When news first surface that Favre was possibly rumored to potentially think about maybe coming out of retirement I wasn't too interested. Quickly <a href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/peter_king/07/07/favre/1.html">Peter King thought it would make sense for Favre to wear Purple</a>, then I was intrigued but not interested. Not only was I not interested but my initial reaction was that we don't want him and I convinced myself we also don't need him.<br /><br />The more I sit on this and the more it becomes a possibility that he could end up playing 8+ games in the Dome, the more I am coming around on this.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">FIRST and foremost, the chances of Favre wearing purple in Week 1 are thin for a myriad of reasons.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1</span> - The Packers just cannot let that happen. It would be bad if Favre left and went to the Super Bowl with Tampa Bay. But if he takes the Vikings, a division rival, to the Super Bowl it would be incredibly embarrassing and people might lose their jobs in Green Bay.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2 </span>- I really believe that Brad Childress would not want him.<br /><ul><li>2A - Jackson is Childress' guy. He has put his reputation on him and I get the feeling he wants to prove that he was right.<br /></li><li>2B - Favre takes a lot of chances his QB style is exactly what Childress is trying to teach TJax NOT to do.<br /></li><li>2C - Chilli is big on what message is he sending. And the message he is sending to "his guy" is that you are not good enough to get it done.</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">3</span> - Who knows if Brett wants to be here. He has been around long enough to know what playing for a team like Minnesota or Chicago would do to his reputation and legacy.<br /><br />So I really will be SHOCKED if Favre becomes a Viking. I think he wants the Pack to bring him back and this is his way to force that issue.<br /><br />But knowing it is a much longer shot than your national pundits are making it out to be, lets discuss Brett Favre as a Viking. <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"> In the last 24 hours I have changed my position. I want to see Favre in purple. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">IF</span></span> you have a problem with this because we hate the Packers and we hate Brett Favre. How can we want to see the face of our most hated rival on our team? To this I have to say <span style="font-weight: bold;">GET OVER IT</span>. If <span style="font-size:85%;">(and I think this is a big IF)</span> Favre can lead our team to the Super Bowl it would mean nothing less to me. If you honestly believe that you would enjoy it less, you are absolutely kidding yourself.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >IF</span> you are OK with Favre but you think, we could have a long term future with Jackson. Wouldn't this one year experiment stunt his growth and shatter his confidence? I like TJax and I can buy this argument, but it has two fatal flaws.<br /><ol><li>Jackson has done nothing to prove that he has a long term future in this league. We are excited about his potential based on two quarters at Denver and the information being disseminated to us out of Winter Park this offseason. Maybe he is more confident and maybe he's ready to take the next step, but MAYBE HE'S NOT. The likelihood of him throwing more INTs than TDs is just as likely (probably more) than him having a monster turnaround. I am excited for Jackson's future, I really am, but Favre is a much more quantifiable entity and you are kidding yourself if don't think he gives us a better chance to win NOW.</li><li>This is a win now league. And as I just stated above Favre gives us a better chance to win NOW.<br /></li></ol><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">IF</span></span> Jackson were more of a sure thing then you don't sacrifice his future for a 1 year window with Favre, but Jackson might be the one piece that keeps us from the Super Bowl this year. I like his future but you have to roll the dice with Favre.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">IF</span></span> Favre is out there we can't let him go elsewhere. Don't let him go to Chicago. Don't let him go to Tampa. Letting him go elsewhere and succeed would be a massive swing and miss.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">IF, IF, IF</span></span> Favre gets his unconditional release the Vikings absolutely have to do what it takes to get him on their roster. John David Booty will have to give up his jersey and then we can all book our hotels in Tampa.<br /><br />Finally, this needs to be done because as much as some of us may not want to see Favre in purple, what this would do to Packer fans is indescribable. They would put on a brave front and try to spin this somehow. But their team was 13-3 a year ago, went to the NFC Championship game, LET BRETT FAVRE GO and he wins it all with their rival. They can spin that however they want, but Favre finally gets to a team good enough to win the Super Bowl cause the 2008 Packers are not good enough to get it done!<div class="blogger-post-footer">Minnesota Vikings, Vikings, NFL, Purple Kool-Aid, Purple Kook Aid, Purple Pride</div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02845259434253105026noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32745218.post-51119107527289125182008-07-01T11:31:00.007-05:002008-07-01T11:45:43.437-05:00Duante Culpepper's Summer To Do List...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/SGpdfKI3aaI/AAAAAAAABUA/HGPoQ6myhrg/s1600-h/check+mark.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 27px; height: 25px;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/SGpdfKI3aaI/AAAAAAAABUA/HGPoQ6myhrg/s200/check+mark.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218085908141009314" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/SGpd3VVIVhI/AAAAAAAABUQ/o8UKoGK5hl8/s1600-h/madden+2002.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/SGpd3VVIVhI/AAAAAAAABUQ/o8UKoGK5hl8/s320/madden+2002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218086323462100498" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >1</span> - <a href="http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/player_main.aspx?sport=NFl&id=1227">Turn down</a> a 1 yr, $1,000,000 offer to play for the Packers<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/SGpdjbynStI/AAAAAAAABUI/t-OK5wchGhA/s1600-h/check+mark.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 27px; height: 25px;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/SGpdjbynStI/AAAAAAAABUI/t-OK5wchGhA/s200/check+mark.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218085981598993106" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >2</span> - <a href="http://www.cbsgames.com/games/story/10879020">Set a World Record</a> on Madden 2002 (yes, that is the one on which Culpepper graced the cover)<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >3</span> - Call up my <a href="http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/9665387/">buddy Smoot</a> to go boating on the lake sometime! (waiting for a call back)<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">4</span></span> - Try to <a href="http://www.nfl.com/freeagency">find a job</a>. (eh, he's still got time to work this one out, what's the hurry?)<div class="blogger-post-footer">Minnesota Vikings, Vikings, NFL, Purple Kool-Aid, Purple Kook Aid, Purple Pride</div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02845259434253105026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32745218.post-12264342524044473392008-06-20T15:36:00.000-05:002008-06-20T15:37:05.758-05:00Dr. Z Drinks the Kool-AidClearly the most brilliant NFL mind amounst the nation media Dr. Z (of Sports Illustrated) is obviously drunk on the Purple Kool Aid and has <a href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/dr_z/06/20/vikings/index.html?eref=si_topstories">picked the Vikings to win the Super Bowl</a>.<br /><br />Why would he pick the Vikings who have been a playoff team once in the last seven year?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1 - They run the ball, they stop the run. </span><br /><blockquote style="font-style: italic;">"Their middle triangle of tackles Kevin and Pat Williams, backed up by E.J. Henderson, is classic, and now there's a serious element added to that mix."</blockquote>The serious element he refers to is Jared Allen.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2 - Improved pass defense.</span><br /><blockquote style="font-style: italic;">Pass rush begets pass defense, which begets better statistics than the Vikings had last year, one of their big failings. They finished last in yards allowed. Where's the fix there? Madieu Williams, an active free safety for the Bengals last year. Charlie Gordon, a good, quick, free-agent cornerback.</blockquote><span style="font-weight: bold;">3 - Some sophomore running back named Adrian Peterson</span><br /><blockquote style="font-style: italic;">I get the feeling that I haven't convinced anybody yet. How about the league's flashiest runner in '07, Adrian Peterson, working behind, arguably, the best run blocking left side of the line in the NFL, Bryant McKinnie and Steve Hutchinson?</blockquote><span style="font-weight: bold;">4-Basically a gut feeling...</span><br /><blockquote style="font-style: italic;">Well, could this be the year that Tarvaris Jackson takes the Vikings the whole way, under a coach who can do everything for the position except throw the ball? I kind of think so. There's a storybook angle here, older coach, young quarterback, as the troops rally round.<br /><br />So en fin, do I like the Vikings to go all the way? Well, yeah, why not? A feeling of destiny, that's what I sense about Brad Childress and his baby quarterback.</blockquote>I'll be honest with you here. I drink more Kool Aid than anyone I know. I have this dangling dream that this will be a special year for the Vikings. But not even I am willing to...<br /><br />What the hell,<br /><br />I couldn't agree more. Dominant Defense, Best Running Back ever to hit the field and a QB who will shock the world. All of that equals the first of many Super Championships for Brad Childress and his Minnesota Vikings!<br /><br />This year is going to be FUN.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Minnesota Vikings, Vikings, NFL, Purple Kool-Aid, Purple Kook Aid, Purple Pride</div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02845259434253105026noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32745218.post-40704212443099847022008-04-24T15:52:00.003-05:002008-04-24T16:04:34.104-05:00Did we give up too much for Allen?If you look at the 2007 draft here is "who" we gave up for Jared Allen.<br /><br />#17 - <span style="font-weight: bold;">DE - Jarvis Moss</span> (Den) - finished season with 12 tackles and 1.0 sack<br />#73 - <span style="font-weight: bold;">WR - Jacoby Jones</span> (Hou) - 15 receptions, 149 yds and 0 TDs<br />#82 - <span style="font-weight: bold;">DT - DeMarcus Tyler</span> (KC) - 11 tackles and 0.0 sacks<br /><br />Grand total? 23 tackles, 1.0 sack, 15 receptions and 0 TDs. Still think we gave up too much for Jared Allen?<br /><br />Lets look at the 2006 Draft just for fun...<br /><br />#17 - <span style="font-weight: bold;">LB - Chad Greenway</span> (Min) - Greenway missed his rookie season with an injury but had a very productive second season as we all know. 105 tackles, 2 INTs and 1 TD<br /> #73 - <span style="font-weight: bold;">DT - Dusty Dvoracek</span> (Chi) - two career tackles in one game played, missed basically all of 2007 with injury.<br /> #82 - <span style="font-weight: bold;">WR - Derek Hagan</span> (Mia) - career stats of 50 receptions, 594 yds and 3 TDs. <br /><br />Even if you take the 2006 draft group which includes a decent WR and a good LB, still think we gave up too much for Allen?<div class="blogger-post-footer">Minnesota Vikings, Vikings, NFL, Purple Kool-Aid, Purple Kook Aid, Purple Pride</div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02845259434253105026noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32745218.post-33067202694125441172008-04-24T13:03:00.002-05:002008-04-24T15:53:33.196-05:00Draft SpecuationSo we only get one pick in the first 116 selections this weekend. But as we are wont to do here, instead of focusing on our lack of selections (which were mortgaged for Jared Allen), we will choose to focus on that one pick.<br /><br />Heading into the offseason here was our list of needs...<br /><ol><li><span style="font-weight: bold;"><del>Pass Rushing DE</del></span> -<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 102);"></span>we brought home the league's leader in sacks from 2008.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;"><del>Wide Receiver help</del></span> <span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102); font-weight: bold;"></span>- although Bernard Berrian isn't in that upper echelon of WRs around the league he is a significant upgrade and was the best available.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Offensive Tackle</span> - undone - Ryan Cook was not ideal at RT last year and there is a chance Bryant McKinnie will miss some games this year due to being an idiot. This needs to be addressed in the draft.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;"><del>Safety</del></span> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 102);"></span>- Sharper is aging and Dwight Smith is now available to have sex wherever he wants. So we made two moves to give us depth at S. Madieu Williams should improve our pass coverage and is a nice upgrade. Michael Boulware was also added for depth.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tight End</span> - undone - to date Shiancoe has been a bust. One would think that with a rookie QB in a west coast offense the TE would end up with more than 27 catches and 1 TD. Maybe in a Kick Ass Offense the TE isn't as productive as a true WC Off. This should be addressed in the draft.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">QB Depth </span>- there is no question that Jackson will be the starter (for better or worse). Gus Ferrote was signed to back him up but that doesn't exactly help me sleep at night. I'd like to see another QB drafted.<br /></li></ol>This team isn't perfect by any stretch and there are other minor holes to fill but those are the top 6 my my count. I love that the organization actually proactively tried to answer their most glaring needs. Allen, Berrian and Williams may not be the answers but they are good faith efforts to fill their needs as best as they could.<br /><br />How do we handle the rest? To start with I think we can make a good run at covering these hole with our second round pick. Of course every round gives you diminishing chance of return on your pick. But positions such as OL, TE and WR often still have valuable players left in the second round.<br /><br />Here is my top 5 desired picks for Saturday...<br /><ol><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">TE - Fred Davis</span> - USC kid who is the second best TE in the draft. Davis is capable of playing right away and being a threat in the passing game. <br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">OT - Duane Brown </span>- Virginia Tech underclassman who ESPN actually projects the Vikings will take. If McKinnie plays and Cook is capable, this would be a great pick as a future OT given a year or two to develop. He began his collegiate career as a TE and then grew to 315 lb. tackle.<br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">QB - Chad Henne, Joe Flacco or Brian Brohm</span> - all three are projected to go in the second round but before Minnesota picks. If any of them fall I have no problem drafting any of them.<br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">WR - James Hardy, Early Doucet, Jordy Nelson or Andre Caldwell</span> - if we take a second round WR these would be my top targets. I am not on the Mario Manningham bandwagon so I do not want him if he falls to us. All four guys above have their own issues but I'd take my chances here.<br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">TE - John Carlson</span> - third best TE available. The kid from Litchfield who left us for Notre Dame had a good career capped with a disappointing senior season. Carlson is big and athletic. ESPN projects him to go to Green Bay with the 56th overall selection. It might be a reach at 47, but if all above players are gone I'd be comfortable with this one</li></ol>There you have it folks. Our first round pick has been decided and now the only intrigue for this weekend is what we will do with pick #47.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Minnesota Vikings, Vikings, NFL, Purple Kool-Aid, Purple Kook Aid, Purple Pride</div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02845259434253105026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32745218.post-75958207587326590892008-04-22T22:51:00.003-05:002008-04-22T23:01:40.864-05:00Jared Allen heading to Tampa Bay!But he'll be wearing Purple as he leads the Vikings into the Super Bowl on 02-01-09!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/SA60MDOCSbI/AAAAAAAABQI/UuI1Hels0kc/s1600-h/2009+Super+Bowl.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/SA60MDOCSbI/AAAAAAAABQI/UuI1Hels0kc/s320/2009+Super+Bowl.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192285539520367026" border="0" /></a>Apparently the Vikes and Chefs have come to an agreement. And apparently the Vikes and Allen have come to an agreement. No terms have been disclosed but the two scenarios are...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The Chefs accepted our original 1st and 3rd offer.<br />or<br />We caved and chipped in next year's 2nd round.<br /></div><br />If it is the former then I love the move. If it is the latter then I love the move as it will be the last pick of the second round!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Drink the Kool Aid folks.</span><br /><br />We don't have our #17 pick so draft intrigue will be at a minimum, but this offeseason we addressed what were our three biggest areas of need.<br /><br />Defensive End - we add the reigning sack leader<br />Wide Receiver - we add the best free agent available<br />Safety - we bring in a safety who should improve our coverage<br /><br />What we still need to address...<br />Right Tackle - Ryan Cook is not the answer<br />Quarterback - a back up is needed<br /><br />depth all around but nothing pressing.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Minnesota Vikings, Vikings, NFL, Purple Kool-Aid, Purple Kook Aid, Purple Pride</div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02845259434253105026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32745218.post-32417990095586354202008-04-21T20:54:00.001-05:002008-04-22T09:54:37.723-05:00Jared Allen + Draft week = head exploding!I (like many ESPN watching freaks my age) love the NFL Draft. Mock drafts are like crack, I can't get enough of them. But THIS year we basically have the whole Jared Allen intrigue rolled into draft week. There are just so many thoughts on this week that my head is about to explode!<br /><br />First of all lets not get caught up in whole 'keeping him in town until he signs' fascination. Obviously he has left town after touring the best steak houses in town. But this isn't a straight up free agent signing. Were is as simple as signing Allen to a fat contract I have no doubt it would be finished by now. BUT we have to compensate the Chefs as well. And there was no way they were going to let him sign and make a deal with Minnesota before they use Tampa as leverage to get a better deal. In order to get a deal done this past weekend would essentially would have had to pay Allen the money he so richly <del>deserves</del> wants, AND give Kansas City their asking price. To have him signed as of today we would have had no leverage and would have overpaid what we are already going to overpay.<br /><br />We should still be in good shape though. Ever team in the League values draft picks (Mike Ditka being the lone exception but he's at ESPN now). Every team values draft picks and we are in a much better position to give up picks than Tampa Bay is. As you can see in the technical chart below our first round pick is 3 spots higher and then our 2nd and 3rd round selections are 10 spots higher. So by this I deduct that in order for Tampa to land Allen they will have to overpay what Minnesota is willing to pay. So let's say we are offering our 1st and 2nd round picks, both in this year's draft. Then Tampa will have to offer this year's 1st and next year's 1st, or this year's 1st & 2nd and another pick. But then they are giving up three of their five picks in this year's draft.<br /><br />It is complicated but the facts are these...<br /><ol><li>In every round we have the higher selection.</li><li>They have five total picks we have nine.</li><li>We have two in the third round.</li></ol>The <a href="http://www.tboblogs.com/index.php/sports/story/allen-headed-to-tampa-bay/">Tampa Tribune</a> is awfully pessimistic about their chances.<br /><br /><table str="" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 273px; height: 180px;" border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><col style="width: 48pt; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 102, 0);" span="3" width="64"> <tbody><tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td style="height: 12.75pt; width: 48pt; text-align: center; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 102, 0);" height="17" width="64">Tampa</td> <td style="width: 48pt; text-align: center;" width="64"><br /></td> <td style="width: 48pt; text-align: center; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 153);" width="64">Minnesota</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td style="height: 12.75pt; text-align: center;" num="" height="17">20</td> <td style="text-align: center;">1st Rnd</td> <td style="text-align: center;" num="">17</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td style="height: 12.75pt; text-align: center;" num="" height="17">57</td> <td style="text-align: center;">2nd Rnd</td> <td style="text-align: center;" num="">47</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td style="height: 12.75pt; text-align: center;" num="" height="17">83</td> <td style="text-align: center;">3rd Rnd</td> <td style="text-align: center;" num="">73</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td style="height: 12.75pt; text-align: center;" height="17">-</td> <td style="text-align: center;">3rd Rnd</td> <td style="text-align: center;" num="">82</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td style="height: 12.75pt; text-align: center;" num="" height="17">120</td> <td style="text-align: center;">4th Rnd</td> <td style="text-align: center;" num="">117</td> </tr> </tbody></table><br />Another facet of this whole Jared Allen thing that is getting blown way out of proportion is his DUI issues. I agree that if he were to get caught again it would be a year lost and would make this potential deal look really, really bad for the Vikings. I understand there is a risk involved but what bothers me is the notion that because Childress is instituting his "culture of accountability" we should just steer clear of Allen. The CofA doesn't mean we only bring in choir boys. If Allen has truly quit drinking and is a better citizen then there is no reason we shouldn't be able to sign him. Chris Carter was a drunk and a menace to Philadelphia. But he turned his life around and was a model citizen in Minnesota (although completely arrogant). The CofA means that if he screws up he has to be held accountable, it does not mean we judge and assume guilt. <br /><br />With all of that said it is time to play the waiting game. <br /><br />The closer we get to the Vikings being on the clock at #17 the better for us. Kansas City knows that they will not see Allen play another snap for the Chefs. They want picks, they want them this year and they want them badly. I see three waiting game scenarios and they are all best for Minnesota...<br /><ol><li>Pick #17 comes around and Minnesota is set to make their selection. At this point Kansas City can make a deal with us or take a lesser deal with Tampa. If they continue to play hardball, we make our pick and go into next year with a good chance of making the playoffs with current roster. Not ideal for us but we save money, we save our picks and we are still an 8-8 team looking to improve in 2008.</li><li>Nothing happens during the draft, we sign him to an offer sheet following the draft, Kansas City doesn't match and we sign him forfeiting our 1st round selections in 2009 and 2010. In this scenario we lose two 1st round picks, but we pick up a dominant DE, pick up nine rookies in this year's draft and head into 2008 as a favorite to win the division and push for the NFC.<br /></li><li>Nothing happens, Allen is still a Chef for 2008 as their franchise player. Under this scenario we keep all draft picks and have a great shot at signing Allen next offseason. This doesn't do much for us in 2008 but 2009 would be a very interesting season. I assume this scenario has very tiny legs as the likelihood of Allen staying a Chef are slim to none.</li></ol>Considering there are few teams involved in discussions for Allen and we seem to have a sweeter deal to offer than Tampa, things are looking good for Minnesota. My best guess is that a deal is made Saturday. In fact Minnesota will sit tight and see how long Derrick Harvey falls in the draft. If he were to fall to #17 then our position only gets stronger. Once he gets selected I see us pulling the trigger.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Minnesota Vikings, Vikings, NFL, Purple Kool-Aid, Purple Kook Aid, Purple Pride</div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02845259434253105026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32745218.post-15852294688159250122008-04-17T20:25:00.001-05:002008-04-18T10:47:59.055-05:00Jared Allen to the Vikings (?)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/SAgukGdPRgI/AAAAAAAABPw/3hwnoku-ffU/s1600-h/Jared+Allen.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/SAgukGdPRgI/AAAAAAAABPw/3hwnoku-ffU/s400/Jared+Allen.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190449768287913474" border="0" /></a>Rumors are heating up that Minnesota is in negotiations with Kansas City for the NFL's reigning sack leader,<a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/stats?playerId=5651"> Jared Allen</a>.<br /><br />This seems like a perfect match. The Chiefs are in rebuilding mode, need draft picks to build the franchise and are not willing to hamper their future ability to sign players by paying Allen a monster contract now. The Vikings are in a very winable division, have a desperate need for sacks, have the pieces necessary to make this trade happen and have the cap room to pay Allen top dollar.<br /><br />The Giants proved how important an effective pass rush is in the last third of the season. Minnesota has a solid group of quality players on defense but have trouble putting pressure on the QB without blitzhing. All of the names thrown out there as potential pass rushing specialists to debut in Purple next fall this is far and away a bigger marque name than Justin Smith, Antwan Odom, Jevon Kearse, Derrick Harvey or Phillip Merling.<br /><br />The only move that would rival this would be moving up in the draft to take Chris Long or Vernon Gohlston. I think Allen would be more productive, but either of the rookie's would be a cheaper option with a ton of upside. While that move would rival this, it would not be as effective or give us the most bang for the 2008 season.<br /><br />On his own Smith had more sacks than the entire Vikings starting defensive line last season (Williams, Williams, Udeze and Edwards).<br /><br />It appears as though this trade would require a first round pick and then either a second or a third round pick (depending on what year KC gets our first round pick). If we give up next week's #17 pick then we would likely keep our 2nd, but if we give up next year's first rounder then we'd likely have to drop a second rounder as well. Something like that, the deal is far from complete but that is a general guideline.<br /><br />I think if you can make this deal you do it! BUT, with all of that said, <span style="font-weight: bold;">how much actual impact on the W/L columns would Allen have?</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/SAgvkGdPRiI/AAAAAAAABQA/JfD4hgrZdzs/s1600-h/Jared+Allen+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/SAgvkGdPRiI/AAAAAAAABQA/JfD4hgrZdzs/s320/Jared+Allen+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190450867799541282" border="0" /></a>I know that addition of someone who potentially adds 10+ sacks and many more QB pressures, would allow this team to resemble a pass defense. But this defense was already a feared defense that kept the team in position to win nearly every game they played. It was last in the league against the pass but it dominated the league in rush defense and it was 6th in the NFC in points allowed (allowing 1 fewer point per game than 2006!).<br /><br />What I'm getting at is, there is so much emphasis on the team adding a pass rushing defensive end for what? To reduce the passing yardage allowed? To give up fewer points? While both of those would be a good thing, the one and only position capable of taking this team from 8-8 to a 10-6 or even 11-5 team is the QB.<br /><br />Let's take a look at the team's 8 losses from last year and asses how a DE would have had a greater impact on reversing the outcome than an improved passing game.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Week 2 - 17-20 loss @ Detroit</span><br />For my first example I am throwing out a game with mixed results. Jackson threw 4 interceptions, had he given a better effort or made better decisions we clearly would have won this game. BUT had the defense not given up 359 yds passing we likely would have won as well. <span style="font-weight: bold;"> Verdict: </span> Well, we did knock Kitna out for much of the game and had 4 sacks so I still hold Jackson's INT's were more significant than the lack of a dominant pass rushing end.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Week 3 - 10-13 loss @ Kansas City</span><br />Anytime the defense holds a team to 13 points on the road you can't fault them for the loss. The Chiefs had 201 passing yards mostly on a quick hitting short passing game. Jared Allen can rush the QB but a quick hitting passing game negates that anyway. With that said, Allen did have 8 tackles and two sacks. His team won, coincidence?<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Verdict:</span> Put this one on a lack of offense. 4/15 third down conversion and inability to execute a game plan in the second half cost us this very winable game.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Week 4 - 16-23 loss vs. Green Bay</span><br />Favre's 344 yds and two TDs speak volumes. Getting a hand on Favre has been a serious problem for a few years against Green Bay. On the offensive side Holcomb had a solid game with 258 yds and a TD.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Verdict:</span> Getting a pass rush potentially would have made a huge difference here. A late Vikings TD made this game look closer than it was. Jared Allen would not have made a 2 TD difference but it would have gone a long way to keeping us in the game and making Favre work for his yards.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Week 7 - 14-24 loss @ Dallas</span><br />Another tough one to call. Lets face it we were on the road facing the best of the regular season in the NFC. Jackson was terrible, Childress quit giving the ball to Purple Jesus and the defense allowed 277 passing yards.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Verdict:</span> The defense had 3 sacks, I don't know how many they need to make a bigger difference. Jackson had 72 passing yards and the team was 2/12 on third down. Clearly an improved pass D would have helped but you won't beat a playoff team when your QB gives you 6/19 for 72 yards.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Week 8 - 16-23 loss vs. Philadelphia</span><br />On the season McNabb averaged 220 yards passing on the road but he managed to find 333 in the Metrodome. Bollinger and Holcomb combined for a very average but not crippling performance.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Verdict:</span> Getting more than one sack from the defensive line may have helped here. This home game could have swung in our favor with some pressure on McNabb.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Week 10 - 0-34 loss @ Green Bay</span><br />Adding Reggie White and Chris Doleman to the Vikings line would not have helped here. Giving up 351 yards and 3 TDs to Favre is a problem. But not being able to put a single point on the board makes it awfully tough to win no matter what the defense does.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Verdict: </span> Nobody gets credit for being able to swing this into the W column.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Week 16 - 21-32 loss vs. Washington</span><br />At this point they started letting Jackson play a little bit and he was OK. Todd Collins going 22/26 and racking up 254 yards is unacceptable. This was another case of a quick hitting passing gameplan so adding a Jared Allen may not have had much of an impact, accept we would not have been forced to blitz LBs leaving all three of them available to defend the short passing game.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Verdict: </span> Jackson was good enough to win, passing D killed us. 2 sacks for the Vikes both by LBs.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Week 17 - 19-22 OT loss @ Denver</span><br />This one breaks down by halves. The first half was ugly offense, but Jackson showed why he is being given the reigns to Brad the Red Hot Childress Pepper's (BRHCP) Kick Ass Offense (KAO) in the fourth quarter.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Verdict:</span> One sack by a LB shows that a sack or two from the DE may have done enough to force an earlier punt which leads to a FG which avoids overtime.<br /><br />Here is how it breaks down with this expert analysis.<br /><br />3 losses could have been avoided with better QB play<br />1 loss was unavoidable (shut out @ Green Bay)<br />4 losses could have been avoided with some DE pressure on the QB.<br /><br />This is not to say that adding Joe Montana would have guarantee anything or adding Reggie White would have equated to a 12-4 season. But marked improvement at either position would have given us a better chance to win those games.<br /><br />I don't know if Jared Allen alone will take us to the playoffs but adding Allen along with Madieu Williams' coverage skills from the safety position could really make a difference.<br /><br />This team's ability to move up to the playoffs or even move into a team capable of winning the NFC rests more on the shoulders of Jackson and the passing game than the pass rush. But this is the ultimate team game and adding as many pieces to the puzzle as we can will always make a bid difference.<br /><br />Lets get this deal done before Allen has a chance to get to Tampa Bay. Don't give up the farm, in fact do what you can to hang onto this year's #17 pick, but get this deal done and use the draft for other needs.<br /><br /><a href="http://ww3.startribune.com/vikingsblog/?p=1513">Star Tribune</a> on the potential deal<br /><a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/8043460/Chiefs%27-Allen-talking-with-Vikings,-Bucs">Jay Glazer</a> who broke the story for Fox Sports<br /><a href="http://www.kansascity.com/sports/chiefs/story/580168.html">Kansas City Star</a> on Allen leaving KC<br /><a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3351406">John Clayton </a>weighs in<br /><a href="http://www.dailynorseman.com/">Daily Norseman</a> is doing a dance already<br /><a href="http://www.twincities.com/vikings/ci_8965987?nclick_check=1">Pioneer Press</a> story today<div class="blogger-post-footer">Minnesota Vikings, Vikings, NFL, Purple Kool-Aid, Purple Kook Aid, Purple Pride</div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02845259434253105026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32745218.post-28633084782374039342008-02-29T16:38:00.000-06:002008-02-29T16:59:00.202-06:00Let the Games beginFree Agency is like Christmas in March. Ziggy spends a bunch of money to improve the team and we reap all the benefits.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><u>Day 1</u></span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/R8iF37KUdtI/AAAAAAAABHc/RvowbnmLY-U/s1600-h/Madieu+Williams.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/R8iF37KUdtI/AAAAAAAABHc/RvowbnmLY-U/s320/Madieu+Williams.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5172531367855290066" border="0" /></a><br />** <span style="font-weight: bold;">We solved our Safety needs</span> for the next 6 years and it only cost us $33 million. I'd be lying if I told you I have an extensive knowledge of last season's Bengal secondary, so before free agency talk I had never heard of <a href="http://www.nfl.com/players/madieuwilliams/careerstats?id=WIL430429">Madieu Williams</a>. But he is clearly the <a href="http://www.madieuwilliams.org/">missing piece</a> in the secondary. On the right you will see a pick of William's picking off Kyle Orton, but that is nothing to brag about.<br /><br />From what I've read Williams is a solid pick up. He is good in coverage which is kind of important in a secondary that has never been too concerned with covering anybody. DraftDaddy.com listed him as the 3rd best available safety (behind Bob Sanders and Ken Hamlin). And ESPN's <a href="http://myespn.go.com/blogs/hashmarks/0-5-613/Safety-first-for-the-Vikings.html">Hashmarks Blog</a> says, "he has excellent cover skills for a safety."<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">** PKA is your FB, Free Agency Expert</span> - I know both of my loyal readers will remember that <a href="http://purplekool-aid.blogspot.com/2008/01/lets-look-ahead-to-2008-mn-free-agents.html">I predicted the Vikings would sign</a> the former Gopher and now former Philadelphia Eagle, Thomas Tapeh. And on day one of free agency that is <a href="http://www.vikings.com/NewsArticle_tapehagrees22908.aspx">exactly what they did</a>.<br /><br />Tony Richardson and his Pro Bowl season has moved on, but I don't know if this is a huge loss. Tapeh is talented and incredibly strong IF he can stay healthy. ESPN Insider believes that Richardson is on the backside of his career. "(Richardson) is more in the mold of a guy who can catch out of the backfield or run with it, but his best days have long passed."<br /><br />I don't know now vital the FB is in our system anyway, I'm sure he'll get plenty of snaps but it isn't a high position of need.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/R8iGBbKUduI/AAAAAAAABHk/JJj9TcRd7z8/s1600-h/williamson+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/R8iGBbKUduI/AAAAAAAABHk/JJj9TcRd7z8/s200/williamson+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5172531531064047330" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">** Jacksonville Loves Troy</span> - OK, I kind of made that up, but the Jaguars are racking up <del>mediocre</del> crappy WRs for their roster as they signed Jerry Porter today. But that isn't the story here.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.jaguars.com/News/Article.aspx?id=6773">Jaguars.com</a> has quotes from former Viking head coach Mike Tice who talked about drafting Williamson.<br /><span id="ctl00_ContentArea_BodyLabel"><blockquote style="font-style: italic;">“We came down to (Shawne) Merriman and Williamson and we had just lost Moss. Unfortunately, I got fired and never got to see (Williamson’s) development,” Tice said. “The guy can run. I saw a humble kid who was bigger than I thought and could blow the top off any defense. He was starting to learn.”</blockquote>Are you kidding me? We could have landed Merriman? Maybe he wouldn't have fit into Brad's "culture of accountability", but he may have been slightly more productive than Williamson. And then the trickle down effect of that is we don't draft Greenway (nothing against Chad, but c'mon) and maybe draft a CB, WR or DE in the 06 draft who is contributing now. But it was solid decisions like that, which led Tice on his journey to Jacksonville.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><u>Free Agent Wish List</u></span></span> - Here are remaining players that I'd love to see end up in purple...<br /></span><ol><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">DE - Jason Taylor </span>- not a free agent, but there has been talk that Miami might trade the dominant DE. This is HIGHLY unlikely but Dr. Phil has taught me that you have to express your desires or they will never come true.<br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">DE - Justin Smith</span> - most reports have the Vikings on his list but not at the top. The hope here is that his ties to Leslie Frazier will at least get him on a plane to Winter Park where we can throw a ton of money at him. Since James is good for about 2 games a year and Udeze is sick (truly sad and I'm not making light of it), we need someone who has actually sacked a QB in the past. Last season's 2 sacks was his weakest production as a pro, but he averaged 7 per season over the rest of his career.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">WR - Bernard Berrian</span> - Berrian is in town and hopefully he will sign a contract before he leaves. BB isn't exactly Randy Moss but his 71 catches, 950 yds and 5 TDs all would have been tops for Minnesota (by a lot). Bernard is used to a crappy QB so if he can put up those numbers in purple next season that will be a monster upgrade.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">QB - Donovan McNabb</span> - another player still under contract but the obvious ties to Brad the Red Hot Childress Pepper, keep this a story worth keeping an eye on. If McNabb comes in and Jackson earns the starting job then great, he rose above the competition and has taken a step forward in his career. If not, then you know what you have in McNabb and the QB position is at least stable/reliable.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">WR - Bryant Johnson</span> - production could increase if not in the shadow of Fitzgerald and Boldin. This is just a personal fav of mine. Johnson would be a cheaper option who would be an upgrade in my opinion. Johnson has great size.<br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">OL Help</span> - I don't know who to target but let's get a RT to help protect Jackson. <br /></li></ol>The Vikings have talked about making a splash. Should Berrian agree to a contract before he leaves town that would make for a major splash on Day 1 to get Williams, Berrian and Tapeh. I love the NFL offseason and today is fun.<br /><span id="ctl00_ContentArea_BodyLabel"><br /></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Minnesota Vikings, Vikings, NFL, Purple Kool-Aid, Purple Kook Aid, Purple Pride</div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02845259434253105026noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32745218.post-74733456071322246822008-02-22T14:29:00.006-06:002008-02-22T15:39:15.874-06:00(Purple) Combine Thoughts...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/R78yDlOM9HI/AAAAAAAABFs/ZzO174OlNnM/s1600-h/Purple_Tractor.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/R78yDlOM9HI/AAAAAAAABFs/ZzO174OlNnM/s320/Purple_Tractor.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5169905934357296242" border="0" /></a>( I know it is a tractor in the pic, but it is close enough)<br /><br />Let's get serious about the Vikings offseason needs...<br /><br />** Rick Speilman gave us <a href="http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikings/15860382.html">good news today</a> when he said the Vikings may make a plunge in the free agent market this year! We did finish 8-8 last year and showed improvement over the last 10 games.<br /><blockquote style="font-style: italic;">"We have a little bit of a window here with some of our veterans," Spielman said Thursday at the NFL Scouting Combine. "We may be more aggressive if we feel there is a blue-chip guy out there that we go out and take a swing at."</blockquote>That is what we like to hear. Who will be the blue-chip targets? That is yet to be determined, the list of free agents out there doesn't have very many names to get all giddy about.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/R788UlOM9II/AAAAAAAABF0/HnsiEbnehyw/s1600-h/williamson.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/R788UlOM9II/AAAAAAAABF0/HnsiEbnehyw/s320/williamson.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5169917221531350146" border="0" /></a>** Everybody wants Troy Williamson. The picture on the right is rare footage of him actually catching a pass (and it was worth 6 points). Troy's agent has release that <a href="http://nc.startribune.com/blogs/vikings/?p=1338">8-10 teams are interested</a> in acquiring the <del>talented</del> <del>reliable</del> speedy WR. I'm sure after much deliberation and angst, the Vikings are allowing Williamson and his agent to pursue a trade.<br /><blockquote style="font-style: italic;">“Troy couldn’t be more excited. We have a tremendous amount of interest as you probably would expect. It’s very rare that a young guy like Troy, who is only three years in, who is a top-10 pick comes free. Obviously, the Vikings and I - Rick Spielman, Rob Brzezinski and I - have been in discussions already with about eight to 10 teams. There already have been offers exchanged, there have been discussions with me, there have been discussions with them.”</blockquote>You can't make it up. Maybe the Patriots are one of those teams and we can work out a sign and trade deal to bring back Moss. Um, that may not be enough, Moss is older and was barely a top 20 pick, Williamson clearly has more value.<br /><br />If we get anything for Williamson, Speilman should be your front-runner for Exec of the Year.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/R789bFOM9JI/AAAAAAAABF8/S8SBEKp3RSY/s1600-h/Jason+Taylor.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/R789bFOM9JI/AAAAAAAABF8/S8SBEKp3RSY/s200/Jason+Taylor.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5169918432712127634" border="0" /></a>** My Dream Big Splash! PKA would love nothing more than for the Vikings to take Jason Taylor off the hands of the Big Tuna. A dominant DE would help this team more than anything (including a WR). This from <a href="http://www.miamiherald.com/616/story/422104.html">the Miami Herald</a>, obviously agrees that Taylor would be a perfect fit in Minnesota...<br /><blockquote>It feels like it is time to liberate Taylor like that -- like Thomas and/or like Crowder at the crime scene, if need be. Would you blame Taylor if he went public with wanting to flee this wreck? If he became trade-me loud like Kobe Bryant or Jason Kidd or any of the others in sports who haven't suffered as many management betrayals as Taylor has over a decade of his wasted prime?</blockquote>I can already imagine reading Sid's column telling us how Taylor's time on Dancing With the Stars will help him with his footwork on the field.<br /><br />But in all seriousness adding Taylor would be incredible. HEY, the Dolphins need a WR! Maybe they could use a young guy, who is only three years in and a top-10 pick!<br /><br /><br />** We Have NEEDS.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><u>WR</u></span><br />1. Bryant Johnson<br />2. Bernard Berrian<br />3. Draft - <a href="http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/scoutingreports/wr/mariomanningham.html">Mario Manningham</a>, <a href="http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/scoutingreports/wr/limassweed.html">Limas Sweed</a>, <a href="http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/scoutingreports/wr/malcolmkelly.html">Malcolm Kelly</a> would all be fine picks (not <a href="http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/scoutingreports/wr/deseanjackson.html">DeSean Jackson</a> as he will be a reincarnate of Williamson)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><u>S</u></span><br />1. Draft - we need a S now and Sharper ain't a spring chicken<br />2. Free Agent - I don't know who is good out there<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><u>DE</u></span><br />1. Justin Smith - um J.Smith = Big Splash<br />2. Trade - Tayolor<br />3. Draft - <a href="http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/scoutingreports/de/vernongholston.html">Vernon Gholston</a> or <a href="http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/scoutingreports/de/derrickharvey.html">Derrick Harvey</a> would look good in purple<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><u>RT</u></span><br />1. like I can evaluate offensive line talent, but this will be needed to give TJax some life after football.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Minnesota Vikings, Vikings, NFL, Purple Kool-Aid, Purple Kook Aid, Purple Pride</div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02845259434253105026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32745218.post-90951820560201448772008-02-04T10:42:00.000-06:002008-02-04T10:57:09.175-06:00Super Bowl XLIII - here we come<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/R6dDdEucYzI/AAAAAAAAA_8/hnVr5w23Ppw/s1600-h/SB_XLIII.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/R6dDdEucYzI/AAAAAAAAA_8/hnVr5w23Ppw/s400/SB_XLIII.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163169664567370546" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Book your </span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.hotels.com/processIndexSearch.do?_dyncharset=UTF-8&allPropertyTypesSelected=true&searchType=&destination=usertyped&usertypedcity=Tampa+area%2C+Florida%2C+US&street1=&street2=&acDestinationId=DB8FD8EB-3E70-4FE8-AF6D-10A5B8A1F210&acDestinationType=1&lat=&lon=&pointName=&checkIn=1%2F30%2F2009&checkOut=2%2F1%2F2009&numrooms=1&adults%5B0%5D=2&child%5B0%5D=0&adults%5B1%5D=2&child%5B1%5D=0&adults%5B2%5D=2&child%5B2%5D=0&adults%5B3%5D=2&child%5B3%5D=0&adults%5B4%5D=2&child%5B4%5D=0&adults%5B5%5D=2&child%5B5%5D=0&adults%5B6%5D=2&child%5B6%5D=0&adults%5B7%5D=2&child%5B7%5D=0&CIMonth=1&CIDay=30&CIYear=2009&COMonth=2&CODay=1&COYear=2009">hotels</a><span style="font-weight: bold;"> for Tampa now. Feb 1st, 2009.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Check the poll on the right for who will be next year's Super Bowl MVP.</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Minnesota Vikings, Vikings, NFL, Purple Kool-Aid, Purple Kook Aid, Purple Pride</div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02845259434253105026noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32745218.post-8450132305206377212008-01-07T11:09:00.000-06:002008-01-07T11:33:57.141-06:00Lets look ahead to 2008 - MN Free AgentsI'm all about staying positive here at PKA. Who needs the playoffs anyway, it's all rigged by the NFL offices and they hate the Vikings so we would have lost anyway.<br /><br />All in all this can't be considered a terrible season for Brad the Red Hot Childress Pepper? Sure, we were the hottest team in the league and had a firm grip on the playoffs only to lose 2 in a row and miss out. But let's also remember we were sitting at 2-5 before we rattled off 6 wins in 7 weeks including W's over San Diego and the vaGiants who are both still playing. <br /><br />For a year and a half we were looking for something (ANYTHING really) to show us that he was a capable head coach and that we had a QB with some upside. I think we saw it. For better or for worse <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 102);">BRHCP</span> bought himself another year. Most of us are still skeptical but he did show a little life and a little talent as a coach. Now he has to be able to do it for 16 weeks.<br /><br />The Vikings don't have a long list of free agents leaving so the basic roster is coming back. Here is the list of free agents in order of importance.<br /><ol><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">FB - Tony Richardson</span> - aging FB, but he has been very good. Pro Bowl season and a key to the NFL's leading rushing attack. He'll be back if he doesn't retire. <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 102);">PKA BOLD PREDICTION</span> - the Vikings bring Eagle's FB Thomas Tapeh (former gopher) as FB.<br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">DT - Spencer Johnson</span> - backup DT, but the position's depth ends with Johnson. He is solid and productive while giving the William's boys a break. Need to bring him back.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">LB - Dontarrious Thomas</span> - another backup, but capable of playing all LB positions. Very good on special teams and a solid backup that we could use on the roster in 2008.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">RB - Mewelde Moore</span> - one of the best 3rd string RBs in the League. When healthy and has an opportunity Moore has been productive. My guess is he'll leave for a chance to start cause chances are he won't beat out Purple Jesus in training camp.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">WR - Robert Ferguson</span> - made some mistakes and was invisible half of the time. But we are very thin at WR so brining him back at the right price may not be a bad idea. We could probably sign somebody with at least the same skill set, but he's been in the KAO for a year so he has that going for him.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">S - Tank Williams</span> - backup, often injured likely gone.<br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">S - Mike Doss</span> - signed late in summer, I'm not sure he ever played a snap, he gone.<br /></li></ol>That is a pretty short list with only a couple starters and a couple noteworthy backups. My guess is that Richardson, Johnson, Thomas and Ferguson are all back.<br /><br />But 2006 was a 6-10 season and 2007 finished 8-8 so at least there was improvement. We bring back basically the entire roster and with this kid named Purple Jesus there is some serious hope for the future. 2008 better equal the playoffs or Ziggy better find himself a new coach.<br /><br />COMING SOON: a look at team needs, available free agents and draft options.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Minnesota Vikings, Vikings, NFL, Purple Kool-Aid, Purple Kook Aid, Purple Pride</div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02845259434253105026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32745218.post-55507798038439958902007-12-27T16:21:00.000-06:002007-12-27T16:23:43.410-06:00NFC Playoff Picture (Pre-Week 17)6 of 7 teams are set, you all know who they are.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/R3Ql2syo0BI/AAAAAAAAAzc/xrBY0Sf4XOU/s1600-h/bradcenter.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/R3Ql2syo0BI/AAAAAAAAAzc/xrBY0Sf4XOU/s200/bradcenter.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5148781895658033170" border="0" /></a><br />The Vikes are outside looking in and our hopes are riding in the arm of Brad Johnson.<br /><br />I'm going to cry.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Minnesota Vikings, Vikings, NFL, Purple Kool-Aid, Purple Kook Aid, Purple Pride</div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02845259434253105026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32745218.post-16046828016054469782007-12-19T11:13:00.000-06:002007-12-19T12:22:22.291-06:00Let's play a game...After watching MNF and listening to the long list of Bear QBs since the Jim McMahon days it got me thinking a little bit. It seems that the Vikings usually get to face a different Bear QB every time they play. While this isn't totally true it is pretty close.<ul><li>In the last 12 meetings there have been 7 different starting QBs for the Bears.<br /></li><li>4 of the last 6 seasons have had different starters in each of the team's two meetings.</li></ul>So with that in mind lets play a little game. I'll pick a starter and you match him to the stats...<br /><br />1. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Jim Miller</span> - 2002<br />2. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Chris Chandler</span> - 2002<br />3. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Kordell Stewart</span> - 2003<br />4. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Rex Grossman</span> - 2003 (NFL debut)<br />5. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Chad Hutchinson</span> - 2004<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/R2lfxsyoz9I/AAAAAAAAAy4/p9FiEvpCtWc/s1600-h/Pictage.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/R2lfxsyoz9I/AAAAAAAAAy4/p9FiEvpCtWc/s400/Pictage.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145749356689280978" border="0" /></a><br />6. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Kyle Orton</span> - 2005<br />7. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Rex Grossman</span> - bonus Sexi!<br />8. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Brian Griese</span> - 2007<br /><br />a. 117 yds, 2 TD, 1 INT<br />b. 381 yds, 3 TD, 2 INT<br />c. 176 yds, 1 INT<br />d. 137 yds, 1 TD<br />e. 157 yds<br />f. 213 yds, 3 TD<br />g. 297 yds, 2 TD, 1 INT<br />h. 34 yds, 3 INT!<br /><br />I'd type the answers upside down but then the blood rushed to my head and it didn't really do any good.<br /><br />Answers:<br />1-g<br />2-c<br />3-d<br />4-e<br />5-f<br />6-a<br />7-h<br />8-b<div class="blogger-post-footer">Minnesota Vikings, Vikings, NFL, Purple Kool-Aid, Purple Kook Aid, Purple Pride</div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02845259434253105026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32745218.post-43490822015411995042007-12-19T11:01:00.001-06:002007-12-19T11:13:22.101-06:00If the playoffs were today...we'd be in. <br /><br />BUT, the playoffs aren't today, and we all know what can happen. This may be the most "un-Kool Aid" moment in PKA history, but let's remember what can happen...<br /><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/l_wfYAGosi4&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/l_wfYAGosi4&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br />I'm as sick as the <del>rest of you</del> both of you, but let's stay focused on winning Sunday so we don't have to worry as much about Denver next week.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Minnesota Vikings, Vikings, NFL, Purple Kool-Aid, Purple Kook Aid, Purple Pride</div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02845259434253105026noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32745218.post-52827015755977937762007-12-18T16:31:00.000-06:002007-12-19T08:42:08.453-06:00NFC Playoff Picture (Pre-Week 16)Our chances improved this week to...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/R2hLo8yoz7I/AAAAAAAAAyo/9FIow7_zkgc/s1600-h/playoff%25.bmp"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/R2hLo8yoz7I/AAAAAAAAAyo/9FIow7_zkgc/s320/playoff%25.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145445741156159410" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.sportsclubstats.com/NFL/NFC/North/Vikings.html"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 102);">58.2 %</span> chance</a> we are going to be IN<br /><br />Wk 14 - 42.9%<br />Wk 13 - 21.9%<br />Wk 12 - 12.0%<br />Wk 11 - 4.9%<br />Wk 10 - 3.0%<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">If we go...</span></span><br /><br />2-0 = 100%<br />1-0-1 = 100%<br />1-1 = 65.9%<br />0-2 = 0UT<br /><br /><br />As a reminder for all of you returning readers from last season. When the records are listed it is (overall, conference, division).<br /><br /><a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs07/news/story?id=3159988">TIE BREAKER rules</a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><u>Division Leaders</u></span></span><br /><br />1. <span style="font-weight: bold;">NFC East - Dallas</span> (12-2, 9-1, 4-1)<br />2. <span style="font-weight: bold;">NFC North - Green Bay</span> (12-2, 8-2, 3-1)<br />3. <span style="font-weight: bold;">NFC West - Seattle</span> (9-5, 8-3, 5-1)<br />4. <span style="font-weight: bold;">NFC South - Tampa Bay</span> (9-5, 8-2, 5-0)<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><u>Wild Card (overall, conference)</u></span></span><br /><br />5. <span style="font-weight: bold;">IN - NY Giants (9-5, 7-5)</span> - loss keeps Washington alive and give MN a chance at #5!<br />Key Remaining Games - only AFC remaining<br />H2H Tiebreakers - <del>Det, Chi, Phi</del> none<br /><br />6. <span style="font-weight: bold;">IN - Minnesota (8-6, 6-5)</span> - ugly win keeps them IN<br />Key Remaining Games - Was(wk16)<br />H2H Tiebreakers - NYG<br /><br />7. <span style="font-weight: bold;">New Orleans (7-7, 6-4)</span> - 5-4 NFC record gives hope, must win out and hope for miracle<br />Key Remaining Games - none of significance<br />H2H over Sea<br /><br />8. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Washington (7-7, 5-5) </span>- has to go 2-0 with touch schedule<br />Key Remaining Games - @Min(wk16), Dal(wk17)<br />H2H over nobody left<br /><br />9. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Carolina (6-8, 8-3)</span> - NFC record is really good, but overall will keep them out<br />Key Remaining Games - none vs. playoff teams, but all are important<br />H2H over nobody<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><u>Vikings fans games to watch</u></span></span> (in order of importance)<br /><ol><li>Minnesota over Washington - Duh, I know but this one is pretty huge, it would almost lock it up.<br /></li><li>Philadelphia over New Orleans - knock out the Saints, PLEASE?<br /></li><li>Buffalo over NY Giants - not likely but it would be awfully nice.<br /></li><li>Dallas over Carolina - if Romo is healthy I'm not worried about this one.<br /></li></ol><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><u>Analysis</u></span></span><br /><br />5 straight wins is kind of exciting. Sweeping the Bears is kind of sweet. And being the team nobody wants to face in the playoffs is meaningless. Just keep winning, I get the feeling that last night showed that these guys were starting to believe their own headlines. Hopefully it was a wake up call while still getting the ugly win.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Minnesota Vikings, Vikings, NFL, Purple Kool-Aid, Purple Kook Aid, Purple Pride</div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02845259434253105026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32745218.post-84266921709991404652007-12-17T19:18:00.001-06:002007-12-17T22:57:39.849-06:00Live Blogging MNF!Darren Sharper makes me look smart by picking off Orton to end the game. Ugly win. But eliminating the Bears, Eagles and Lions is nice. Especially since it narrows the playoff field.<br /><br />The Vikings score the last 17 points of the game to win their 5th straight in spite of poor QB decisions.<br /><br />Peterson struggled for 3 quarters but the 4th he had 37 yards on 5 carried and a TD.<br /><br />more on this ugly game tomorrow (or some other day this week).<br /><br />2nd time this season the Vikes were at least -3 in turnovers and won. And 2nd time the Bears turnover over their opponent at least 4 times and lost.<br /><br />** My wife just said that one person probably looked at this live blog and it was probably by accident. Isn't she sweet? She's wrong at least 3 people looked.<br /><br />** That intentional grounding was the worst call of the night.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">13</span>-<span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);">20</span></span></span> - The lead for the first time tonight. The experienced Bollinger gets confused (um, hand off right, not left shouldn't be too hard) in the backfield but Peterson is kinda good and give us the lead. Then the nimble Bollinger takes in the 2 point conversion. Quarterback controversy? (JUST KIDDING)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/R2dLJ8yoz6I/AAAAAAAAAyg/s8raS9thdm8/s1600-h/Chi%40MN-Peterson.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/R2dLJ8yoz6I/AAAAAAAAAyg/s8raS9thdm8/s200/Chi%40MN-Peterson.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145163733603504034" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Now we need to keep the pressure on Orton and get the pick when he throws it up for grabs.<br /><br />Right before the touchdown injuries took over. Tillman has been having a great game for the Bears is injured (knocked on his ass, throws up on sideline). Then Jackson tweaks something (he is kind of a wimp in his short career). Then Sydney Rice goes to the locker room to amputate his left fibula I think.<br /><br />** Offensive line has been really bad today. Birk missed an Urlacher blitz twice and there have been a handful of times a Bear D-lineman was able to beat his man and tackle Peterson at the line of scrimmage. They have been great the last month but tonight they have struggled. But we now have the ball on the 5 and a score here is hopefully going to be enough.<br /><br />I predict we score here and get an Orton pick as he tries to force some throws in a failed comeback.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">End of 3rd QTR: <span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">13</span>-<span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);">12</span></span></span><br /><br />I feel like I know less about football after watching 3 quarters of "football."<br /><br />I really think we can get this W with just a FG and no more turnovers. We are getting pressure on Orton and he has looked awful ever since the Henderson hit. Their offense is doing nothing, we are doing next to nothing but we just need 1 drive to get it done.<br /><br />Just one big run by Peterson or one more big pass play might be enough.<br /><br />** I like the ESPN crew, but Urlacher's 2 recent sacks are not because he is playing "at a Honolulu level." Urlacher stood at the line of scrimmage, then jogged to the QB, UNTOUCHED. Any MLB whether college, XFL, World League, English Premier League, whatever would sack the QB if you don't block him.<br /><br />** Jackson now is responsible for all 4 turnovers. I'm going to cry.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/R2dCUsyoz4I/AAAAAAAAAyQ/mcAgc9rZS8I/s1600-h/Chi%40MN-Jackson.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/R2dCUsyoz4I/AAAAAAAAAyQ/mcAgc9rZS8I/s320/Chi%40MN-Jackson.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145154022682447746" border="0" /></a><br /><br />** Jackson now has a career high in passing yards.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">13</span>-<del>13</del><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);">12</span></span></span> - FINALLY somebody made a play. Ferguson makes a great play (but could have had the 6 points himself). But nice job Robert and way to pad Jackson and Peterson's stats. Tie game, wait, WHAT? Oh holy freaking flying poop. This better get us going cause if we lose because of a freaking bad snap that is going to suck.<br /><br />** EJ Henderson, that's what I'm talking about! Now somebody needs to be able to catch the short punt. Next play is another blitz and Orton throws it before the corner is within 5 steps. Get those hits on him and let the defense score (the offense might not do it tonight).<br /><br />** NOOOOOO! Winfield will not return this game. That's not good.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">HALFTIME: <span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">13</span>-<span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);">6</span></span></span><br /><br /><del>Jackson has looked very good with the exception of about 2 throws, but 11/16 and 129 yards has been a full game for him and he did that in just one half.</del> I wrote a bit too soon. That last INT was a TERRIBLE throw. Then he totally missed Ferguson for a big gain. Nice scramble +15 yards (albeit weak again). All in all an average half. Led team to 3 points to end the half shows a little moxy, but please no more turnovers.<br /><br />Turnovers are frustrating and have given the Bears 10 points. The Bears clearly earned their TD but getting the ball inside the 10 with less than a minute left is unacceptable.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/R2dCZcyoz5I/AAAAAAAAAyY/lPiUVpdi7N8/s1600-h/Chi%40MN-Orton.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/R2dCZcyoz5I/AAAAAAAAAyY/lPiUVpdi7N8/s200/Chi%40MN-Orton.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145154104286826386" border="0" /></a>The Bears offense is terrible and their defense has been OK. They are so focused on shutting down Peterson and making Jackson beat them. So far it is working.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2 things need to change...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1</span> - there has been absolutely no pressure on Orton. He needs to be hit hard a few times and then some constant pressure.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2</span> - Peterson has to get some running room. I know they are keying on PJ and they don't want to get embarrassed again, but there has to be some plays in the KAO that will let him get the ball in space.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">6</span>-<span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);">3</span></span></span> - Sorry, ESPN. This game is rather boring. Bears up despite a couple more penalties and needing 2 plays to get a yard. Actually that last 12 men in the huddle penalty may have been a +3 penalty for them.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">3</span>-<span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);">3</span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"> </span>- Finally the punter battle ended for now. Nice little drive, nothing special. TJax actually did a couple nice things on this drive including standing in the pocket to deliver an 18 yd pass when he know he was going to get leveled by Briggs. Plus a penalty to boot (kind of a week RtP, but we'll take it).<br /><br />MN First Downs - 7<br />Chi First Downs - 0<br /><br />MN Turnovers - 2<br />Chi Turnovers - 0<br /><br />nets out to 3-3<br /><br />** <span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">HOLY CRAP</span> (holding back the language cause this is a family site, <span style="font-weight: bold;">but what the f*$K</span>), you have to love 4/4 for 53 yards from Jackson but fumbles are going to be the end of us. You've got to be kidding me. This is what I was talking about in my preview. On paper our defense should dominate and our offense should have every opportunity to be effective, but if you are going to give the Bears the ball every time you ain't going to win. UGH<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/R2c0hMyoz2I/AAAAAAAAAyA/gjp-zxLGnu4/s1600-h/Chi%40MN.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/R2c0hMyoz2I/AAAAAAAAAyA/gjp-zxLGnu4/s320/Chi%40MN.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145138844268023650" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">3-0</span></span> - TJax to Ferguson to Vasher's helmet to Urlacher to false starts to Robbie Gould.<br /><br />Mistakes will ruin my MNF experience. I want to see play-action and let Jackson use that arm to get us a quick one.<br /><br />** UGH - nice pick by Urlacher. Can't have that happen. Thank you for the false start that will "hopefully" lead to 3 pts or less.<br /><br />** Great tackle by Winfield, that was huge. Keeping Hester contained every time he touches the ball is huge. Every time he touches the ball I hold my breath and getting him for a 1 yd gain makes me happy.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/R2ckU8yoz1I/AAAAAAAAAx4/V-06cRhIfB0/s1600-h/min.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/R2ckU8yoz1I/AAAAAAAAAx4/V-06cRhIfB0/s200/min.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145121041628581714" border="0" /></a>Are you ready for some Football?! - So excited, I miss being on MNF. So far the ESPN crew isn't doing us any favors. Jaworski is calling Purple Jesus the best back ever and Kornheiser was almost happy to take us through the demise of the 2007 Bears. At least Keyshawn picked the Bears to win, we got that going for us.<br /><br />Can't wait to watch...<br /><ul><li>Purple Jesus run all over.</li><li>Hester never touch the ball!<br /></li></ul><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/R2ckRsyoz0I/AAAAAAAAAxw/qomrFnpml8c/s1600-h/min.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/R2ckRsyoz0I/AAAAAAAAAxw/qomrFnpml8c/s200/min.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145120985794006850" border="0" /></a>Importance of tonight! - I get the feeling that Viking Nation is assuming the playoffs. This team has played so well to get into a wild card spot and it feels like the rest of the regular season is a formality. But this game is huge. Lose a couple games and we'll be done after week 17. New Orleans is more than capable of winning out and taking our coveted playoff spot.<br /><br />You HAVE to win a home divisional game against a team that you should beat.<br /><br />Stay tuned for further insightful analysis throughout the game!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/R2ckKsyozzI/AAAAAAAAAxo/vyl6v4LgJMQ/s1600-h/min.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/R2ckKsyozzI/AAAAAAAAAxo/vyl6v4LgJMQ/s200/min.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145120865534922546" border="0" /></a>This is your purple pants, purple jersey leader!<br /><br />Listening to the KFAN pregame I learned that this is actually the 2nd time in team history that the Vikings are all purple. 1964 was the first. The Lions came to town with their white jerseys. The Vikings dressed in their white jerseys. After 1 quarter of trying to play with both teams in white, the Vikings changed to their purple jerseys to go with the purple pants they were already wearing.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Minnesota Vikings, Vikings, NFL, Purple Kool-Aid, Purple Kook Aid, Purple Pride</div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02845259434253105026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32745218.post-13367104255618413652007-12-17T15:27:00.000-06:002007-12-17T16:56:30.496-06:00Vikings v Bears Kool-Aided Preview (wk 15)Well, I haven't given a preview since week 6 for the first Bears game. And it is probably good because we tend to lose the games I preview. But I am fearless and the Vikings are virtually unbeatable so here I come with a minor preview.<br /><br />On paper this one could get ugly in the home team's favor. The Bears are injured all over, haven't played well in weeks, are searching for anybody to be a competent QB and the seem to be a grumpy group right about now.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/R2b7mcyozuI/AAAAAAAAAxA/uIMN5fs583k/s1600-h/Hester.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 206px; height: 291px;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/R2b7mcyozuI/AAAAAAAAAxA/uIMN5fs583k/s320/Hester.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145076262299553506" border="0" /></a><br /><br />But Beware the Bear? I don't think so. They have lost 3 of their last 4. A Bears fan might try to convince you they were all close against potential playoff teams and they beat Denver. But these games were not as close as they appear...<ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">@Seattle</span> - late FG by Chicago made this closer than it really was. But this was one of the best games for Benson (89 yds, 1 TD) and Grossman (266 yds, 65%) this season.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Denver</span> - nice OT win at home, but this was a Hester special. He is special but the 22 guys who play offense and defense did not play well enough to win this game.<br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">NY Giants</span> - this was their best game in recent memory (although it was a loss). It took 4th quarter collapse to give this one away. 5 penalties in the 4th, a couple replay calls in the vaGiants favor and a general inability to stop the Manning led Giants ended this one for the Bearsies.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">@Washington</span> - another close but not really game. A FG with 30 seconds made this into a 1 possession game.</li></ul>I think this Bear is in hibernation.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><u>Two things scare me about this game...</u></span></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/R2b9Z8yozvI/AAAAAAAAAxI/kJQaHV0gR_c/s1600-h/kyle+orton.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/R2b9Z8yozvI/AAAAAAAAAxI/kJQaHV0gR_c/s320/kyle+orton.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5145078246574444274" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">1. Kyle Orton</span> - Dan Marino he is not, but if you are reading this you too have see a Vikings defense make a non-starter QB look like he is All Pro. Orton does have a nice arm but he hasn't taken a snap since 2005. And even then he had 9 TDs to 13 INTs. He <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">shouldn't</span> scare anybody, there is a reason that he has been stuck behind Grossman and Griese for 2 years. But he does, only because I've seen it before.<br /><br />The Bears shouldn't have a run game that accumulates more than 50 yards all day. I'm guessing the Lovie and company have gameplanned to spread us out and throw on us from the opening snap. Hell, I wouldn't be shocked to see a no huddle. Out of character? Yes. The right gameplan to beat the Vikings? Yes. Orton can throw, but we have to adjust to him, get pressure on him and make him make mistakes.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. Devin Hester</span> - my most hated player in football. He is amazing and perfectly capable of beating the Vikings. In recent memory the Bears have done all they can to prove that a special team's TD doesn't actually help win you games. In the most recent Super Bowl I was convinced that if the Bears got a Hester TD they would beat the Colts. I was wrong. In week 6 when Hester took back a punt to give Chicago the 0-7 lead I thought it was over. Again, I was wrong. I don't want to take that chance again. I don't care if kicking the ball out of bounds gives them a 20 yard bonus in field position. If their offense, which will be one dimensional can go down the field on a consistent basis then we don't deserve to win. But that is better than giving Hester 6 points.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><u>Fearless Prediction</u></span></span><br /><br />This is tough. On the one hand I think right now these teams are going in opposite directions. The Bears haven't been very good on the road and last meeting was dominated everywhere except the final 3 min and final score (31-17 with 3 min to go before a minor collapse by the Vikes). And in addition to that the Vikings have been dominant winning 3 straight by 20+. On the other hand this is a division game that has the makings of a tight game as both defenses have been known to play well.<br /><br />I expect the Bears to come out throwing on offense and putting 10 guys on the box to stop Purple Jesus on defense. As is often the case that formula isn't good for the Vikes. So can Jackson continue to play well when teams are forcing him to beat them. Can PJ get into that second level and run all over the Bear D? And if we know they are going to pass can we slow it down? Can we make them go in short chunks and then pounce when Orton makes a mistake?<br /><br />I can't pick against the Vikes but this one is far from a slam dunk. The Vikings win and increase their dominance over the Bears as they move the franchise series to 50-42-2.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Minnesota - 27</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">Chicago - 23</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Minnesota Vikings, Vikings, NFL, Purple Kool-Aid, Purple Kook Aid, Purple Pride</div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02845259434253105026noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32745218.post-64413637272891488122007-12-13T15:30:00.000-06:002007-12-13T17:14:05.941-06:00I guarantee the Vikes will win the Super Bowl...OK, I'm just kidding, but what is to stop me from making such an outlandish statement? Is that a level of crazy different from Jon Kitna's level after he "guaranteed" 10 wins for the Lions? Is it more improbable than Anthony Smith guaranteed a win over the Patriots?<br /><br />I don't think so, and really it is time for the empty guarantees to stop. Here are just a few of the guarantees I was able to find...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/R2G8kqXyn0I/AAAAAAAAAv4/BjG1do3OqHo/s1600-h/Kitna.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/R2G8kqXyn0I/AAAAAAAAAv4/BjG1do3OqHo/s320/Kitna.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5143599587469205314" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jon Kitna</span> - pre-season guarantee that the Lions would win 10 games.<br /><br />While at the time this one seemed the craziest (c'mon it's the LIONS), when they were sitting at 6-2 it seemed like it was possible. But then the Lions remembered that they are the Lions and the recent 5 game losing streak brought this one back to reality. The best part is, Kitna still hasn't given up the <a href="http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071213/SPORTS01/712130381/1118/RSS">dream of 10 wins</a>...<br /><blockquote> "We can still reach it," Kitna said Wednesday. "Once that's eliminated and we can't, we'll be disappointed."</blockquote>I'll help him with the math.<ul><li>The Lions' current record is 6-7, that's 6 wins.</li><li>The NFL schedule is 16 games (3 remaining)</li><li>If the Lions win all 3 remaining games they'll have 9 wins</li><li>6 + 3 = <del>10</del> 9</li></ul>Well I guess a playoff win could give them 10, but since the are a game out and have lost tie-breakers with 2 other teams they are currently tied with that seems unlikely. Oh the Lions have won only one playoff game in the last 50 years. Most importantly, would that really count? I don't think Kitna qualified his prediction as "I think we'll go 9-7 then win a wild card road game for 10 wins." No. I guess 10 wins is 10 wins, and if the Lions won a playoff game the city would likely riot, but enough is enough.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/R2G8p6Xyn1I/AAAAAAAAAwA/IrFvF82PbIQ/s1600-h/Moss+n+Smith.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 305px; height: 200px;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_QTZyRgZbrZQ/R2G8p6Xyn1I/AAAAAAAAAwA/IrFvF82PbIQ/s320/Moss+n+Smith.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5143599677663518546" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Anthony Smith</span> (being laughed at on right) - guaranteed the Steelers would beat the 12-0 (now 13-0) Patriots<br /><br />Why on earth would you <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3142456">do this to yourself</a> and your team, Mr. Smith? First of all, nobody knows who you are so I guess if your intent was to become a household name - MISSION ACCOMPLISHED. Unfortunately for you around most households your name would be mentioned in a sentence like this..."ya that Smith guy for Pittsburgh? What an idiot (or douche, or retard)!"<br /><br />The best part of his "guarantee" was how the Patriots burned Smith for the first two touchdowns of the game and 3 overall. I'm not a huge Patriots fan, but that was awesome. (for the record I thought Brady then running to jaw with Smith was beneath him and classless but whatever). Was that M-V-P they were chanting at Foxboro in the 4th quarter? No, that was "Gaur-an-Tee" after Brady threw for just about 400 yards and 4 TDs.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Randy McMichael</span> - guaranteed his 0-7 Rams would beat the Browns<br /><br />I wonder why nobody <a href="http://www.cleveland.com/browns/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/sports/119330562660930.xml&coll=2">heard of this one</a>? Could it be that nobody cares about an 0-7 team? Could it be that it was blown off as just another dumb football player talking out of his butt-pads?<br /><br />Of course the Browns won and the world moved on (so will I).<br /><br /><br />I'm sure there have been a few more of these guarantees during the 2007 season but seriously isn't enough enough? When will these guys give it up. Guaranteeing a win is just plain stupid, selfish and stupid.<br /><br />Here are 4 elements of guarantees that are the most bothersome...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">It is NOT a show of confidence</span>. It is foolishness. If you are confident in your and your team's abilities why do you need to put your self out ahead of the team and put them on the defensive? Why is it necessary to speak for your team on this issue? And why does the media need to know?<br /><blockquote>"I come out every game to win. In this league, if you walk into an arena planning to lose, you're not a guy anyone will want to play with."</blockquote>You can give this quote to anybody who jumps on the guarantee bus, but this one belongs to Anthony Smith (if you say "who?" nobody blames you). But it is so misguided. Coming out every game to win is one thing, telling the world that you think you'll win is another.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Don't qualify the guarantee</span>. The common PR spin now is that after you make the guarantee and it catches fire then you have to qualify it. It now becomes "IF" we play our game we will win. Or "IF" we don't make mistakes we will win. Now you are stupid and a pussy. Why not just say I guarantee we will win IF we score more points than they do.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">PLEASE back it up!</span> So rule #1 is don't do it, but if you are going to do it then you better be prepared to back it up. I know you can't control your entire team, but you better hold up your end of the bargain. Anthony, if you are going to make a guarantee don't personally get burned for 3 TDs in the first half. Jon, if you are going to guarantee 10 wins don't throw more INTs than TDs in your 5 game losing streak.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">If you have to guarantee, you are probably going to lose</span>. When was the last time a favored team guaranteed a win? If you have to come out to tell the world you "are going to win." Then a little light should go on that tells you your team sucks. Maybe it is because winning teams let their play do the talking.<br /><br />In the end it is pointless, especially in football. But these guarantees are becoming the chic thing to do in the NFL. As I've already state enough is enough, it is annoying and comical. Anthony Smith went from a nobody to the butt of jokes. Jon Kitna went from a mediocre QB to, well still a mediocre QB who is also the butt of jokes.<br /><br />I guarantee that the guarantees are who we thought they were!<div class="blogger-post-footer">Minnesota Vikings, Vikings, NFL, Purple Kool-Aid, Purple Kook Aid, Purple Pride</div>Tomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02845259434253105026noreply@blogger.com0