Rope-a-dope!

Finally picked up my Jared Allen jersey the other night!!! Very excited to watch him put another smack-down on Rodgers on Sunday. Too bad I will be flying and unable to see all the game...gotta love DVRs. We have just got to go into this game Sunday with no alternative in mind but the complete dominance of the Packers. A win here will almost assure us the Division Title and much respect around the league. Allen has had a great year so far...constantly disrupting the offense. I love the guy not just because he is a great player, but because of his total support of the military and that he is extremely patriotic. While everyone else wears the jersey of Peterson, Harvin, or even....dare I say it....Favre, I will be proudly wearing Allen's number and cheering him on!!!

A Tollerable Loss

As painful as it was to watch the Vikings lose, this is the one game I don't mind having to watch them drop. The Steelers are a good team and I knew it would be tough to beat them. Perhaps if that lousy call of "tripping" hadn't been made, we would have pulled it off. That definitely turned the tide a bit. Otherwise, we did not play so horribly. A couple of tough breaks. The Vikes got a lot of respect around the league now from what I've been reading. Also...most people seem to be talking about Adrian Peterson RUNNING OVER William Gay! The number of that truck that hit you Mr. Gay was 28! That boy will be having AP nightmares for weeks! Now that the Vikes have a loss, they can settle down and beat up the Pack again. The pressure of being undefeated is now off..GO VIKES!!!

Sure to be AWESOME!!!

I haven't looked forward to a Viking/Packer game like this since 1998...when we crushed them!!! This one is so anticipated, the media hype is unreal...and of course, we have Favre. Once again I find myself happy we have him, but still think of him as a Packer. I stand by my conviction that I will never have a Favre jersey...my Jared Allen jersey is on the way after being told I could not get the Greenway jersey. At the price I was getting, it didn't pay to go to a different store. Anyway...I hope Favre and AP can shred the Packer defense and that the O-Line can keep him clean. The Packer defense is chomping at the bit to put Favre on his butt! I will be screaming my lungs out for this game...GO VIKES!!!

Proud to Wear His Jersey Number!!!!

I can't wait to get my Greenway jersey...hopefully today it will show. He has made the great state of South Dakota proud with his play for the Vikings. Add to it the fact that he is a stand-up sort of guy, what is there not to like about him. He had a great game for the Vikes this past weekend and I can't wait to see how he shuts down the 49ers' Gore. Should be an awesome matchup. He keeps getting better and better...I hope to see him in the Pro Bowl this year. So while everyone else is wearing their Favre or Peterson jersey...or the random Harvin #12, I will be at the Carolina/Vikings gamein December in my #52 cheering for the other Minnekotan!!!

And it Happened!

OK, so it has been quite a while since I last posted. So long...that the last entry mentioned how Favre was not coming and had a "fixed" picture of him in a Vikings uniform. This picture is the real deal and I must say...it still looks strange, but the whole idea of Favre as a Viking is growing on me...each additional win helps the shock become less. I like the fact that he is not a gunslinger anymore and more of a field general, making sure he makes smart plays and lets the play makers do their thing. Let's hope that the wins keep coming, the defensive line gets better against the run, and Favre stays healthy.

What Could Have Been!

So for now, the Favre saga is over. Looks good in purple, doesn't he? Though I am still indifferent as to his not signing, I do think he would have had a great year with the Vikings. He would not have to throw all the time, or even deep. The line could have kept him off the turf better than the Jets did. But he gave pretty good reasons for not coming back. If you hurt that much before the season starts....it is going to be a long season! Who knows...when TJack stinks up the Dome again or Rosenfels gets injured...maybe this photo will become reality. Personally...I think the equipment manager has a jersey on standby!

Much in the News

A lot has happened since I was last able to post here. We continue the Favre saga which looks more and more like a signing soon. It should be exciting! The father of a friend of my son's is a huge Packer fan and he can't believe it. I asked him what he would think if Favre helped us to the Super Bowl and a win and he just shook his head. Then there is Percy Harvin! A great looking player who can't seem to stay healthy...and not injuries, he just keeps getting sick. Wasn't it Robert Smith who once got a childhood disease that shortened his season? I am very much looking forward to this season...it should be a great one!

Percy Harvin

Just wanted to say that I am real excited about this guy! I am sure the "off-field issues" thing can be taken care of. I keep hearing that he is having great workouts and the Vikes are even talking about using a Wildcat style offense a little bit. Honestly, I find that hard to believe since that would mean Childress would have to use his imagination...something we all know he does NOT possess. It would be real exciting to see Sage, Peterson, and Harvin light up the NFC North! I think this could open up this offense and even get more production out of Berrian and Rice.

Moving On....

Could this actually be the end of the Favre saga? Or will this just act as the intermission before the next act of the play? I still remain on the fence about having Favre in purple, but I would not necessarily have cried if he was. I just want to see the news in the NFL go to something else!

Answer Soon?

Brad Childress plans to meet with Favre at the end of this week, supposedly to discuss playing with the Vikings. I agree with the people who say this is a good idea. Sit down with him, get his perspective on the whole thing so we can put this thing to rest. The rest of the NFL does not want to continue to hear about Favre...it is becoming an annual nightmare! I also heard the Vikes would make him attend off season workouts...something he doesn't like. But I think he needs to and it would show good faith on his part.

Old Man on the Farm

OK, so what is the consensus? Do we go after Favre or not? I am on the fence this year. Not sure if it is worth it. Fill out the poll and share your thoughts.

An Annual Event!

He just won't go away!! Favre just cannot retire and not make news somehow. All he had to do was keep working on his farm...but noooooo....he has to ask the Jets for his outright release, creating a whole new firestorm on whether or not he will try to play again. And of course, at the center of all that is the Vikings. Just because we needed a QB last year, does not mean we still do or want him on the team. Let's remember, shall we...he ended the season injured and did not exactly have a stellar last few games. He is definitely past his prime now and would do us more harm than good.

Whewwwww!!!!

This picture shows why I am sooooo happy the Vikings didn't go after T.O. He is all about attitude and himself. Yes, he is a very good receiver who drops an average of 12 catchable balls a year. He is a pariah and would destroy the locker room. Good luck to the Bills...but then, they are much more desperate for help than the Vikings. They were smart and only gave him a 1-year deal.

Huge Loss For Vikings!

I can't believe the Vikings let Matt Birk go. I didn't see any of the details on the difference in money between the Vikes and the Ravens. For some reason he wanted a change in scenery. I loved Birk, thought he was a real asset to the team and probably the best center in the league. It will be tough replacing him and now we have another hole in our offensive line. Some interesting changes being made this year, but I don' like this one at all.

We're Stepping Up!!

Now if this signing happens, this could be a great year. Wouldn't it be great to add a receiver like T.J. Houshmandzadeh to the roster? Maybe not a deep threat, but that is what Berrian is for. Housh is a big time possession guy along the way of a Chris Carter. We just haven't had much of a receiver corps for a few years and this could be a good thing. Let's hope that his visit to the Vikings turns into a signing.

One Happy Vikings Fan!!!!!

Today is a good day in my Vikings world!!! I am very happy they resigned Jim Kleinsasser! When I was stationed in Fargo, ND...yes, the Army exists there...he was still a stud at the University of North Dakota...tearing up the college turf. They talked about how this tight end had the speed of a wide receiver and hit like a Mack truck. When the Vikings signed him I was thrilled. But of course, they used him wrong. He had a couple of early dropped passes and they tried to make him an H-Back and made him a blocker, which is one of his better abilities. But the guy is awesome...and I think could be a feature tight end if used properly. This was a very smart resigning by the Vikings front office. Let this guy go in the flats and let him run over these defensive backs.

New Legs For Rosenfels

OK, though it is nice to see that the Vikings are trying to address the terrible quarterback situation we have, is Sage Rosenfels the right answer? Admittedly, he has not been on a team that could provide him the right protection or that had runners like we have. This may be what he needs to really be able to become a great quarterback. My only concern is that he is already 31, a bit old for a quarterback. Hold on...that is young for a Vikings QB isn't it? I hope he does come in and do a great job...at the very least, knock Jackson out of any chance at being the starter. If they can keep Ferotte, I would like to see the depth chart read...Rosenfels, Ferotte, Jackson.

Michael Vick a Viking?

I saw the first rumors of a possible Michael Vick connection to the Vikings. Now, I don't condone what he did, obviously...but is it any worse than the player who gets in trouble for domestic violence but continues to play? Personally, I don't really care if he gets back in the NFL, life will be hard for him anyway, that will be his punishment until he gives others something else to talk about. I just hope that he is done with his stupid behavior. But just think of what Vick at QB for the Vikings could mean? I could readily swallow any bad taste he gives me when we started winning football games because we had a real QB. OK, just as I was willing to take Favre...you can officially put me down as being on the side of taking Vick if we can get him. Am I becoming that desperate as a Vikings fan?

SD Vikings?

I saw a forum string on Viking Update that had folks talking about how Zigi should move the Vikings to Sioux Falls. The arguments made sense, but I can't see that happening. Though it would not put them too far away from the fan base, there would be no real revenue and the NFL will never let them do it. It would be a great place though...no state income tax, etc. They also mentioned North Dakota...Fargo/Moorehead could maybe support them, but then what happens to the Fargo Dome? Maybe that would become part of the deal...the Bison would have a place to play. I vote for SD, but I am sure that if they ever did move, the NFL will make them go to LA.

New Psychological Test

I was reading a story in the Star Tribune about the upcoming NFL Combine and it said that the Vikings are one of several teams who use a second psychological test along with the Wonderlic Test and that the two scores should be similar. A reader offered up this option...the Telletubies Test:

Which is your favourite Teletubbie…
A. Yellow

B. Purple

C. Green

D. Red

Profile for men…

A. If you chose the Yellow Teletubbie. You are gay.
B. If you chose the Purple Teletubbie. You are gay.
C. If you chose the Green Teletubbie. You are gay.
D. If you chose the Red Teletubbie. You are gay.

I know...that is just so wrong...but I thought it was funny!!!!

Is He Really Retired?

Today Brett Favre announced his retirement...again. Is it for real this time? Will he try to come back one more time...maybe to the Vikings? The jury is out, but according to Peter King...the all-knowing sports writer, he is done. He gives two reasons: 1) His injured right bicep is still bothering him; and 2) He moved out of his comfort zone last year and will not do it again. I still can't believe I am saying this, but I think that if he came to the Vikings, he would take us to the Super Bowl this year. He has the talent, the leadership, the desire...and the Vikings have the supporting cast to go all the way...they just don't have a quarterback to take them there. The fat lady won't sing until the season starts...so stay tuned to the Favre Follies...he may be back.

Where is He Now?...Ahmad Rashad

I thought it would be fun to add an occasional post on past Vikings players that were big names or popular and where they are now. They may still be active players or they may be retired or out of football. If you have a favorite you would like me to research...let me know. Also, if you have information on a player...please post it.

My first is one of my favorite players...Ahmad Rashad. I was watching the football game where he proposed to Cosby Show star Phylicia Ayers-Allen. I was sorry to hear that they divorced in 2001...though she keeps his name. Turns out he married Sale Johnson, billionaire heir to the Johnson & Johnson kingdom. He stepped down big time...Phylicia was a very pretty lady...Sale is not.

I have not been able to find too much about him in recent years other than his broadcasting for NBC and it appears for the NBA as well. Apparently he is very close friends with Michael Jordan.

Rashad never made it into the Hall of Fame, though he probably could have.

Decision 2009 - Will He Retire?

Well the annual post-season event is upon us...will Brett Favre retire or not...or will he go to someone else? The Vikings are still being mentioned as a possible team for him. As much as it hurts to think about him in a purple jersey, I think he could take us to the Super Bowl. The guy is a true leader on the field and he still has a good year or two in him, and we have all the tools except a quarterback, and there aren't many of those available right now. Supposedly he is to make a decision by the time the NFL Combine starts on Feb. 18th. It would be nice if the Jets let him go and the Vikings picked him up. Did I really just say that?

Pro Bowl - To Move or Not To Move

This year will be the last for the Pro Bowl being played in Hawaii...for now. The NFL is in negotiations with Hawaii on having it rotate between Hawaii and the mainland. That may not be such a bad idea (though players don't seem to care for that idea), but the worst part is the desire to move the date of the game to the weekend between the Conference Championship games and the Super Bowl. That essentially means that anyone playing in the Super Bowl, will not play in the Pro Bowl. From a fan's point of view, I think that is stupid. I would want to see all the players who were voted in, playing in the Pro Bowl. Sometimes the NFL tinkers with things "just because", and this is one of those. Goodell needs to look at it from a fan's perspective, not from the money making point of view.

Could Favre Be the Answer?

According to Tom Powers from the St. Paul Pioneer Press, Favre could be the missing link to the Vikings going to the Super Bowl next year. He makes a great argument and you can read the article here: http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_11606592?source=rss. Personally, I still have reservations about ever seeing Favre in purple and gold. I am sure he still has a Super Bowl in him with the right supporting cast...but I just don't know. Any thoughts?

Randle McDaniel - HOF

Well, CC didn't make it but a well-deserving Randle McDaniel did. He absolutely deserved to be inducted. I hope CC will make it next year. The Vikings have had some great representation over the years...and the next few should be no exception.

Favre in Purple?

This could be a sad day for Vikings. I am hearing the rumors that Favre could be looked at to go to the Vikings. I just don't think I could support that! It is being tossed around that Favre will not stop playing until he just can't play anymore. He will most likely be released by the Jets and that would leave him on the open market, and he will only go where he really wants to play.

The Vikings have made it a habit of picking up old, on the down slide quarterbacks: Archie Manning (long ago), Warren Moon, and Jim McMahon to name a few. Now, it was hard to swallow seeing McMahon in purple and gold, but he had never been such a pain in the butt like Favre. Plus, Da Bears just aren't the rivals that the Packers are. We have taken some past Packers before, but taking Favre would just be too much. I don't care if he could take us to the Super Bowl immediately...that would just be embarrassing.

Hall of Fame

Vikings fans can be proud this year! We have three candidates for the Hall of Fame this year and all three could easily be inducted: John Randle, Randle McDaniel, and Chris Carter. I loved all three of these guys when they played, but none as much as Carter. He has been one of my favorite Vikings of all time. I always loved what Buddy Ryan said about him, "All he does is catch touchdowns". And catch touchdowns he did!!! And just about anything that was thrown his way. I hope all three of them get in, but at the very least, I want CC in there this year.

Matt Birk

Few centers have ever meant as much to a team as Matt Birk has meant to the Vikings. I have always admired Birk and think he is absolutely the best center in the league, by far. He is an unrestricted free agent this year and the Vikings would be foolish not to give him whatever necessary to keep him a Viking. He is still on top of his game and willing to remain a Viking. We must keep this guy...he is the glue that holds that O-line together, even when some of them aren't doing so well. If he ever puts on a different uniform it will be a sad day in Viking land.

Jared Allen

I wanted to point out an excellent commentary on Jared Allen on Viking Update's website. You can find it here: http://min.scout.com/2/833083.html. I personally thought they were crazy to have given so much to get him, but it really did seem to work out for the best. I remember all the talk about his alcohol problems and how he would just be trouble. I didn't here one story or incident of our "problem child" getting into trouble. Compare that to all the other stars out there with checkered pasts who continued their off-field antics. Every time I saw an interview of Allen, he was positive, spoke highly of everyone around him, and was genuinely an all-around good guy. I encourage you to read the story...we need more guys like this.

Ferraro Leaving Vikings

Oh darn! The guy in charge of the Vikings pathetic special teams has been hired by the Rams. Do they really understand what they did? Probably not a good idea that they will hire from within and have the assistant take over, unless this guy has new ideas and can actually teach professional football players how to cover kicks and punts. I actually read something that said that Kluwe is too good of a punter. He kicks so hard and far that he out-kicks his coverage and allows much longer returns than punters who kick shorter. An interesting thought.

Jeff Garcia?

Is this the best that will be available in the free agent market at quarterback? The Vikings looked at him a couple of years ago but let him go. Is he worth the effort now? He isn't a terrible quarterback, but he is likely another stop gap in the Vikings series of temporary fixes. The Vikes need to get a real quarterback....and soon.

Quarterback for 2009

Who will it be next year? Ferrotte made it very clear that he did not like giving up the starting position. He has also stated that if he returns to the Vikings in 2009 it would need to be as the starter. He did OK as the starter, but he is past his prime, a problem the Vikings have had the past few years. The last starter the Vikings had that was not on the downward slope was Culpepper.

Jackson will never be a true starter...he will always be a good back-up quarterback. Of course, Rich Gannon was one of those until he was traded. Maybe Jackson needs a new team. And on top of our poor quality on the team, there aren't too many options looking to be available on the free agent market. I just hope we can get us another quarterback who is a true leader on the field and an actual threat. We haven't had one of those in years.