Oh the Shame....

It is not very often that I am able to watch a Minnesota Vikings game on TV out here on the East Coast, and this is one that I wished I hadn't been able to as well.

I don't think I can find one positive in this game, unless you consider Jared Allen adding to his sack total.  But personal accomplishments often fade behind a L in the W-L column.

The backfield had more green and gold in it than Purple and White.  Any and every time Ponder went back to pass, he was unable to take enough time to really read the field and then make a pass that was even close to being comfortable and not rushed.  Our offensive line is just that...offensive!  Loadholt barely had time to slap Clay Matthews on the butt as he sped past him to get in Ponder's face.  When Matthews is allowed to practically take the hand off FOR Peterson, you know he isn't being touched.  I can only imagine what McNabb was saying under his breath during the game.  Maybe, "Damn!  I am glad that ain't me getting pounded out there".  If it wasn't for Ponder's quickness and youth, he would probably be hurt right now.

Our defensive secondary, which has been our weakness for years, is now so abysmal that any team that even uses their running back against us is simply keeping their quarterback from throwing out his arm.  I saw some of the poorest coverage ever from NFL players and when they did get hold of a guy, it was briefly and usually by accident!  All I could see was a bunch of overpaid, under performing defensive backs.  I would trade them all for a Woodson...even half a Woodson.

 We don't have enough draft picks next year to do what we need to do to fix the problems.  I would hate to be Studwell this year trying to prioritize the "needs".  They are ALL needs.  I think we are safe at kicker, QB, running back, and punter.  Everything else is a need.  All I ask is that the pain that is this season goes away and maybe next year we can get our respect back.

Are the Politicians Listening?

I usually start my day off looking at the Viking Update website to see what is happening with the only important NFL Team in my world.  For those of you unfamiliar with the site, it morphed from what was a little weekly newspaper to a monthly magazine and an Internet site...all for $99/year.

Today, as I was looking at the "Forums" section, I saw a question posted by a member that read, "Who is your backup team if Vikes leave?"

I have thought of that a few times and thought maybe the Redskins, since they are local to where I am and I would be able to watch them regularly.  But I don't really like them that much.  Do I go extreme and cheer for the Packers out of animosity for the team leaving?  I don't think so...

After reading many of the remarks that stated that football life without the "Minnesota" Vikings just wouldn't be the same, I think I agree with the majority who said they would probably continue to watch the NFL because of a love for football, but not have a favorite team.  As one poster put it...as he discussed possibly following the Bears since he lives in Chicago...

"What sucks for me is that the Vikes are the ONLY team in any sport that I would call myself a true fan.  A true die hard.  Most of you know what I am talking about.  The one team where I will get a huge pit in my stomach when the lose or when the season ends.  The only team I will follow on sites like this on nearly a daily basis.  A true die hard.

I can grow to become a fan of another team like the Bears.  But the truth is, when they lose, I won't REALLY care.  I won't have that empty feeling anymore.  That is what hurts the most because it can't be replaced."

I think that about sums up how I feel about it too.  If the politicians in Minnesota saw this thread, and many like it that I have read, they would see that Minnesotans really don't want to lose the Vikings.  Most will complain about new taxes but will gladly pay it too keep them.  A politician that votes a tax to keep the Vikings will have a chance for reelection.  A politician that casts a vote that causes the Vikings to pack there bags and move to a new home...will not.


Full Forum thread:  Viking Update Forum Question

Should Be an Interesting Year!

What can I say?  We arrive at another year...and we have another "old" quarterback.  This one, I hope, just needed a change of scenery.  I am, honestly, quite excited about us getting McNabb this year to allow Ponder some time to learn and grow.  I am sure he is going to be a great quarterback in a couple years.

This whole off season just has things in a funk.  It doesn't quite seem like the excitement level is there yet.  Don't get me wrong...I am pumped up that football is back, it just seems like things are "off" a bit.

I was sad to see Rice go away, but not Jackson.  Rice just had some health issues last year...Jackson was still having quarterbacking issues.  I do not see him leaving the Vikings and becoming a great QB like Rich Gannon did.  I still think Gannon was more of a fluke.

And then there is the whole Randy Moss thing.  I guess it is sad to see him leave the league, but he just can't seem to get his brain right when it comes to being on a "team".  The talent...WOW!...the talent...is still there.  He just can't seem to do what he is supposed to do and let the outside stuff work out right.  He will get in the HOF if all the people voting forget his "I play when I want to" mantra.

We need to get AP a new contract so he doesn't go away.  We haven't had a running back like this since Robert Smith, and he is better than Smith.  Looks like Harvin is doing well with his migraine issue...so let's hope that continues.  I watch my wife deal with them on occasion and they are not pretty.

Finally, I was glad to hear that Greenway is working on  a new contract that will hopefully keep him in Purple for his career.  He seems to have a good head on his shoulders from what I read and hear him say.  So many players get insulted when the franchise tag is placed on them.  Greenway, on the other hand, felt humbled and looks forward to working out a new contract.  He makes it obvious that it is NOT all about money.  Then again, what would you expect from a well-raised South Dakota Boy!!!

I look forward to this season, to see what sort of affect the lockout had on the players and teams.  I predict a rough start...but at least we are going to watch NFL football this year! 

SKOL VIKINGS!!!